How to Adjust Your HVAC System for Wildly Swinging Temperatures

Most people appreciate spring because the warm temperatures are a sign of the return of summer. However, the change between spring and summer isn’t always smooth. Depending on where your home is located, you may possibly encounter some cold days intermingled with unseasonably hot temperatures in a single week. This makes it tricky to control the temperature inside your home.

The issue of extremely differing 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 AC on all night or change to heating for comfort the next morning? This all-too-common issue doesn’t have one answer. The key to a comfortable, energy-efficient residence is to embrace the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some easy-to-use tips and tactics to adapt 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 moves you can make for your heating and cooling system. Unlike traditional thermostats that offer reduced control, programmable models let you set your preferred temperatures based on your schedule and comfort needs. This way, you can avoid using unnecessary energy while you’re away, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you arrive back at your residence.

A smart thermostat is even better. One exceptional attribute is the ability to easily change between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes changing temperatures much easier to manage. Smart thermostats that come with this feature have a distinct heat/cool mode that easily switches from your furnace to your AC when it recognizes indoor temperature swings. This means on a spring day that starts out cold and warms up later in the day, your thermostat can heat your home in the morning and cool it back down as the temperature rises, all without you having to do anything.

Set a Temperature Your Entire Household is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is challenging during times of temperature fluctuations. Ideally, you should aim for a temperature in the high 60s on cool days and high 70s on warm days to find a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Be sure to make modifications throughout the day based on real-time temperature changes—or set your smart thermostat to heat/cool mode and let it take care of everything.

If the war 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 multiple thermostats and ductwork dampers to send air where it’s needed most. Zoning is very useful in two-story homes and those with grand windows. You can use zoning to keep your entire house at a more consistent temperature or allow individuals to set the temperature in their area according to their comfort desires. Case in point, Dad may well want a cooler setting in the home office, while the baby might require a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. In any event, zoning is the remedy.

Dress in Layers

In spring, it’s typical to wear jeans and a sweatshirt in the morning, followed by shorts and a tank top a few hours later. Wear layers so it’s very simple to get more comfortable with an outfit change instead of having to make a thermostat adjustment. This increases your comfort and decreases your use of your home heating and cooling.

Throw Open Your Windows and Use Fans

Take advantage of mild outside temperatures to help make your home more comfortable. For example, your furnace may run in the morning after a chilly night, and continue running throughout the day as the temperature gets warmer outside. Or, you could heat your home naturally by opening the windows to allow sunlight and a warm breeze into the residence. If the indoor temperature gets too warm, close the windows and start up ceiling fans to create a wind chill effect. This may help you avoid the need to turn on your AC.

Don’t Neglect 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 heating and cooling equipment running efficiently:

• Inspect the air filter monthly and change it when it appears 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 exterior AC unit, clear away all debris and prune back surrounding vegetation.
• • Schedule professional AC maintenance.

Call Us for Your Heating and Cooling Needs

If you still have a problem using your HVAC system to cope with up-and-down temperatures, turn to Rob's Albertan Service Experts. We provide fast, effective solutions for your comfort needs in Edmonton. Our devotion to quality is apparent thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with our service, you can rely on the team at Rob's Albertan Service Experts to make it right. For help solving your home comfort issues, contact us at 780-800-9047 today.