How to Adjust Your HVAC System for Changing Temperatures

Most people look forward to spring because the mild temperatures are a sign of the return of summer. Unfortunately, the change between spring and summer isn’t always smooth. Depending on where you live, you might experience some cold days intermingled with near-summer temperatures in a single week. This makes it challenging to manage your indoor climate.

The problem of fluctuating temperatures—where it’s chilly 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 change to heating for comfort the next morning? This all-too-common dilemma doesn’t have one answer. The key to a comfortable, energy-efficient residence is to adopt the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some important tips and tactics to adapt 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 easiest steps you can make for your HVAC system. Unlike older thermostats that offer reduced control, programmable designs let you set your chosen temperatures based on your schedule and comfort preferences. By doing this, you can avoid using unnecessary electricity while you’re not in the home, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you arrive back at your residence.

A smart thermostat is better still. One exceptional feature is the ability to quickly switch between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes fluctuating temperatures much easier to contend with. Smart thermostats that come with this feature have a distinct heat/cool mode that easily switches from your furnace to your cooling system when it registers indoor temperature swings. What this means is on a spring day that starts out chilly 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 on its own.

Find a Temperature Your Entire Household is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is difficult when Mother Nature delivers temperature fluctuations. Preferably, you should aim for a temperature in the high 60s on chilly days and high 70s on warmer days to strike a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Be sure to make adjustments throughout the day based on real-time temperature changes—or switch your smart thermostat to heat/cool mode and let it take care of everything.

If the struggle 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 uses multiple thermostats and ductwork dampers to send air where it’s needed most. Zoning is especially 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 enable individuals to change the temperature in their area according to their comfort settings. As an example, Dad may want a cooler atmosphere while he works in the home office, whereas the baby may need to have a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. In either case, zoning is the answer.

Dress in Layers

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

Open Windows and Run Fans

Reap the benefits of mild outdoor temperatures to help make your home more comfortable. For instance, your furnace could run in the morning after a cool night, and continue running throughout the day as the temperature increases outside. Or, you could heat your home naturally by opening the windows to allow sunlight and a warm breeze into your home. When things heat up too much, close the windows and start up ceiling fans to create a wind chill effect. This may prevent the need to run your air conditioner.

Don’t Forget About HVAC Maintenance

Even if you run your heating and cooling system less in the spring, regular maintenance is still essential to avoid unexpected repair visits. Here’s how to keep your furnace and air conditioning equipment running without problems:

• Check 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 unblocked.
• Seal and insulate the ductwork.
• Plan duct cleaning.
• Gently spray off the outside AC unit, clear away all debris and trim back surrounding vegetation.
• • Set up 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 Winnipeg Supply Service Experts. We provide fast, effective solutions custom designed to resolve your comfort needs in Winnipeg. Our commitment 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 Winnipeg Supply Service Experts to make it right. For help addressing your home comfort problems, call us at 204-800-0613 today.