When Should You Finally Turn on the Heat?

Every fall in Illinois, the same debate comes up: when is the right time to finally turn on the heat?  Some people wait it out, but others are too impatient.

Personally, I'm over here reaching for the thermostat the second the temperature drops even by a single degree.  I'm cold-blooded, I think.  Don't quote me on that.

Read More: What to Do in Illinois This Fall (Even If You’re on a Budget) 

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Fall really hasn't been able to make up its mind in Illinois just yet.  We just had a 90-degree day where everyone was wearing shorts, tanks, and sandals.  Like, this isn't what fall should be this time of year!  Luckily, temps have started to drop, so hopefully it stays pretty cool going into the next few months because I need my bonfire and sweater weather!

The truth is, there is no "right" time to turn on the heat. 

Some people wait until it drops below 60 degrees, while others just base it on the calendar.  But if you live in the Midwest long enough, you start to realize it's truly unpredictable.  Mother Nature hates us.

If you don't really care about your heating bill, I say keep the heat on all the time.  If you're trying to save a little money, suffer.  I'm kidding, but layer up if you really don't want to spend more on heating than you have to.  Now, if you have kids, I'd wait until they complain for the thousandth time before turning it on just to teach them the luxury of having a thermostat.  We've all been through it growing up, don't stop the tradition!