How to Adjust Your Thermostat for Fluctuating Temperatures

Most people enjoy spring because the warm temperatures signal the return of summer. Then again, the transition isn’t always calm. Depending on where you reside, you may possibly have to endure some cool days intermingled with near-summer temperatures in a single week. This makes it tricky to control your indoor climate.

The issue of fluctuating temperatures—where it’s cool one day and warm the next—may leave you feeling puzzled about how to set the HVAC system. Should you keep the air conditioning on all night or change to heating for comfort the next morning? This very common issue doesn’t have just one answer. The answer to a comfortable, energy-efficient residence is to embrace the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some indispensable tips and tactics to adapt 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 easiest steps you can make for your furnace and air conditioning system. In contrast to traditional thermostats that offer modest control, programmable systems let you set your chosen temperatures based on your schedule and comfort choices. By doing this, you can avoid using unnecessary power while you’re out and about, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you return home.

A smart thermostat is even better. One standout function is the ability to automatically transition between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes changing temperatures much easier to manage. Smart thermostats that have this ability have a unique heat/cool mode that easily switches from your furnace to your cooling system when it registers indoor temperature changes. This simply means that on a spring day that starts out cool and warms up throughout the day, 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 challenging when you’re dealing with temperature fluctuations. Ideally, you should maintain a temperature in the high 60s on chilly days and high 70s on warm days to achieve a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Be sure to make adjustments throughout the day based on real-time temperature changes—or set your smart thermostat to heat/cool mode and let it take care of everything.

If the battle over the thermostat continues despite your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to start thinking about home zoning. This system features several thermostats and ductwork dampers to get air where it’s needed most. Zoning is particularly advantageous in two-story homes and those with expansive windows. You can use zoning to keep your entire house at a more consistent temperature or let individuals to change the temperature in their area according to their comfort desires. For instance, Dad may want a cooler atmosphere while he works in the home office, while the baby may need to have 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 later in the day. Wear layers so it’s easy to stay comfy with an outfit change as an alternative to having to make a thermostat adjustment. This enhances your comfort and lowers your dependence on heating and cooling.

Open Windows and Use Fans

Take full advantage of mild outside temperatures to help get your home more comfortable. For example, your furnace might run in the morning after a cold 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 allow 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 help you avoid the need to turn on your AC.

Don’t Ignore HVAC Maintenance

Even if you utilize your heating and cooling system less in the spring, regular maintenance is still important 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 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.

• • Schedule duct cleaning.

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

• • • Schedule professional AC maintenance.

We’re Here for Your HVAC Needs

If you still have a problem with how to use your HVAC system to cope with changing temperatures, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide fast, reliable solutions for your comfort needs in Fort Lauderdale. Our commitment to craftsmanship is apparent thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not extremely happy with our service, you can rely on the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to make it right. For help addressing your home comfort issues, call us at 954-736-4314 today.