How to Adjust Your Thermostat for Fluctuating Temperatures

Most people look forward to spring because the warm temperatures are a sign of the return of summer. Unfortunately, the transition isn’t always easy. Depending on where you live, you might have to endure some very chilly days intermingled with quite warm temperatures in the same week. This makes it challenging to control 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 switch to heating for comfort the next morning? This very common challenge doesn’t have a single answer. The secret to a comfortable, energy-efficient home is to use the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some indispensable tips and practices to adjust 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 easiest moves you can make for your HVAC system. In contrast to traditional thermostats that offer modest control, programmable thermostats let you set your chosen temperatures based on your schedule and comfort preferences. When you do 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 get back.

A smart thermostat is even more advanced. One exceptional attribute is the ability to easily transition between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes fluctuating temperatures much easier to handle. Smart thermostats equipped with this function have a special heat/cool mode that automatically switches from your furnace to your AC when it recognizes indoor temperature shifts. This means on a spring day that starts out chilly and warms up throughout the day, your thermostat can heat your home in the morning and cool it back down as the temperature rises, all without you having to do anything.

Set a Temperature Everybody is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is difficult when Mother Nature delivers temperature fluctuations. Ideally, you should aim for a temperature in the high 60s on cold days and high 70s on warm days to find a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Feel free to make modifications 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 war over the thermostat will not go away in spite of your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to look into getting home zoning. This system uses numerous thermostats and ductwork dampers to get air where it’s needed most. Zoning is particularly helpful in two-story homes and those with expansive 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 preferences. As an example, Dad may possibly want a cooler setting in the home office, while the baby might require a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. In any event, zoning is the fix.

Wear Layered Clothing

In spring, it’s typical to wear jeans and a sweatshirt in the morning, followed by shorts and a tank top a few hours later. Dress yourself in layers so it’s very simple to get more comfortable with an outfit change instead of having to make a thermostat adjustment. This enhances your comfort and lowers your dependence on heating and cooling.

Open Windows and Use Fans

Make the most of mild spring temperatures to help keep your home more comfortable. As an example, your furnace may run in the morning after a cool night, and continue running throughout the day as the temperature gets warmer outside. Or, you could heat your home naturally by opening the windows to bring sunlight and a warm breeze into the building. If the indoor temperature gets too warm, close the windows and start up ceiling fans to generate a wind chill effect. This may reduce the need to turn on your AC.

Don’t Forget About HVAC Maintenance

Even if you run 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:

• 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 not covered by furniture, rugs or appliances.
• Seal and insulate the ductwork.
• Arrange duct cleaning.
• Hose down the outside AC unit, clear away all debris and trim back surrounding vegetation.
• • Contact an HVAC company for professional AC maintenance.

We’re Here for Your HVAC Needs

If you still have a problem using your HVAC system to cope with up-and-down temperatures, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide fast, effective solutions custom designed to resolve your comfort needs in Calgary. Our commitment to excellence is apparent thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with our service, you can expect the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to make it right. For help solving your home comfort challenges, contact us at 403-279-5760 today.