How to Adjust Your Thermostat for Fluctuating Temperatures

Most people look forward to spring because the warm temperatures signal the return of summer. Unfortunately, the transition isn’t always smooth. Depending on where you reside, you may possibly encounter some wintery days intermingled with quite warm temperatures in the span of a week. This makes it challenging to regulate the temperature inside your home.

The problem of extremely differing 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 AC on all night or flip the thermostat mode over to heating for comfort the next morning? This seasonal issue doesn’t have just one remedy. The answer 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 adapt your HVAC system during fluctuating temperatures this spring.

Use 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. As opposed to traditional thermostats that offer limited control, programmable thermostats let you set your chosen temperatures based on your schedule and comfort needs. This way, you can save 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 better still. One exceptional feature is the ability to automatically switch between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes up-and-down temperatures much easier to handle. Smart thermostats that come with this feature have a distinct heat/cool mode that automatically switches from your furnace to your cooling system when it recognizes indoor temperature shifts. This simply means that on a spring day that starts out cool and warms up later in 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 Everybody is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is challenging 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 warm 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 turn your smart thermostat to heat/cool mode and let it manage everything.

If the war over the thermostat continues despite your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to consider home zoning. This system features multiple thermostats and ductwork dampers to send air where it’s needed most. Zoning is especially beneficial in two-story homes and those with expansive windows. You can use zoning to keep the whole house at a more consistent temperature or allow individuals to set the temperature in their area according to their comfort settings. Case in point, Dad may want a cooler setting in the home office, while the baby may need a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. In either case, zoning is the answer.

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 convenient to stay comfy with an outfit change instead of having to make a thermostat adjustment. This raises your comfort and lowers your reliance on heating and cooling.

Open Windows and Turn On The Fans

Take full advantage of mild outside temperatures to help make your home more comfortable. As an example, 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 increase the temperature in your home naturally by opening the windows to let sunlight and a warm breeze into the building. If your home starts to get too hot, close the windows and turn on ceiling fans to generate a wind chill effect. This may prevent the need to turn on your AC.

Don’t Overlook HVAC Maintenance

Even if you operate 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 efficiently:

• • Inspect the air filter monthly and change it when it is dirty.

• • Make sure the condensate drain is clear of obstructions.

• • Dust the air registers and make sure they’re all open and unblocked.

• • Seal and insulate the ductwork.

• • Plan duct cleaning.

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

• • • Contact an HVAC company for professional AC maintenance.

Call Us for Your Heating and Cooling Needs

If you still have difficulty using your HVAC system to cope with fluctuating temperatures, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide fast, practical solutions for your comfort needs in the U.S.. Our dedication 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 Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to make it right. For help solving your home comfort issues, contact us at 866-397-3787 today.