Spring Temps Are All Over the Place—Don’t Wreck Your HVAC
Spring brings with it shifting temperatures that can put a strain on your HVAC system. During this shoulder season, it can be at or below freezing in the morning, hot by midday then drop back down to frigid temperatures in the evening. When temperatures fluctuate by 30 degrees or more, you can easily find yourself switching your thermostat back and forth from heat to AC in a single day.
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Does Switching Back and Forth Between AC and Heat Strain my HVAC system?
Luckily, modern HVAC systems are designed to handle this kind of back and forth that takes place during the shoulder seasons of the year when AC and heat can be needed on the same day. That said, there are things you can do to take pressure off of your HVAC system as you make this roller coaster transition from heating to air conditioning or vice versa.
Allow Time For Your HVAC To Adjust
While HVAC systems are nimble enough to switch back and forth, having a buffer of time in between these switches can prevent strain on the unit. Don’t wait until the temperature rises or falls to the point where you need either AC or heat. Switch your units over at a transition point during the day when the unit isn’t running. For example, if the temperature is in the 40s when you wake up and pushing past 70 by mid day, then make the switch at noon when temperatures are moderate and your HVAC system won’t have to work harder to cool things down. Switch it again at bedtime before temperatures drop and the heat needs to come on to warm up the house.
Keep Both Units The Same
If you have two separate HVAC units, make sure they are set the same at all times. You don’t want your upstairs unit to be sending cool air downstairs, while your other unit is trying to warm up the downstairs temperature. This isn’t only inefficient, running up your utility bills, but having each unit work against the other can also cause significant wear.
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Change Your Filters
Support your HVAC system as it’s working hard by making sure the filters in the return are clean. In fact, it’s a good idea to change your air filters at the start of spring to help your system handle this back and forth switching.
What Happens When You Switch Too Often
If you wait to switch your heat and AC back and forth for when you feel uncomfortable, either too hot or too cold, you run the risk of making your HVAC system work hard. Not only does this cause your energy bill to rise unnecessarily, but it also puts strain on your HVAC units, shortening their lifespan.
Bottom Line
Your HVAC system is designed to handle switching back and forth from heat to air conditioning during the shoulder months of the year. But you need to be smart about how you do it. Don’t wait until you're uncomfortably hot or cold to change the thermostat. Make those adjustments mid day when temperatures are the mid 60s to 70s when your HVAC system isn’t working. Your HVAC system will thank you by operating for longer without need for repair or replacement.