How to Adjust Your HVAC System for Fluctuating Temperatures

Most people look forward to spring because the warm temperatures herald the return of summer. However, the change between spring and summer isn’t always easy. Depending on where you reside, you could have to endure some cold days intermingled with unseasonably hot temperatures in a single week. This makes it tricky to control your indoor climate.

The issue of fluctuating 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 flip the thermostat mode over to heating for comfort the next morning? This very common dilemma doesn’t have one remedy. The secret to a comfortable, energy-efficient dwelling is to embrace the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some essential tips and tactics to best manage your HVAC system during changing temperatures this spring.

Purchase a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the simplest steps you can make for your heating and cooling system. Unlike older thermostats that offer minimal control, programmable systems let you set your chosen temperatures based on your schedule and comfort needs. By doing this, you can avoid using unnecessary electricity while you’re out and about, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you return home.

A smart thermostat is even more advanced. One particularly useful function is the ability to easily transition between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes changing temperatures much easier to handle. Smart thermostats equipped with this feature have a unique heat/cool mode that quickly switches from your furnace to your cooling system when it registers indoor temperature swings. This means on a spring day that starts out cool and warms up by the afternoon, 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 Everyone 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 set a temperature in the high 60s on cool days and high 70s on hot days to achieve a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Do not hesitate to make modifications 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 struggle over the thermostat continues despite your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to start thinking about home zoning. This system features multiple thermostats and ductwork dampers to get air where it’s needed most. Zoning is very useful in two-story homes and those with expansive windows. You can use zoning to keep your entire house at a more consistent temperature or allow individuals to change the temperature in their area according to their comfort settings. As an example, Dad may well want a cooler setting in the home office, while the baby may need a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. In any event, zoning is the fix.

Dress Appropriately

In spring, it’s typical to wear jeans and a sweatshirt in the morning, followed by shorts and a tank top in the afternoon. Dress yourself in layers so it’s easy to stay comfy with an outfit change as an alternative to having to make a thermostat adjustment. This enhances your comfort and reduces your dependence on heating and cooling.

Open Windows and Turn On The Fans

Take full advantage of mild outdoor temperatures to help make your home more comfortable. For instance, your furnace might run in the morning after a cold 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 bring sunlight and a warm breeze into the building. If the indoor temperature gets too warm, close the windows and switch on ceiling fans to generate a wind chill effect. This may prevent the need to turn on your AC.

Don’t Forget About HVAC Maintenance

Even if you operate your heating and cooling system less in the spring, routine maintenance is still important to avoid unexpected repair visits. Here’s how to keep your heating and cooling equipment running smoothly:

• Inspect the air filter monthly and change it when it looks dirty.
• Make sure the condensate drain is free-flowing.
• 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 exterior AC unit, clear away any debris and cut back surrounding vegetation.
• • Set up professional AC maintenance.

Your Comfort, Our Commitment

If you still have a problem adjusting your HVAC system to cope with up-and-down temperatures, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide fast, effective 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 expect the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to make it right. For help with all of your home comfort problems, call us at 954-736-4314 today.