I don't have any exact numbers, but I think a one degree drop should be enough to turn the furnace on, and it should shut off at the set temperature, with no more than a 1 degree overshoot. At least that's about what I think ours does.

There may be a sensitivity adjustment on your thermostat. In the old days it was a balance arrangement, today's all digital there must be a set of programing switches...don't know. If you don't have the manual for your thermostat, look the model up on the web.

The heat anticipator determines the cut in. Ideally, a 2 degree differential is desired. As mentioned by jerry, you'll need to consult your manual to see if yours is adjustible or not (I don't think it is). A proper adjustment is made using a multi meter although you can do it using a hit or miss method until you get it at the desired cut in. Depending on outside temperature, it's not uncommon for a heat pump to run for 1 hour or more. I wouldn't expect it to run that long with gas or oil fired.

Thank you.