How to Adjust Your Heating and Cooling System for Wildly Swinging Temperatures

Most people appreciate spring because the warm temperatures signal the return of summer. Unfortunately, the change between spring and summer isn’t always smooth. Depending on where you reside, you might experience some wintery days intermingled with quite warm temperatures in the same week. This makes it challenging to regulate the temperature inside your home.

The problem of drastically changing 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 conditioner on all night or flip the thermostat mode over to heating for comfort the next morning? This very common issue doesn’t have a single answer. The secret to a comfortable, energy-efficient dwelling is to use the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some important tips and tactics to adjust your HVAC system during changing temperatures this spring.

Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the best moves you can make for your HVAC system. Unlike traditional thermostats that offer limited control, programmable designs let you set your desired temperatures based on your schedule and comfort choices. This way, you can conserve energy while you’re out, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you get back.

A smart thermostat is better yet. One exceptional feature is the ability to quickly change between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes fluctuating temperatures much easier to overcome. Smart thermostats that have this feature have a special heat/cool mode that quickly switches from your furnace to your air conditioner when it senses indoor temperature swings. What this means is on a spring day that starts out chilly and warms up throughout the day, your HVAC can heat your home in the morning and cool it back down as the temperature rises, all on its own.

Find a Temperature Everyone is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is difficult when you’re dealing with temperature fluctuations. Preferably, you should maintain a temperature in the high 60s on cool days and high 70s on hot 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 handle everything.

If the battle over the thermostat continues despite your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to look into getting home zoning. This system combines numerous thermostats and ductwork dampers to send air where it’s needed most. Zoning is very advantageous in two-story homes and those with expansive windows. You can use zoning to keep your entire house at a more consistent temperature or let individuals to set the temperature in their area according to their comfort preferences. For instance, Dad might want a cooler temperature in the home office, whereas the baby may need a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. Either way, zoning is the fix.

Dress Appropriately

Spring is the season where you may wear 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 convenient to stay comfy with an outfit change rather than having to make a thermostat adjustment. This raises your comfort and reduces your reliance on heating and cooling.

Throw Open Your Windows and Use Fans

Make the most of mild outdoor temperatures to help get your home more comfortable. As an example, your furnace could run in the morning after a cold night, and continue running throughout the day as the temperature gets warmer outside. Or, you could warm your home naturally by opening the windows to bring sunlight and a warm breeze into the building. When things heat up too much, close the windows and start up ceiling fans to create a wind chill effect. This may help you avoid the need for air conditioning.

Don’t Forget About HVAC Maintenance

Even if you run your heating and cooling system less in the spring, regular maintenance is still critical to avoid unexpected repair visits. Here’s how to keep your HVAC equipment running without problems:

• Examine the air filter monthly and change it when it appears dirty.
• Make sure the condensate drain is free-flowing.
• 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.
• Gently spray off the outside AC unit, clear away nearby debris and prune back surrounding vegetation.
• • Schedule professional AC maintenance.

Call Us for Your Heating and Cooling Needs

If you still have trouble with how to use your HVAC system to cope with changing temperatures, turn to Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. We provide fast, reliable solutions custom designed to resolve your comfort needs in Windsor. Our devotion to craftsmanship is apparent thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with our service, you can expect the team at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts to make it right. For help with any of your home comfort problems, call us at 226-773-3357 today.