We all know that here in Connecticut, weather this time of year can be…. strange.
One second it could be freezing, snowing, windy, and pretty miserable and the next the sun is shining and we’re hitting warmer temperatures and all is happy and right with the world.
The questions is, how do you prepare your HVAC system for this unpredictable weather? Do you leave your windows open when it is nice out, risking a cold snap to chill your house? Do you build up some heat in your home over a cold day, only to have it be even warmer outside the next day? Our team of TMS professionals want to help you navigate this unpredictable weather and prepare your HVAC system and your home as best possible.
Prepare To Save Energy
When the weather takes a turn for the unpredictable, one of the most prominent ways it affects your life is in your electricity and gas bills. Switching from heating, to cooling, opening windows, bundling up, can keep your HVAC constantly running in one way or another. This can add up quick, costing more than double your standard electricity bill, without seeing many real benefits.
Keep these fluctuations down by establishing temperature settings for certain weather conditions. A good way to mitigate spending during warm fluctuations is to let your thermostat stay on Auto, and Heat at a low temperature (we recommend 67). This may allow your home to get a little toasty during the day, but when the temperature takes the inevitable dive back down at night, you will have prepared your HVAC system to heat appropriately during your sleeping hours.
Similarly, if you fear a cold snap, but the standard temperature is a comfortable range for you it might be worth leaving the windows open and monitoring the cold levels. Having the HVAC set to cool to a very high temperature, such as 76 or higher, and closing the windows before night can help keep your house a comfortable temperature without spending any additional money.
Prepare To Stay Comfortable
Unpredictable weather can not only hurt your wallet, but also your comfort levels. No one likes waking up to freezing temperatures after throwing off the blankets in a fit of heat and exhaustion. Maintaining comfortable temperatures does require a little planning and forethought, but once your start implementing these systems, you can best prepare your HVAC system for staying comfortable.
When the temperature is warm, it might seem counterintuitive to set your thermostat to heat, but it is exactly what you will want to do at night during these unstable seasons. During the day, you might prepare your HVAC system to cool your house to 72 or whatever you find most comfortable, but at night the best way to maintain a comfortable temperature is to set your thermostat to heat at 72. This can incur extra costs, because your HVAC system is constantly running all day, but it will prepare your HVAC to keep you at your most comfortable, at all times.
Prepare With Technology
One of the best ways to prepare your HVAC system for fluctuating weather is to install a smart thermostat. These wonders of technology can be charted to your schedule, monitor the weather and temperature, and be programmed to do a host of all other things. These prepare your HVAC system to maintain a temperature within certain thresholds, allowing you to program it to cool if the temperature reaches above 74, but heat if it dips below 65. This can cost extra on your bills, due to the changing modes of your HVAC system, but it can guarantee your temperature remains within your comfort levels.
Balance this out by programming the thermostat to turn off heating and cooling when the house is empty, or during the hottest or coolest hours of the day. By having a programmable thermostat, you can save or spend as much money as you are willing to.
Prepare With Regular Maintenance
To best combat changing weather, your HVAC system has to be able to act fast and efficiently. The best way to make sure this happens is to schedule and perform regular cleaning and maintenance. Dust and other airborne items can clog your HVAC unit and its filters. Making sure to have your regular maintenance done will absolutely help to keep your house cooler when it is warm and warmer when it is cool.
When keeping your home stable in unstable conditions, the most important thing is to prepare. Prepare your HVAC to maintain your most comfortable temperature in order to make sure your house is always perfect. Whether your focus is maintaining a low cost, or the perfect temperature, our steps can help insure you get what you want.
Prepare your HVAC system by scheduling your annual maintenance and safety inspections with Total Mechanical Systems and let us help you to always stay one step ahead of unpredictable weather.
Source: https://www.generalac.com/prepare-your-hvac-for-fluctuating-weather/
