How to Adjust Your Thermostat for Changing Temperatures

Most people appreciate spring because the warming temperatures are a sign of the return of summer. Unfortunately, the transition isn’t always easy. Depending on where you reside, you may encounter some cold days intermingled with quite warm temperatures in a single week. This makes it difficult to control how warm or cold it is inside your residence.

The challenge of drastically changing 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 AC on all night or switch to heating for comfort the next morning? This seasonal challenge doesn’t have one remedy. The key to a comfortable, energy-efficient residence is to adopt the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some essential tips and practices to adapt your HVAC system during the up-and-down temperatures this spring.

Purchase a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the best moves you can make for your HVAC system. In contrast to traditional thermostats that offer modest control, programmable designs let you set your chosen temperatures based on your schedule and comfort choices. This way, you can avoid using unnecessary power while you’re away, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you return home.

A smart thermostat is even more advanced. One standout feature is the ability to easily change between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes up-and-down temperatures much easier to contend with. Smart thermostats equipped with this function have a special heat/cool mode that easily switches from your furnace to your air conditioner when it detects indoor temperature shifts. This simply means that on a spring day that starts out cold 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 without you having to do anything.

Find a Temperature Your Entire Household is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is difficult when Mother Nature delivers temperature fluctuations. If at all possible, you should aim for a temperature in the high 60s on cold days and high 70s on warmer days to strike a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Do not hesitate to make adjustments throughout the day based on real-time temperature changes—or turn your smart thermostat to heat/cool mode and let it control everything.

If the battle over the thermostat rages despite your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to consider home zoning. This system features 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 the whole house at a more consistent temperature or let individuals to adjust the temperature in their area according to their comfort preferences. For instance, Dad may possibly want a cooler atmosphere while he works in the home office, while the baby might require a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. In either case, zoning is the solution.

Dress Appropriately

Spring is all about jeans and a sweatshirt in the morning, followed by shorts and a tank top in the afternoon. Dress in layers so it’s easy to improve your comfort with an outfit change rather than having to make a thermostat adjustment. This raises your comfort and decreases your dependence on heating and cooling.

Crank Open the Windows and Run Fans

Take full advantage of mild spring temperatures to help make your home more comfortable. For instance, your furnace could 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 let sunlight and a warm breeze into your home. If your home starts to get too hot, close the windows and switch on ceiling fans to create a wind chill effect. This may help you avoid the need to run your air conditioner.

Don’t Forget About HVAC Maintenance

Even if you use your furnace and air conditioning system less in the spring, scheduled maintenance is still important to avoid unexpected repair visits. Here’s how to keep your HVAC equipment running smoothly:

Examine the air filter monthly and change it when it appears dirty.
Make sure the condensate drain is clear of obstructions.
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 nearby debris and cut back surrounding vegetation.
Ä¢ Set up professional AC maintenance.

Your Comfort, Our Commitment

If you still have trouble adjusting your HVAC system to cope with up-and-down temperatures, turn to Service Experts. We provide fast, effective solutions for your comfort needs in the U.S.. Our devotion to craftsmanship is apparent thanks to our Service Experts Guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with our service, you can expect the team at Service Experts to make it right. For help addressing your home comfort issues, call us at today.