The holidays are a time for traveling, visiting loved ones, and creating memories—but they also bring a common dilemma for homeowners: Should I turn off my furnace when leaving for the holiday’s? For those in Southern California, where winters are mild but nights can get chilly, the decision isn’t always straightforward.
Turning off your furnace might save energy, but it could also lead to unintended consequences, like a cold home upon your return or temperature-related damage. This guide will help you decide what’s best for your home and provide tips for managing your heating system efficiently while you’re away.
How Southern CA’s Climate Affects Your Furnace Usage
Southern California winters are known for mild days and cooler nights, often making heating systems less demanding than in colder regions. However, despite the temperate climate, nighttime temperatures can still dip into the 40s or lower—especially in higher elevations like Lake Elsinore or older homes with poor insulation. This makes having a reliable heating system essential for comfort.
When planning to leave your home for the holidays, it’s important to consider how the local weather can impact your heating system. While mild weather may reduce the need for constant furnace use, sudden temperature drops can make indoor heating necessary to protect your home and ensure warmth when you return. Understanding these factors will help you decide whether to lower your thermostat or leave your furnace running.
Factors to Consider Before Turning Off Your Furnace
Here are some key considerations to help you decide:
- Length of Time You’ll Be Away
If you’re only leaving for a day or two, it’s likely not worth turning off your furnace. However, if you’ll be gone for an extended period, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons more carefully. - Protecting Your Home
While freezing temperatures are rare in Southern California, they can happen in higher elevations. Even in mild areas, extremely low indoor temperatures can cause damage to electronics, pipes, and fixtures. - Energy Efficiency
Turning your furnace off might save energy, but it can also cause your system to work harder when you turn it back on, potentially negating any savings. Lowering the temperature instead of turning it off completely is often a better approach.
Pros and Cons of Turning Off Your Furnace
Let’s break down the potential benefits and risks:
- Pros:
- Immediate energy savings while your home is unoccupied.
- Reduced wear and tear on your furnace since it won’t be running.
- Cons:
- Risk of indoor temperatures dropping too low, which could cause discomfort or minor damage.
- Strain on your system when reheating a cold home after extended downtime.
- Possible inefficiency if the system needs to “catch up” when turned back on.
Best Practices for Managing Your Furnace While Away
Instead of completely turning off your furnace, these tips can help you save energy while keeping your home safe and comfortable:
- Lower the Thermostat Instead of Turning It Off
Set your thermostat to 55-60°F. This keeps your home warm enough to avoid potential issues like frozen pipes or excessive cold while still conserving energy. - Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you monitor and adjust your home’s temperature remotely. You can program it to maintain a low temperature while you’re away and to warm up your home just before you return. This approach combines comfort with energy efficiency. - Schedule Maintenance Before You Leave
Make sure your furnace is in top condition by scheduling a professional tune-up before the holidays. Maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently and prevents unexpected issues while you’re away. Learn more about our heating maintenance services in Lake Elsinore to keep your furnace in optimal shape. - Ensure Proper Insulation
Check for drafts around windows and doors, and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulking. This prevents heat loss and reduces the workload on your furnace.
Pro Tip: Polar Express offers FREE WiFi thermostat installation with new system replacements! See our Specials
What to Do If You Return to Heating Problems
If you come home to a chilly house or notice unusual issues with your furnace—such as strange smells, noises, or uneven heating—it’s time to call in the professionals. Extended downtime can sometimes cause minor system malfunctions that need attention. Our heating repair services in Lake Elsinore can quickly resolve any problems and get your system back in working order.
For Southern California homeowners, turning off your furnace during holiday trips may not always be the best choice. Instead, consider lowering the thermostat to save energy while keeping your home safe from extreme temperature drops. Using a smart thermostat and scheduling maintenance before you leave can provide peace of mind and ensure your system runs efficiently. Whether you’re looking for heating maintenance, repairs, or upgrades, Polar Express Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your service and enjoy a worry-free holiday season!
Heading out for the holidays? Call Polar Express at 951-364-3108 or book online to schedule heating maintenance or repairs before you leave!
