HVAC Tips for Staying Comfortable during Fluctuating Temperatures
Here in the Midwest, the weather patterns are very unpredictable. It’s not uncommon to have a 70 degree day followed by a sharp drop to 40 degrees the next day. Spring and Fall are a guessing game. Do you run the AC or the furnace? 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? The team at Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning want to help you navigate this unpredictable weather. Here are a few tips for staying comfortable and saving money on energy bills.
Hedge Your Bet to Save Energy
When your HVAC system is forced to switch back and forth, it costs you energy. Heating and cooling bills both rise. Instead of trying to keep indoor temperatures exactly where you want them, hedge your bet a bit.
During warm fluctuations, let your thermostat stay on Auto, and set your Heat to a low temperature (like 67 or lower). This may allow your home to get a little toasty during the day, but when the temperature drops back down at night, your furnace will be set to heat appropriately during your sleeping hours.
Similarly, if you know a cold snap is coming, but the temperature is a comfortable range for you, it might be worth leaving the windows open and monitoring the outside temperature. Set the HVAC to cool at a very high temperature, (like 76 or higher), and close the windows before night so your home can stay at a comfortable temperature without spending any additional money.
Set the Thermostat for the Predicted Temperature at Night
When the temperature is warm, it might seem like a bad idea to switch your thermostat to Heat at night, but since the temperature drops at night, setting the thermostat to kick on when it gets cold is your best bet to stay comfortable. That way you won’t wake up freezing.
Let the Thermostat Do the Work
One of the best ways to always be comfortable and lower energy bills is to install a programmable or smart thermostat. These thermostats can be set to predetermined temperatures throughout the day every day of the week. You don’t have to watch the weather and try to predict what it will do. Your thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature to your pre-determined settings.
You can also save money by programming them to adjust the temperature when no one is at home during the day. You can set them to resume heating or cooling an hour or so before people return home so the house is a comfortable temperature when they arrive. This will save you money on your heating and cooling bills year round.
Stay Prepared with Regular Maintenance
Keeping your HVAC system in peak working condition will help to ensure your comfort. The best way to make sure this happens is to schedule and perform regular cleaning and maintenance. When loose parts are tightened and moving parts are lubricated, everything runs more smoothly and efficiently and breakdowns are less likely to happen. Dust and other particles in the air can build up quickly, so make sure to change your filter when recommended.
Service is the cornerstone of the G-Force Rapid Air Repair Team. We have the most extensively trained, longest tenured service staff in the area. Our technicians are trained to work on all makes and models of air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps. While they are highly trained in HVAC repairs and installations, you can expect a little more from a Getzschman technician. They will never curse or smoke in your home. They will wear covers on their shoes to keep your floors clean, and they will leave your Omaha home as neat and clean as they found it. We think you should expect nothing less.