When to Turn Off Heat in Spring: A Homeowner's Guide

Spring is a magical time of year. Plants bloom, the sun shines longer, and we get to enjoy warmer weather. However, spring can also be tricky, as the outdoor temperature during the day is quite warm, but the nights are chilly.

As such, it's hard to know when to turn off heat in spring. Our team at Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling can help you decide when to turn off the heat to maximize energy efficiency. 

At Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling, we offer reliable heating maintenance in Boiling Springs, SC, to keep your home comfortable all year long. Call us at (864) 804-6400 to schedule a service!

The Best Time to Turn Off Your Heat

Ultimately, the best time to turn off your heat depends on your personal preferences. Keeping your heater off all night may seem like a bad decision if you wake up shivering in the morning. Meanwhile, one balmy day may trick you into thinking winter weather is totally gone. 

Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Once the high is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit for a week, the nightly temperature will start to warm up too. If your home is well-insulated, it will retain heat during the night, and you won’t need your heater in the morning.



When you notice a consistent daytime temperature, turn your heater off while the sun is out. If you find yourself shivering in the morning, tailor the heating routine to your preferences. You may need a boost of heat in the morning and feel warm enough to turn it off later in the day. 

If you aren’t quite ready to turn off the heater, set it at a low temperature. If the temperature drops unexpectedly, it will turn on and keep you warm, but it won’t run during the day and waste energy.

Why Turn Off Your Heat?

At the beginning of spring, it’s still cold at night, and that’s why it’s hard to know when to turn off heat in spring. The main reason is to save money on energy bills. If you switch your heater off for large amounts of time during the day, you will see the change reflected in your monthly energy bill. 

Letting your heating system take a break during the day can extend the life of your heating unit. Your heater cycles constantly during winter months. Over time, the parts begin to wear, and you may need to call a professional for maintenance. 

Utilizing Warm Weather

Everyone loves springtime sunlight, so open your curtains and let the sun warm up your space. Your pets can nap in a sunbeam, and your home will maintain a comfortable temperature.

While the sun shines in, open your windows and air out the space. Refresh the stagnant winter season air and enjoy the fresh spring breeze. Opening the windows can improve air quality and boost your mood.

As the sun sets, the temperature will quickly drop. Close your curtains before nightfall. The heat collected inside your home during the day will linger well into the night, providing a comfortable temperature for no extra money.

Protect Your Furnace

Once you decide to turn off your heater, take the time to ensure it’s in good condition to last until the next time you need it. Heating systems go through a lot to keep you and your family warm, and they work just as hard in the summer months to keep you cool.

A post-winter checklist for furnace maintenance is a great way to extend the life of your HVAC unit. This includes:

• Replace the filter: A dirty filter keeps your unit from running efficiently.
• Remove dirt and debris: Check your unit inside and out for dirt buildup and debris caused by weather patterns. 
• Check the gas line: If your unit runs on gas, close the supply line when you are positive you will not need your furnace again. This will keep your heating system from accidentally turning on.

The best way to maintain your heating unit is by scheduling annual maintenance from a qualified professional. Your HVAC technician will gently clean the unit, replace the filter, and identify any necessary replacements to prevent extensive repair costs in the future. 

Call the Captain

At Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling, our heat pump maintenance checklist can help keep your heater in great condition. If you can’t decide when to turn off the heat in spring, call the captain!   

Call the father-and-son Smooth Sailing team at (864) 804-6400 for heating and cooling services in the Spartanburg area.