Fall weather in Missoula can be unpredictable. You might have the windows open on a sunny afternoon and find yourself reaching for an extra blanket a few hours later.
That can make it difficult to know exactly when it’s time to turn on the heat.
There isn’t one specific date when every renter needs to start heating their home. Your apartment, heating system, personal comfort level, and outdoor temperatures all play a role. But you also don’t want to wait until the first freezing night to discover that your heat isn’t working.
If you’re renting a home or apartment in Missoula, here’s what to know as heating season begins.
When Should You Turn On Your Heat in Missoula?
You don’t need to wait for the first snowfall or a certain date on the calendar.
A better approach is to pay attention to the temperature inside your home, particularly overnight and during the early morning hours.
Missoula’s fall temperatures can fluctuate considerably. Even when afternoons are comfortable, nighttime temperatures may drop quickly.
Once your rental is consistently becoming uncomfortably cold, it’s reasonable to start using your heating system.
More importantly, test your heat before the first freeze so you know it’s working properly.
Our fall checklist for Missoula renters includes several other things worth taking care of before freezing temperatures arrive.
Test Your Heat Before You Really Need It
The first truly cold night of the year is not the ideal time to discover a heating problem.
Early in the fall, turn your heat on and give it enough time to make sure the system responds.
Depending on your rental, you may have:
- Central forced-air heating
- Baseboard heating
- Wall heaters
- Radiant heating
- Another type of heating system
You don’t need to perform maintenance or inspect the equipment yourself. Simply make sure the system appears to turn on and that your home begins warming appropriately.
If it doesn’t, submit a maintenance request so the issue can be evaluated.
Is That Smell Normal When You First Turn On the Heat?
Sometimes.
If your heating system hasn’t operated for several months, you may notice a dusty smell the first time it turns on.
Dust can accumulate on heating components during warmer months, and you may smell it briefly when the system begins operating again.
A mild odor that disappears relatively quickly can be normal.
However, don’t ignore a strong, unusual, persistent, smoky, or burning odor.
If you’re concerned about a smell coming from your heating system, turn to your property’s maintenance and emergency procedures for guidance rather than attempting to diagnose or repair the equipment yourself.
What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat?
There’s no single perfect thermostat setting for every renter.
The right temperature depends on your comfort preferences, household, heating system, and utility budget.
Instead of focusing on a magic number, find a reasonable setting that keeps your home comfortable without overheating it.
Avoid Constantly Changing the Thermostat
Turning the thermostat dramatically up and down isn’t necessarily the best way to heat your home.
If you’re cold, setting the thermostat extremely high won’t usually make your home heat faster. It simply tells the system to continue heating until it reaches that higher temperature.
A consistent, reasonable setting can be easier to manage.
Make Small Adjustments
If you’re trying to reduce heating costs, try adjusting the thermostat gradually rather than making your rental uncomfortable.
Sweaters, socks, blankets, and warmer bedding can make cooler indoor temperatures feel much more comfortable.
Our guide to keeping your rental warm without cranking up the heat includes additional renter-friendly ideas for staying comfortable during a Montana winter.
Don’t Turn the Heat Completely Off During Freezing Weather
Trying to save money by turning your heat completely off can create much bigger problems when outdoor temperatures are below freezing.
Your heating system isn’t only keeping you comfortable. Maintaining adequate indoor temperatures can also help protect plumbing and other parts of the property from freezing conditions.
This is particularly important if you’re going away.
If you’re leaving Missoula during cold weather, don’t simply switch the heat off before heading to the airport.
Review your lease and holiday travel checklist for renters before leaving your rental unattended during winter.
Keep Heating Vents and Registers Clear
Furniture placement can affect how effectively your heating system warms your home.
Before heating season begins, look around the apartment and make sure you’re not blocking heating vents, registers, or baseboard heaters.
Couches, beds, curtains, boxes, rugs, and other belongings can interfere with airflow or create safety concerns depending on the type of heating system.
Give Baseboard Heaters Space
If your rental uses baseboard heaters, avoid placing furniture, curtains, bedding, or other belongings directly against them.
Follow any instructions provided for your specific rental and never place items on heating equipment.
If you’re unsure about appropriate clearance, contact management rather than guessing.
Don’t Cover Your Thermostat
Your thermostat needs to accurately sense the temperature in the surrounding room.
Avoid placing furniture or other belongings directly in front of it.
Also be aware of nearby heat sources that could affect its reading. For example, a portable appliance producing heat immediately beside the thermostat could make the surrounding area warmer than the rest of the room.
Keeping the area around the thermostat clear can help the heating system operate as intended.
Check Your Windows Before Cold Weather Arrives
Windows can make a noticeable difference in how comfortable your rental feels.
Before winter, make sure windows are completely closed and latched.
If a window doesn’t close properly, has damaged hardware, or has another apparent problem, report it rather than attempting a permanent repair yourself.
If you’re considering temporary window coverings or weatherization products, make sure they’re permitted before installing them.
Reviewing renter-friendly winter preparation tips can help you find ways to make your home more comfortable without making unauthorized changes.
Use Curtains and Blinds Strategically
Your existing window coverings can help you take advantage of the sun during colder months.
On sunny days, opening blinds or curtains can allow natural sunlight into your home.
Once the sun goes down, closing them may help make rooms feel more comfortable and provide another barrier between your living space and cold windows.
Just be careful that curtains aren’t resting against baseboard heaters or blocking heating vents.
Ceiling Fans Aren’t Just for Summer
If your rental has ceiling fans, they may be useful during heating season as well.
Warm air rises, which means some of the warmest air in a room can collect near the ceiling.
Many ceiling fans have a reverse setting designed to circulate air differently during winter. If your fan has this feature, consult its instructions before changing the setting.
Gentle air circulation can help distribute warm air more evenly through a room.
What About Space Heaters?
Portable space heaters require extra care.
Before using one, review your lease and community policies to determine whether they’re permitted in your rental.
If they are allowed, always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Never use a space heater with a damaged cord, place combustible items nearby, or leave one operating unattended.
Don’t use an extension cord unless the manufacturer specifically permits it, and never use an oven, stovetop, grill, or other appliance as a substitute for proper home heating.
If your primary heating system isn’t working, a space heater isn’t a substitute for reporting the problem.
Submit a maintenance request so the heating issue can be addressed.
How Can You Keep Heating Costs Under Control?
Montana winters can mean higher utility bills, particularly if you’re responsible for your own heating expenses.
A few everyday habits may help you manage energy use.
Start With Simple Changes
Consider:
- Using a reasonable thermostat setting
- Keeping exterior doors and windows closed
- Opening blinds during sunny periods
- Closing window coverings at night
- Keeping vents and heaters unobstructed
- Dressing comfortably for the season
- Using warmer bedding
- Reporting windows or doors that don’t close properly
When comparing rentals, it’s also helpful to find out which utilities are included so you understand the true monthly cost of renting an apartment.
When Should You Submit a Heating Maintenance Request?
Don’t wait until your apartment is extremely cold to report a heating problem.
If you turn on your heating system and it doesn’t appear to work correctly, report the issue.
Examples might include:
- The heat doesn’t turn on
- The system turns on but doesn’t produce heat
- Your home isn’t warming despite the system running
- The thermostat doesn’t appear to work
- You hear unusual noises
- You notice a persistent or concerning odor
- You see an obvious problem with heating equipment
Provide as much useful information as possible when submitting your request.
Explain what’s happening, when you first noticed it, what the thermostat is set to, and whether the system is running at all.
Photos may also be useful depending on the problem.
Detailed information can help the maintenance team understand what’s happening before they arrive.
When Does a Heating Problem Become an Emergency?
A minor heating concern during mild fall weather and a complete loss of heat during extremely cold winter weather aren’t necessarily the same situation.
Heating problems can become more urgent as outdoor temperatures drop.
Residents should familiarize themselves with the property’s emergency maintenance procedures before an emergency occurs.
If you’re unsure how to report an issue, check your resident resources or portal for current instructions and contact information.
Don’t Try to Repair the Heating System Yourself
You can make sure vents are clear and confirm that your thermostat is set appropriately, but heating equipment itself should be left to qualified professionals.
Don’t remove panels, disassemble equipment, alter wiring, or attempt DIY repairs.
Trying to repair a furnace or other heating system without the appropriate training can be dangerous and may make the original problem worse.
Report the issue through the appropriate resident maintenance request system instead.
What If You’re Leaving Town During the Winter?
If you’re planning a vacation, holiday trip, or extended absence, take a few extra precautions before leaving your Missoula rental.
Don’t turn the heat completely off.
You should also make sure all windows and exterior doors are securely closed, take care of trash, and follow any requirements in your lease regarding extended absences.
Depending on the length of your trip, you may want to make arrangements for mail, packages, plants, and pets as well.
Our winter travel checklist for Missoula renters can help you prepare before heading out of town.
Prepare Now for a More Comfortable Missoula Winter
You don’t need to wait until there’s snow on the ground to start thinking about heating your rental.
Test your heat before you really need it. Make sure vents and heaters aren’t blocked. Check that windows close properly. Learn how your thermostat works. And most importantly, report potential heating problems early.
A few simple steps during fall can make the transition into a Missoula winter much easier.
If you’re currently searching for a new home, browse our available Missoula rentals to see apartments, townhomes, and rental homes currently managed by Missoula Property Management.