Don't put it off! Here's when to turn your heating on in New York to avoid long repair waiting lists, according to HVAC pros

New York is famous for its bitterly cold winters, so as the temperatures start to drop, the big question becomes when to give in and turn on the heating.

Hold off too long, and you'll be shivering through cold mornings; put it on too early, and you risk higher energy bills before winter really sets in.

Here's what HVAC pros say about when to use your home heating types in New York so you can stay warm without spending a fortune.

When to turn your heating on in New York

Working out when to turn the heating on in New York and the most efficient heating schedule from there will depend largely on your personal preferences and routine.

However, as a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to turn your heating on in early October or whenever the temperature drops towards the 50s – if not to heat your home, then to test the system ahead of the really cold season.

Robert Mazzacone, president and master plumber at Mazzacone Plumbing & Heating, says this is the case for both mini-split and heat pump systems, as well as oil or gas burners and furnaces.

'It is a good idea to turn them on early in the season to make sure everything is working properly,' he says. 'Once colder weather sets in, it can also be harder to get on a plumber’s schedule if there is an issue.

'You do not have to keep it running, but you want to know the system works before nights drop into the 40s. Too many homeowners wait until the first freezing night and then find out the furnace or boiler will not start.'

Although this might still sound too early for those of us concerned about saving money on energy bills, Landon Wimmer, CEO at Empower Home Services, says turning your heating on a little earlier could be the most economical way to run your heating.

He explains, 'From an energy standpoint, waiting until you truly need the heat will reduce your utility costs, but waiting too long will cause your system to work harder to catch up.'

This approach, along with improving home insulation, can make heating more efficient, adds Cory Lyons, brand president at Koala Insulation.

'Insulation acts as a protective barrier – not only against outside temperatures, but also against allergens, dust, moisture, and even noise,' all important considerations in New York apartments.

'If you notice inconsistent temperatures or sky-high bills, the culprits are often inadequate insulation, poor air sealing, and improper attic ventilation. In fact, nearly 90% of U.S. homes are under-insulated, meaning their insulation’s R-value (resistance to heat transfer) doesn’t meet modern standards for their region.'

Some simple draft-proofing tips, such as installing window insulating film from Walmart or weatherstripping from Amazon, around doors and windows, are quick and effective ways to address this issue.

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Meet the experts

Robert Mazzacone

Robert Mazzacone, is a a third-generation licensed master plumber and owner of Mazzacone Plumbing & Heating. His family's business has proudly served the community for over 70 years, providing expert plumbing and HVAC solutions that make homeowners' lives easier.

Landon Wimmer

Landon Wimmer is the visionary CEO and Owner of Empower Home, a leading solar energy company dedicated to providing sustainable and affordable solutions.

Cory Lyons

Cory Lyons is the brand president of Koala Insulation, a leading franchise concept under Empower Brands. 

If you really want to save money on bills this year, brush up on the things making your heating system work harder to help improve efficacy, comfort, and the strain on your wallet.