How to Adjust Your HVAC System for Fluctuating Temperatures

Most people appreciate spring because the mild temperatures are a sign of the return of summer. Unfortunately, the transition isn’t always easy. Depending on where you reside, you may have to endure some cold days intermingled with near-summer temperatures in the span of a week. This makes it difficult to regulate the temperature inside your home.

The problem of extremely differing temperatures—where it’s cold one day and warm the next—may leave you at a loss about how to set the HVAC system. Should you keep the air conditioning on all night or change to heating for comfort the next morning? This very common challenge doesn’t have just one remedy. The secret to a comfortable, energy-efficient residence is to use the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some important tips and tactics to adapt your HVAC system during changing temperatures this spring.

Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the simplest steps you can make for your furnace and air conditioning system. As opposed to manual thermostats that offer modest control, programmable thermostats let you set your desired temperatures based on your schedule and comfort needs. When you do this, you can save power while you’re not in the home, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you return home.

A smart thermostat is even better. One particularly useful function is the ability to automatically transition between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes fluctuating temperatures much easier to tackle. Smart thermostats equipped with this feature have a distinct heat/cool mode that quickly switches from your furnace to your air conditioner when it detects indoor temperature swings. This simply means that on a spring day that starts out cool 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 Your Entire Household is Comfortable With

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

If the war over the thermostat rages even with your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to look into getting home zoning. This system combines several thermostats and ductwork dampers to get air where it’s needed most. Zoning is especially 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 let individuals to set the temperature in their area according to their comfort settings. Case in point, Dad may 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 answer.

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 in layers so it’s convenient to get more comfortable with an outfit change instead of having to make a thermostat adjustment. This raises your comfort and lowers your use of your home heating and cooling.

Open Up Windows and Turn On The Fans

Reap the benefits of mild outside temperatures to help keep 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 increases outside. Or, you could heat up your home naturally by opening the windows to allow sunlight and a warm breeze into your home. If the indoor temperature gets too warm, close the windows and turn on ceiling fans to generate a wind chill effect. This may reduce the need to run your air conditioner.

Don’t Neglect HVAC Maintenance

Even if you use your furnace and air conditioning system less in the spring, regular maintenance is still essential to avoid unexpected repair visits. Here’s how to keep your HVAC equipment running smoothly:

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

• • Make sure the condensate drain is clear of obstructions.

• • Dust the air registers and make sure they’re all open and unobstructed.

• • Seal and insulate the ductwork.

• • Arrange duct cleaning.

• • Gently spray off the outdoor AC unit, clear away any debris and trim back surrounding vegetation.

• • • Contact an HVAC company for professional AC maintenance.

Call Us for Your Heating and Cooling Needs

If you still have trouble using your HVAC system to cope with fluctuating temperatures, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide fast, practical solutions tailored to your comfort needs in the U.S.. Our dedication to quality is apparent thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with our service, you can rely on the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to make it right. For help with all of your home comfort problems, phone us at 866-397-3787 today.