How to Adjust Your Thermostat for Wildly Swinging Temperatures

Most people enjoy spring because the warm temperatures herald the return of summer. Then again, the change between spring and summer isn’t always easy. Depending on where you reside, you may possibly experience some very chilly days intermingled with quite warm temperatures in a single week. This makes it challenging to control how warm or cold it is inside your residence.

The problem of drastically changing temperatures—where it’s cool 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 change to heating for comfort the next morning? This all-too-common dilemma doesn’t have one solution. The secret to a comfortable, energy-efficient home is to adopt the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some important tips and tactics 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 steps you can make for your furnace and air conditioning system. Unlike traditional thermostats that offer limited control, programmable designs let you set your desired temperatures based on your schedule and comfort desires. This way, you can conserve power while you’re out and about, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you arrive back at your residence.

A smart thermostat is even better. One particularly useful feature is the ability to automatically switch between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes up-and-down temperatures much easier to overcome. Smart thermostats that come with this ability have a special heat/cool mode that easily switches from your furnace to your AC when it detects indoor temperature changes. This simply means that on a spring day that starts out cool and warms up by the afternoon, your HVAC can heat your home in the morning and cool it back down as the temperature rises, all on its own.

Set a Temperature Everyone is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is tricky during times of temperature fluctuations. Ideally, you should aim for a temperature in the high 60s on cool days and high 70s on warmer days to find a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Do not hesitate to make changes throughout the day based on real-time temperature changes—or set your smart thermostat to heat/cool mode and let it handle everything.

If the battle over the thermostat rages despite your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to start thinking about home zoning. This system uses several thermostats and ductwork dampers to send air where it’s needed most. Zoning is especially beneficial in two-story homes and those with large windows. You can use zoning to keep your entire house at a more consistent temperature or allow individuals to adjust the temperature in their area according to their comfort settings. For instance, Dad may well 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.

Wear Layered Clothing

In spring, it’s typical to wear jeans and a sweatshirt in the morning, followed by shorts and a tank top in the afternoon. Wear layers so it’s easy to stay comfy with an outfit change instead of having to make a thermostat adjustment. This raises your comfort and reduces your reliance on heating and cooling.

Throw Open Your Windows and Run Fans

Reap the benefits of mild outside temperatures to help keep your home more comfortable. For instance, your furnace could run in the morning after a chilly night, and continue running throughout the day as the temperature rises outside. Or, you could heat 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 switch on ceiling fans to generate a wind chill effect. This may prevent the need for air conditioning.

Don’t Ignore HVAC Maintenance

Even if you run 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 heating and cooling equipment running smoothly:

• • Check 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.

• • Use a hose to wash off the outside AC unit, clear away any debris and prune back surrounding vegetation.

• • • Schedule professional AC maintenance.

Your Comfort, Our Commitment

If you still have difficulty with how to use your HVAC system to cope with fluctuating temperatures, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide fast, practical solutions custom designed to resolve your comfort needs in the U.S.. Our dedication to excellence is apparent thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not extremely happy with our service, you can count on the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to make it right. For help with all of your home comfort issues, call us at 866-397-3787 today.