The Midwest is known for numerous things — a deep-seated love of sports, friendly neighbors and, above all, fickle weather.
Most Illinois residents are familiar with the wild temperature fluctuations in September and October, with the weather shifting from 80s to 40s in the span of two days. But this begs the question: When should you actually turn your heat on?
Though there’s no concrete, universal answer, experts do have some tips for those looking to crank the thermostat. Here’s what they say.
When should you turn your heat on in fall?
Many heating and cooling businesses generally recommend turning on the heat when the indoor temperature falls to the mid-60s, though they also say no two houses are the same and, in the end, it’s up to personal preference.
If your home tends to be drafty, for instance, you might consider turning on the heat earlier than someone who has a well-insulated home. And if you’re trying to save money by conserving energy, set your thermostat lower while you’re asleep or away from home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
What temperature should you set your thermostat to in the fall and winter?
To conserve energy and lower your heating bills, the Department of Energy recommends you set the thermostat in your home to between 68 and 70 degrees while you’re awake and lower it while you’re asleep or away from home.
“You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back (7 to 10 degrees) for eight hours a day from its normal setting,” according to the department.
It’s a common misconception that a furnace has to work harder than normal to warm a space back to a comfortable temperature after its set back for a period of time, the department’s website says.
The World Health Organization, meanwhile, recommends keeping the indoor temperature between 64 and 75 degrees for healthy people, USA TODAY reported. However, for young people, elderly people or people who have health problems, the minimum temperature should be 68 degrees.
When do landlords need to turn on heat in Illinois? What temperature do they have to set it to?
Illinois law requires landlords to maintain certain temperatures indoors during the heating season of October through May.
Properties must register a temperature of at least 68 degrees between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. when it’s below 55 degrees outside. Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., the indoor temperature must register at least 62 degrees.
Fall and winter energy-saving tips
The Department of Energy recommends the following tips for saving energy during the cold seasons:
Eric Lagatta contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: When should you turn on your heat in Illinois? What experts recommend
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Chris Mueller, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
