How to Adjust Your Heating and Cooling System for Changing Temperatures

Most people look forward to spring because the warming temperatures herald the return of summer. Unfortunately, the change between spring and summer isn’t always calm. Depending on where your home is located, you could have to endure some wintery days intermingled with unseasonably hot temperatures in the same week. This makes it challenging to regulate the temperature inside your home.

The issue of extremely differing temperatures—where it’s cold one day and warm the next—may leave you unsure about how to set the HVAC system. Should you keep the air conditioning on all night or switch to heating for comfort the next morning? This all-too-common dilemma doesn’t have a single answer. The secret to a comfortable, energy-efficient dwelling is to embrace the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some easy-to-use tips and practices to adjust your HVAC system during up-and-down 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 HVAC system. In contrast to manual thermostats that offer modest control, programmable models let you set your preferred temperatures based on your schedule and comfort needs. By doing this, you can conserve energy while you’re out, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you arrive back at your residence.

A smart thermostat is even better. One standout feature is the ability to easily transition between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes changing temperatures much easier to tackle. Smart thermostats that come with this ability have a special heat/cool mode that easily switches from your furnace to your AC when it registers indoor temperature shifts. This simply means that on a spring day that starts out cool 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 by itself.

Establish a Temperature Everyone is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is tricky when you’re dealing with temperature fluctuations. Preferably, you should maintain a temperature in the high 60s on chilly days and high 70s on warmer days to achieve a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Be sure to make adjustments throughout the day based on real-time temperature changes—or turn your smart thermostat to heat/cool mode and let it take care of everything.

If the struggle over the thermostat continues even with your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to consider home zoning. This system uses several thermostats and ductwork dampers to get air where it’s needed most. Zoning is especially advantageous in two-story homes and those with grand windows. You can use zoning to keep your entire house at a more consistent temperature or enable individuals to adjust the temperature in their area according to their comfort desires. As an example, Dad might want a cooler temperature in the home office, and the baby may need to have a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. Either way, zoning is the fix.

Dress in Layers

Spring is the season where you may wear 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 increases your comfort and lowers your use of your home heating and cooling.

Crank Open the Windows and Use Fans

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

Don’t Forget About HVAC Maintenance

Even if you utilize your HVAC system less in the spring, regular maintenance is still critical to avoid unexpected repair visits. Here’s how to keep your HVAC equipment running properly:

• Check 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.
• Arrange duct cleaning.
• Use a hose to wash off the outdoor AC unit, clear away nearby debris and prune back surrounding vegetation.
• • Set up 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 McKinley Heating Service Experts. We provide fast, reliable solutions tailored to your comfort needs in Edmonton. Our devotion 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 McKinley Heating Service Experts to make it right. For help addressing your home comfort challenges, phone us at 780-800-7092 today.