Best Furnace Settings for Calgary Climate: How to Stay Warm and Save on Heating Costs


With Calgary’s unpredictable weather and cold winters, knowing how to set your furnace for maximum comfort and efficiency is essential. Choosing the right settings can keep your home warm, help you save on energy costs, and reduce wear on your furnace. At Shift Heating & Cooling Services, we guide homeowners in Calgary on the best furnace settings and strategies to navigate the city’s unique climate.

1. Set Your Thermostat to an Ideal Temperature

Choosing the right indoor temperature can make a significant difference in comfort and energy costs. Here’s a guide to optimal temperatures for Calgary’s climate:

  • Daytime Temperature (When Home): Set your thermostat to 20-22°C (68-72°F) for comfort while you're active at home. This temperature range keeps your home cozy without overworking the furnace.
  • Nighttime Temperature: Lowering the thermostat by 2-3°C at night to around 17-18°C (63-65°F) can help you save on heating bills without sacrificing comfort. You can use warmer blankets for added coziness.
  • Away Temperature: If you’re away for extended periods, set the thermostat even lower—around 15-16°C (59-61°F). This prevents unnecessary heating and reduces energy use without letting your home get too cold.

By following these temperature settings, you can balance comfort with energy savings throughout the day and night.

2. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

A programmable or smart thermostat is one of the most effective tools for managing furnace settings efficiently, especially during Calgary’s winter months. Here’s how to make the most of your thermostat:

  • Program Daily Schedules: Set your thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures for when you’re home, asleep, or away. For example, lower the temperature at night and while you're at work, and have it warm up before you wake up or come home.
  • Consider Smart Thermostats: Smart thermostats, like Nest or Ecobee, can learn your habits and make adjustments based on your preferences, optimizing comfort and energy savings.
  • Manual Adjustments: On particularly cold days, you may need to adjust your thermostat a few degrees for extra warmth, but avoid making drastic changes that can cause your furnace to overwork.

Using a programmable thermostat effectively can reduce your heating costs by up to 10% while maintaining consistent comfort.

3. Set the Fan to “Auto” Mode

Your thermostat will typically have options to run the furnace fan continuously (ON) or only when heating (AUTO). Setting the fan to “AUTO” is generally more energy-efficient:

  • Auto Mode: The fan only runs when the furnace is heating, reducing energy consumption and wear on the system.
  • On Mode: Running the fan continuously can improve air circulation but is less energy-efficient and can increase heating costs in winter.

In Calgary’s winter, “AUTO” mode provides consistent heating without wasting energy, making it the ideal choice.

4. Adjust the Humidity Settings

Calgary’s winters are typically dry, which can lead to discomfort, dry skin, and static electricity. Many modern furnaces come with built-in humidifiers, allowing you to control indoor humidity:

  • Optimal Humidity Levels: Aim for 30-40% relative humidity in winter. This level maintains comfort, prevents static, and protects wood furniture and flooring.
  • Adjust Based on Outside Temperature: As temperatures drop, you may need to lower the humidity slightly to prevent condensation on windows.
  • Consider a Whole-Home Humidifier: If your furnace doesn’t have a built-in humidifier, adding one can improve comfort and efficiency by allowing you to set the thermostat slightly lower.

Proper humidity levels can make a lower thermostat setting feel warmer, reducing energy costs and enhancing indoor air quality.

5. Use Zoning Where Possible

If your home has zoning capabilities, you can customize temperatures for different areas, which is particularly useful in Calgary’s climate. Here’s how zoning can help:

  • Different Levels: Upper floors tend to be warmer, while basements can be cooler. Zoning allows you to keep your basement warmer without overheating the main level.
  • Occupied vs. Unoccupied Rooms: In homes with guest rooms or unused areas, zoning lets you keep these spaces cooler, focusing heat where it’s needed most.

Zoning offers control over energy use and can help improve comfort in larger or multi-level homes.

6. Maximize Efficiency by Sealing Drafts

Drafts and air leaks can let cold air into your home, causing your furnace to work harder. Addressing these issues allows you to set your thermostat lower while staying comfortable:

  • Check Windows and Doors: Use weatherstripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
  • Inspect Insulation: Proper insulation in walls, attics, and basements keeps warm air in, making it easier for your furnace to maintain a consistent temperature.
  • Close Vents in Unused Rooms: Reducing airflow to unused rooms can help your furnace focus on heating occupied spaces, increasing overall efficiency.

Reducing drafts can make your home feel warmer without needing to raise the thermostat, saving on heating costs.

7. Avoid Drastic Temperature Changes

Calgary winters can be harsh, but it’s best to avoid extreme thermostat adjustments. Making drastic changes can:

  • Overwork the Furnace: Setting the thermostat too high causes the furnace to work harder, potentially shortening its lifespan.
  • Inefficient Energy Use: Large temperature swings lead to increased energy use, which drives up heating costs.
  • Inconsistent Comfort: Gradual changes help maintain a steady, comfortable temperature throughout the day.

Instead, use gradual adjustments and let the programmable thermostat manage changes to maintain consistent warmth.

8. Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance

Regular furnace maintenance ensures that your heating system is ready to handle Calgary’s winter without wasting energy. Here’s why a tune-up is essential:

  • Improves Efficiency: Cleaning and inspecting parts, like burners and heat exchangers, ensures efficient operation.
  • Prevents Breakdowns: A maintenance check catches small issues before they lead to costly repairs.
  • Extends Furnace Life: Routine care reduces wear and tear, prolonging your furnace’s lifespan.

A well-maintained furnace performs better, allowing you to stay warm without constantly adjusting the thermostat or raising settings.

9. Consider the Furnace Fan Speed

Many high-efficiency furnaces have variable-speed fans that adjust based on heating needs. Here’s why fan speed matters:

  • Low Speed for Mild Weather: A lower fan speed can circulate warm air slowly, providing a more consistent temperature without overheating rooms.
  • High Speed for Extreme Cold: On especially cold days, a higher fan speed distributes heat faster, which can help maintain comfort.

Consult your furnace manual or ask a technician to recommend the best fan speed settings for your model and home layout.

10. Keep Doors and Windows Closed

Though it sounds simple, keeping doors and windows tightly closed is crucial for furnace efficiency. Cold drafts can cause the furnace to cycle on more frequently. Here are some additional tips:

  • Lock Windows: Locked windows provide a tighter seal, reducing drafts.
  • Close Interior Doors in Unused Rooms: This keeps heat in the main living areas and prevents unnecessary energy use in unused spaces.
  • Use Heavy Curtains or Drapes: Closing curtains at night provides extra insulation against cold windows, helping maintain a warmer indoor temperature.

Final Thoughts: Optimize Furnace Settings for Comfort and Savings

Choosing the right furnace settings for Calgary’s climate can make a significant impact on your comfort, energy savings, and furnace longevity. By following these tips, you’ll be prepared for the city’s cold season while keeping heating costs under control.

At Shift Heating & Cooling Services, we’re dedicated to helping Calgary homeowners optimize their furnace settings for warmth, efficiency, and long-term performance.

Ready to maximize your furnace’s efficiency? Contact us today to schedule a tune-up or consultation to make sure your heating system is set for a comfortable winter in Calgary!

Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

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