How to Adjust Your Thermostat for Fluctuating Temperatures

Most people appreciate spring because the warming temperatures signal the return of summer. Unfortunately, the change between spring and summer isn’t always easy. Depending on where you live, you could have to endure some wintery days intermingled with near-summer temperatures in the same week. This makes it challenging to regulate the temperature inside your home.

The issue of fluctuating 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 conditioner on all night or flip the thermostat mode over to heating for comfort the next morning? This all-too-common challenge doesn’t have a single remedy. The key to a comfortable, energy-efficient home is to use the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some important tips and practices to adjust your HVAC system during changing temperatures this spring.

Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the simplest steps you can make for your HVAC system. In contrast to traditional thermostats that offer minimal control, programmable thermostats let you set your preferred temperatures based on your schedule and comfort desires. This way, you can conserve power while you’re away, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you get back.

A smart thermostat is even more advanced. One standout function is the ability to easily transition between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes fluctuating temperatures much easier to overcome. Smart thermostats that come with this function have a unique heat/cool mode that quickly switches from your furnace to your air conditioner when it detects indoor temperature changes. 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 on its own.

Set a Temperature Everybody is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is tricky when Mother Nature delivers temperature fluctuations. If at all possible, you should maintain 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 changes throughout the day based on real-time temperature changes—or set your smart thermostat to heat/cool mode and let it manage everything.

If the battle over the thermostat rages in spite of your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to start thinking about home zoning. This system combines numerous 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 allow individuals to change the temperature in their area according to their comfort desires. As an example, Dad may well want a cooler atmosphere while he works in the home office, and the baby may need a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. In either case, zoning is the fix.

Dress in Layers

Spring is all about jeans and a sweatshirt in the morning, followed by shorts and a tank top later in the day. Wear layers so it’s convenient to stay comfy with an outfit change rather than having to make a thermostat adjustment. This raises your comfort and reduces your use of your home heating and cooling.

Throw Open Your Windows and Run Fans

Reap the benefits of mild outside temperatures to help get your home more comfortable. As an example, your furnace could run in the morning after a chilly night, and continue running throughout the day as the temperature gets warmer outside. Or, you could warm your home naturally by opening the windows to allow sunlight and a warm breeze into the building. 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 for air conditioning.

Don’t Neglect HVAC Maintenance

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

• Check the air filter monthly and change it when it looks dirty.
• Make sure the condensate drain is clear of obstructions.
• Dust the air registers and make sure they’re all open and not covered by furniture, rugs or appliances.
• Seal and insulate the ductwork.
• Plan duct cleaning.
• Use a hose to wash off the exterior AC unit, clear away all 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 adjusting your HVAC system to cope with up-and-down temperatures, turn to A1 Chesney Service Experts. We provide fast, reliable solutions tailored to your comfort needs in Calgary. Our devotion to quality is apparent thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not extremely happy with our service, you can rely on the team at A1 Chesney Service Experts to make it right. For help addressing your home comfort issues, call us at 587-315-5271 today.