How to Adjust Your Thermostat for Fluctuating Temperatures

Most people look forward to spring because the warm temperatures herald the return of summer. Then again, the transition isn’t always easy. Depending on where you live, you may well encounter some very chilly days intermingled with quite warm temperatures in a single week. This makes it tricky to manage how warm or cold it is inside your residence.

The issue of extremely differing 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 a single answer. The key to a comfortable, energy-efficient home is to embrace the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some essential tips and techniques to adapt your HVAC system during fluctuating temperatures this spring.

Purchase 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 minimal control, programmable thermostats let you set your chosen temperatures based on your schedule and comfort choices. When you do this, you can avoid using unnecessary power while you’re away, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you arrive back at your residence.

A smart thermostat is even better. One exceptional feature is the ability to easily transition between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes changing temperatures much easier to handle. Smart thermostats that have this function have a unique heat/cool mode that quickly switches from your furnace to your AC when it recognizes indoor temperature changes. This means on a spring day that starts out cold 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 by itself.

Establish a Temperature Everybody is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is challenging when Mother Nature delivers temperature fluctuations. Preferably, you should maintain a temperature in the high 60s on cold days and high 70s on warmer days to find a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Do not hesitate to make adjustments throughout the day based on real-time temperature changes—or set your smart thermostat to heat/cool mode and let it handle everything.

If the war over the thermostat rages 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 get air where it’s needed most. Zoning is very useful 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 adjust the temperature in their area according to their comfort settings. Case in point, Dad may well want a cooler setting in the home office, whereas the baby may need to have a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. Either way, zoning is the answer.

Dress Appropriately

Spring is all about 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 convenient to improve your comfort with an outfit change as an alternative to having to make a thermostat adjustment. This enhances your comfort and reduces your use of your home heating and cooling.

Open Up Windows and Use Fans

Take full advantage of mild outdoor temperatures to help get your home more comfortable. For example, your furnace could run in the morning after a chilly night, and continue running throughout the day as the temperature rises outside. Or, you could heat up your home naturally by opening the windows to let sunlight and a warm breeze into the residence. If the indoor temperature gets too warm, close the windows and switch on ceiling fans to create a wind chill effect. This may help you avoid the need to turn on your AC.

Don’t Forget About HVAC Maintenance

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

• Examine the air filter monthly and change it when it appears dirty.
• Make sure the condensate drain is free-flowing.
• 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.
• Use a hose to wash off the outside AC unit, clear away nearby debris and cut back surrounding vegetation.
• • Contact an HVAC company for professional AC maintenance.

Your Comfort, Our Commitment

If you still have trouble using your HVAC system to cope with up-and-down temperatures, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide fast, reliable solutions tailored to your comfort needs in Edmonton. Our devotion to quality is apparent thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with our service, you can rely on the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to make it right. For help with any of your home comfort problems, call us at 587-404-0790 today.