How to Adjust Your Heating and Cooling System for Fluctuating Temperatures

Most people enjoy spring because the warm temperatures herald the return of summer. However, the change between spring and summer isn’t always easy. Depending on where your home is located, you might have to endure some very chilly days intermingled with unseasonably hot temperatures in a single week. This makes it tricky to control how warm or cold it is inside your residence.

The issue of drastically changing temperatures—where it’s cold one day and warm the next—may leave you feeling puzzled about how to set the HVAC system. Should you keep the air conditioner on all night or change to heating for comfort the next morning? This seasonal issue doesn’t have a single remedy. The answer to a comfortable, energy-efficient dwelling is to use the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some easy-to-use tips and techniques to best manage your HVAC system during fluctuating temperatures this spring.

Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the best moves you can make for your heating and cooling system. As opposed to manual thermostats that offer minimal control, programmable designs let you set your desired temperatures based on your schedule and comfort desires. This way, you can avoid using unnecessary energy while you’re away, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you arrive back at your residence.

A smart thermostat is even better. One standout function is the ability to automatically switch between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes fluctuating temperatures much easier to manage. Smart thermostats that have this feature have a special heat/cool mode that easily switches from your furnace to your AC when it senses indoor temperature shifts. This simply means that on a spring day that starts out cold and warms up throughout the day, your thermostat can heat your home in the morning and cool it back down as the temperature rises, all on its own.

Find a Temperature Everybody is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is difficult when you’re dealing with temperature fluctuations. If at all possible, you should maintain a temperature in the high 60s on cool days and high 70s on warmer days to strike a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Be sure to make adjustments throughout the day based on real-time temperature changes—or set your smart thermostat to heat/cool mode and let it control everything.

If the struggle over the thermostat rages even with your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to start thinking about home zoning. This system features several thermostats and ductwork dampers to send air where it’s needed most. Zoning is particularly advantageous in two-story homes and those with large windows. You can use zoning to keep the whole house at a more consistent temperature or enable individuals to adjust the temperature in their area according to their comfort desires. Case in point, Dad may possibly want a cooler temperature in the home office, while the baby may need to have a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. In any event, zoning is the solution.

Wear Layered Clothing

Spring is all about jeans and a sweatshirt in the morning, followed by shorts and a tank top a few hours later. Dress yourself in layers so it’s very simple to get more comfortable with an outfit change rather than having to make a thermostat adjustment. This increases your comfort and decreases your use of your home heating and cooling.

Crank Open the Windows and Run Fans

Take full advantage of mild spring temperatures to help get your home more comfortable. As an example, your furnace may run in the morning after a chilly night, and continue running throughout the day as the temperature rises outside. Or, you could warm your home naturally by opening the windows to bring sunlight and a warm breeze into your home. If your home starts to get too hot, close the windows and turn on ceiling fans to create a wind chill effect. This may help you avoid the need to run your air conditioner.

Don’t Forget About HVAC Maintenance

Even if you run your HVAC system less in the spring, regular maintenance is still essential to avoid unexpected repair visits. Here’s how to keep your HVAC equipment running efficiently:

• • Inspect the air filter monthly and change it when it appears dirty.

• • Make sure the condensate drain is isn’t blocked.

• • Dust the air registers and make sure they’re all open and not covered by furniture, rugs or appliances.

• • Seal and insulate the ductwork.

• • Plan duct cleaning.

• • Hose down the outside AC unit, clear away nearby debris and cut back surrounding vegetation.

• • • Set up professional AC maintenance.

We’re Here for Your HVAC Needs

If you still have trouble adjusting your HVAC system to cope with fluctuating temperatures, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide fast, reliable solutions custom designed to resolve your comfort needs in the U.S.. Our commitment to excellence is apparent thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with our service, you can rely on the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to make it right. For help with any of your home comfort challenges, phone us at 866-397-3787 today.