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Most people look forward to spring because the warming temperatures herald the return of summer. However, the transition isn’t always smooth. Depending on where you live, you might experience some wintery days intermingled with near-summer temperatures in a single week. This makes it tricky to manage your indoor climate.

The challenge of fluctuating 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 air conditioning on all night or switch to heating for comfort the next morning? This all-too-common dilemma doesn’t have a single answer. The key to a comfortable, energy-efficient home is to adopt the right strategies until Mother Nature makes up her mind. Here are some essential tips and practices to adjust your HVAC system during fluctuating temperatures this spring.

Install 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. Unlike manual thermostats that offer limited control, programmable models let you set your desired temperatures based on your schedule and comfort preferences. This way, you can save energy while you’re away, with automatic recovery periods that resume a comfortable setting before you return home.

A smart thermostat is even better. One standout feature is the ability to automatically switch between heating and cooling modes. This advanced functionality makes fluctuating temperatures much easier to deal with. Smart thermostats equipped with this feature have a unique heat/cool mode that automatically switches from your furnace to your air conditioner when it detects indoor temperature swings. This means on a spring day that starts out chilly and warms up by the afternoon, your thermostat can heat your home in the morning and cool it back down as the temperature rises, all on its own.

Set a Temperature Everyone is Comfortable With

Finding your family’s ideal comfort zone is tricky during times of temperature fluctuations. Ideally, you should maintain a temperature in the high 60s on chilly days and high 70s on hot days to strike a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Feel free 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 battle over the thermostat rages despite your best efforts to keep everyone comfortable, it may be time to consider home zoning. This system combines multiple thermostats and ductwork dampers to direct air where it’s needed most. Zoning is especially beneficial in two-story homes and those with expansive windows. You can use zoning to keep your entire house at a more consistent temperature or allow individuals to set the temperature in their area according to their comfort preferences. For instance, Dad might want a cooler setting in the home office, while the baby may need a warm, cozy nursery to nap in. Either way, zoning is the answer.

Dress in Layers

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 reliance on heating and cooling.

Open Windows and Run Fans

Take advantage of mild outdoor temperatures to help keep your home more comfortable. For instance, your furnace may run in the morning after a chilly night, and continue running throughout the day as the temperature rises outside. Or, you could heat your home naturally by opening the windows to let sunlight and a warm breeze into your home. When things heat up too much, close the windows and turn on ceiling fans to create a wind chill effect. This may prevent the need for air conditioning.

Don’t Neglect HVAC Maintenance

Even if you use your heating and cooling system less in the spring, regular maintenance is still essential to avoid unexpected repair visits. Here’s how to keep your HVAC equipment running smoothly:

• Check 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 unblocked.
• Seal and insulate the ductwork.
• Schedule duct cleaning.
• Hose down the outdoor AC unit, clear away nearby debris and trim back surrounding vegetation.
• • Schedule professional AC maintenance.

Your Comfort, Our Commitment

If you still have trouble adjusting your HVAC system to cope with fluctuating temperatures, turn to ´óÏó´«Ã½ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide fast, effective solutions tailored to your comfort needs in the U.S.. Our commitment to excellence is apparent thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with our service, you can count on the team at ´óÏó´«Ã½ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to make it right. For help addressing your home comfort concerns, call us at 866-397-3787 today.