Should I Turn My Heat Off When I Leave?

November 1, 2024

When it comes to managing our household expenses, finding ways to save on energy costs is always a top priority. During extreme weather conditions, such as the peak of winter or summer, our electric bills tend to skyrocket due to increased heating or cooling needs. Naturally, we seek ways to cut back on these costs and redirect the savings to other areas of our lives. One common question that arises in this quest for energy efficiency is whether it's advisable to turn off the heating system entirely when we're away for extended periods. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of this approach and provide alternative strategies to help you lower your energy bills during the cooler seasons.


The Risk of Turning Off Your Heat

Turning off your heat completely while you're away for several hours can indeed lead to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills, as the heating unit won't be running unnecessarily. However, it's essential to exercise caution when considering this option, particularly in cold climates. When outside temperatures drop below freezing, switching off the heat can pose the risk of frozen and burst pipes, resulting in potentially costly damage to your home. If the weather is mild enough to prevent this scenario, then turning off the heat may be a viable option to save on energy costs.


An Alternative Approach: Adjusting the Thermostat

A more balanced and safe approach to reducing energy consumption while you're away is to adjust your thermostat settings. Many HVAC professionals recommend lowering the thermostat temperature by around 10 degrees when you're not at home or even during your sleeping hours. By making this adjustment, you can still achieve significant energy savings without the potential risks associated with turning off the heat entirely. Additionally, using extra blankets or layers can help compensate for the slight temperature decrease, ensuring your comfort while reducing your utility expenses.


Long-Term Benefits of Lowering Energy Consumption

In addition to the immediate cost savings, reducing your energy consumption by adjusting your heating settings can contribute to the long-term health of your HVAC system. Decreasing the operational time of your heating unit can minimize wear and tear, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. To further optimize your energy usage and ensure consistent comfort in your home, consider installing a programmable thermostat. This modern solution allows you to schedule temperature adjustments based on your daily routines, maximizing energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort.



In conclusion, the decision to turn off your heat when you're away requires careful consideration of various factors, including the outside temperature and potential risks to your home. By exploring alternative strategies such as thermostat adjustments and seeking professional guidance for your HVAC needs, you can achieve significant energy savings while maintaining a comfortable and well-maintained home environment.


For comprehensive residential HVAC services, including heating and air system maintenance, repairs, and installations, it's essential to rely on experienced professionals. When it comes to optimizing your AC and heating systems for energy efficiency, as well as ensuring their reliable performance throughout the seasons, the expertise of a trusted HVAC service provider is invaluable. If you're looking for expert assistance with your heating and cooling systems, don't hesitate to reach out to B. Dumont Heating and Air. Their dedicated team is equipped to address all your HVAC needs, providing tailored solutions to enhance your home's comfort and energy efficiency.


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A snowflake is hanging from the side of an HVAC unit.

How to Take Care of Your HVAC During Winter

January 10, 2025
With freezing temperatures in the forecast and stormy winter weather on the horizon, it's essential to know how to care for your HVAC unit during snow and ice conditions. While most units are designed to endure harsh winter weather, being mindful of a few key factors can help prevent a mid-winter breakdown. Ensure Your Unit Isn’t Buried Under Snow A unit buried under snow can lead to various problems. Your HVAC system requires airflow to function effectively, and excessive snow coverage can restrict this airflow. If you find your unit covered in snow, carefully clear it away to avoid damaging the unit or the internal fans. As a general rule, maintain at least 18 inches of clear space around the unit year-round. If there is ice on top, gently break it away by hand. Avoid pouring warm water on the ice to melt it, as any water that seeps inside can refreeze, potentially causing more damage. Check That Your Furnace Exhaust Isn’t Blocked For those with gas furnaces, it's crucial to ensure that the exhaust vent is not obstructed. A blocked exhaust can cause your furnace to stop working and may even lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks into your home. Snow or ice can often block this exhaust pipe. If your furnace begins to behave unusually, contact a professional to diagnose the issue before it escalates into a larger problem. Additionally, for gas furnace owners, remember to check your fire and carbon monoxide alarms as part of your winter HVAC maintenance. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Inspect Your Air Filter Regularly checking your air filters is essential. During the coldest months, your HVAC unit operates more frequently, pulling in increased amounts of air through the filter. This results in more dust, dirt, and debris accumulating, making regular filter checks and replacements even more critical. Keep Your Unit Clear of Melting Snow and Ice Be mindful of gutters or water runoff that may drip onto or into your HVAC unit. In freezing temperatures, this can create a significant risk for your system. The real concern is not that the snow or ice from above is dripping, but rather the drips that may enter the unit and then refreeze. While HVAC units are built to withstand winter weather, ice forming inside the unit can lead to problems that might eventually result in a system breakdown. Taking proactive steps to care for your HVAC system during icy weather is crucial for ensuring its efficiency and longevity. Regular maintenance can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems that may require costly repairs. By keeping your unit clear of snow and ice, checking exhaust vents, inspecting air filters, and monitoring the surrounding environment, you can help your HVAC system operate smoothly throughout the winter months. Remember, it's always wise to enlist the help of a professional if you're uncertain about any maintenance tasks or if you notice any irregularities in your HVAC system's performance. Doing so can provide peace of mind and ensure that your home remains warm and comfortable, even during the harshest winter conditions. Trust B. Dumont Heating and Air for all of your winter maintenance and repairs.
A person is closing a vent on a wooden floor.

Is Closing Vents the Key to Saving Energy This Winter?

December 27, 2024
Closing vents might not be the best way to save energy this winter. Let's discuss the effects of closing your air vents and what other ways you can cut down on your HVAC system's energy consumption.

Frozen Pipes and Your HVAC

December 13, 2024
As we enter the chill of winter, it’s essential to check that your heating system is functioning effectively. Not only does this provide warmth for your home or business, but it also helps shield your pipes from freezing. Managing Frozen Pipes and Safeguarding Your HVAC System During Winter In the colder months, one frequent issue homeowners encounter is pipes freezing. While the potential damage to plumbing is often top of mind, the implications for your HVAC system are sometimes overlooked. When pipes freeze or burst, they can cause water leaks, obstruct airflow, and lead to costly repairs to your heating system. Fortunately, taking proactive measures can help you avoid these complications before they arise. Why Frozen Pipes Are a Concern for Your HVAC System Frozen pipes can disrupt your HVAC system in various ways. When water freezes inside the pipes, it can create blockages or even lead to bursts, resulting in leaks that can harm your furnace or air handler. Additionally, some HVAC systems function on a closed-loop principle involving water or refrigerant, meaning that any plumbing complications might hinder your system’s performance and efficiency. Strategies to Prevent Pipe Freezing in Your Home To keep your pipes and HVAC system safe during winter, consider the following preventive actions: Insulate Exposed Pipes: Pipes situated in unheated spaces like basements, attics, or crawlspaces are more susceptible to freezing. Use insulation to help maintain a consistent temperature around them. Keep the Heat Running: If you plan to be away from home for any length of time, set your thermostat to a minimum of 55°F to prevent drastic indoor temperature drops that could lead to frozen pipes. Open Under-Sink Cabinets: On particularly cold nights, open the cabinet doors beneath sinks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms that are located against exterior walls. This allows warmer air from the room to circulate around the pipes, lowering the risk of freezing. Drip Your Faucets: In areas prone to freezing, allowing a slight drip from a faucet can help keep the water flowing through the pipes, reducing the likelihood of freezing. Seal Cracks Around Windows and Doors: Cold air can infiltrate through gaps and cracks, chilling your living space and plumbing. Sealing these openings helps maintain a stable indoor temperature and relieves pressure on your HVAC system. Steps to Take if Your Pipes Freeze If you suspect your pipes have frozen, stay calm and take the following actions: Shut Off the Water Supply: If you notice reduced water pressure or strange sounds, immediately turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage. Apply Heat with Care: Use a hairdryer or space heater to gently warm the frozen pipes. Start from the faucet and gradually move toward the frozen section. Contact a Professional: If you’re unable to safely thaw pipes or observe any cracks, it’s wise to call a professional plumber or HVAC technician, if the frozen area if affecting your HVAC system, right away. They can diagnose the issue and ensure your system is back in working order. B. Dumont Heating and Air is here to help you with any heating related issues this winter! Don't hesitate to reach out to our team to schedule inspection, maintenance, or repairs today.
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