The warm weather is certainly welcome, but it’s not always consistent. Changing spring weather can actually be very demanding on your HVAC system. You may need to run your AC one day and then turn your furnace back on the next.
Inside your home, the fluctuations may cause a dilemma, too. Is it safe to turn off your heat? Are you using too much energy if you turn your air conditioner on in late spring? Here, we explain how to manage home comfort during crazy spring weather the right way.
As winter loosens its grip and temperatures begin to fluctuate, your HVAC system shifts from sustained heating to a more dynamic workload. Spring’s changes, like warm afternoons, cool evenings, increased humidity, and airborne allergens, place unique demands on both heating and cooling components.
This transitional period is the ideal time to ensure your system is calibrated, airflow is balanced, and core components are clean and functioning properly. Proactive seasonal maintenance not only improves indoor comfort but also reduces energy consumption and prevents premature wear before peak summer cooling demand arrives.
Remember to:
Some people try to turn off their furnace early in an attempt to save energy costs. However, you may feel uncomfortable, and it could put your home at risk if a cold snap comes back (fool’s spring, anyone?).
As an alternative, start lowering your thermostat two or three degrees over a few weeks in March and April to get yourself adjusted to the fresh spring air.
Keep in mind that in these early months, your home will lose a lot of heat overnight, so you’ll need the furnace to run in the evenings. It probably won’t be comfortable to turn off your heat completely until late May, when nighttime temperatures are almost at your desired indoor temperature.
If late spring has thrown a few hot days your way, you may wonder if it’s time to turn the air conditioner on, even if temporarily. Usually, switching between heating and cooling won’t cause your HVAC system trouble, so you can do it without worrying, but it will spike your utility bill.
Consider natural cooling first, such as opening windows and using fans. Generally, the AC should come on when outside temperatures are consistently higher than room temperature, and humidity starts to build up.
To help save more money and reduce the stress on your heating system, you can also keep your blinds open during the day. The sun will naturally heat your home, and on warm days, if it gets too stuffy, you can also open a window to let in a light breeze.
Remember that an ideal cost-saving indoor temperature is 20 degrees Celsius. If your thermostat is consistently above that during the day, it’s safe to turn the heat off. Expect a bit of a dip at night, but that will save you energy.
If you’re tempted to turn on the AC, close your south-facing blinds and open your windows first. This will reduce the heat from the sun and allow air to circulate naturally. The fresh spring breeze can cool your home down quickly.
If it’s almost time to switch from heating to cooling, you’ll want to make sure your AC is running properly, and your home heating is ready for next season. Schedule a maintenance visit with Appleby Systems to get ahead of the busy season and ensure that your air conditioner will cool your home all summer.
