How to Adjust Your HVAC System for Changing Temperatures
Most people enjoy spring because the warming temperatures signal the return of summer. However, the transition isn’t always calm. Depending on where you live, you may have to endure some cold days intermingled with quite warm temperatures in the same week. This makes it challenging to control the temperature inside your home.
The challenge 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 AC on all night or flip the thermostat mode over 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 adopt the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some easy-to-use tips and practices to adapt your HVAC system during up-and-down temperatures this spring.
Purchase a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the simplest moves you can make for your furnace and air conditioning system. In contrast to manual thermostats that offer limited control, programmable thermostats let you set your chosen temperatures based on your schedule and comfort preferences. This way, you can conserve power while you’re away, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you get back.
A smart thermostat is even more advanced. One standout function is the ability to easily switch between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes fluctuating temperatures much easier to manage. Smart thermostats equipped with this function have a distinct heat/cool mode that automatically switches from your furnace to your AC when it registers indoor temperature changes. What this means is on a spring day that starts out cold and warms up later in the day, your heating and cooling system can heat your home in the morning and cool it back down as the temperature rises, all by itself.
Establish a Temperature Your Entire Household is Comfortable With
Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is challenging when Mother Nature delivers temperature fluctuations. Preferably, you should set a temperature in the high 60s on cold days and high 70s on warmer days to achieve a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Feel free to make adjustments 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 battle over the thermostat rages in spite of your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to look into getting home zoning. This system features several thermostats and ductwork dampers to get air where it’s needed most. Zoning is particularly helpful in two-story homes and those with large windows. You can use zoning to keep your entire house at a more consistent temperature or let individuals to change the temperature in their area according to their comfort desires. Case in point, Dad may well want a cooler setting in the home office, whereas the baby may need a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. In either case, zoning is the fix.
Wear Layered Clothing
Spring is all about jeans and a sweatshirt in the morning, followed by shorts and a tank top later in the day. Dress in layers so it’s easy to improve your comfort with an outfit change instead of having to make a thermostat adjustment. This raises your comfort and reduces your reliance on heating and cooling.
Open Windows and Turn On The Fans
Take advantage of mild outdoor temperatures to help keep your home more comfortable. For example, your furnace could run in the morning after a cold night, and continue running throughout the day as the temperature rises outside. Or, you could heat up your home naturally by opening the windows to let sunlight and a warm breeze into the building. When things heat up too much, close the windows and switch on ceiling fans to produce a wind chill effect. This may help you avoid the need to turn on your AC.
Don’t Overlook HVAC Maintenance
Even if you utilize your furnace and air conditioning system less in the spring, regular maintenance is still critical to avoid unexpected repair visits. Here’s how to keep your furnace and air conditioning equipment running efficiently:
- Examine the air filter monthly and change it when it is dirty.
- Make sure the condensate drain is isn’t blocked.
- Dust the air registers and make sure they’re all open and unobstructed.
- Seal and insulate the ductwork.
- Schedule duct cleaning.
- Hose down the outdoor AC unit, clear away all debris and prune back surrounding vegetation.
- • Schedule professional AC maintenance.
We’re Here for Your HVAC Needs
If you still have a problem with how to use your HVAC system to cope with up-and-down temperatures, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide fast, reliable solutions tailored to your comfort needs in Fort Lauderdale. Our dedication to craftsmanship is apparent thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not extremely happy with our service, you can rely on the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to make it right. For help addressing your home comfort issues, phone us at 954-736-4314 today.