Can You Run Your Furnace & Air Conditioner on the Same Day? Here’s Our Guide to Staying Comfortable.
March and April are known for their large temperature swings here in the Midwest. It’s not uncommon to wake up to below-freezing temperatures in the morning only to be sweating by the afternoon. Sometimes you may feel like you’ve experienced summer, winter, spring, and fall — all in one day.
When large temperature changes happen, you may wonder what the best way is to properly heat and cool your home. Let’s take a closer look at how to set your thermostat in the spring to keep yourself comfortable while making sure your furnace and air conditioner are running smoothly.
Is It OK to Switch Between Heat & Air Conditioning on the Same Day?
This is a common question we get during transitional seasons, and it’s one of the most important to answer when you’re trying to stay comfortable. In short: Yes, it’s perfectly fine to switch back and forth between your furnace and air conditioning on the same day. Doing this will not harm your equipment, but it could help keep you comfortable.
The next question you may have is how to do this safely and efficiently. How you do this will depend on the type of thermostat you have. Here’s a quick look at some recommendations.
Using “Auto Changeover” Mode on Your Programmable Thermostat
Many modern thermostats have a setting called auto changeover. This setting can revolutionize your approach to heating and cooling your home in the spring.
To use auto changeover, simply set your thermostat to the temperature (or temperature range) you want. Make sure both your furnace and air conditioner are switched on. If it gets too hot, the air conditioning will run. If it gets too cold, the furnace will run. This is similar to how a thermostat works in a car when “auto” is turned on.
Learn More: Read more of our tips for maximizing your programmable thermostat.
Setting Your Manual Thermostat in the Spring
If your thermostat is older (or not digital), it likely won’t support the auto changeover feature. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you’ll need to take a more manual approach.
Our recommendation is to switch between the two manually when the temperature starts warming during the day and when it becomes cool at night. Or, you could do this before you leave for work in the morning and after you come back home at night. Just be sure to give your system a few minutes to rest between switching modes.
What is the Ideal Indoor Temperature Setting for Spring?
So what’s the best temperature setting during the spring? It depends on your comfort level. Often, the closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less energy you will need to heat or cool your home. But you also want to make sure that you, and especially any children or pets, are kept in optimal conditions.
In cold weather, you can save money by setting your thermostat at around 68-70 degrees during the time you are at home, and lower during the nighttime or hours of the day when you are not at home.
In warm weather, the recommended temperature is around 78 degrees. Similar to in winter, you can set it 5-10 degrees higher during the hours you’re not at home.
If you have a programmable thermostat with auto changeover, you can use this 68-78 range as a baseline: Kicking on the heat when the temperature drops below 68 degrees and kicking on the air conditioner when the temperature exceeds 78 degrees.
The perfect window will depend on your preferences. However, we would recommend not setting the point where your air conditioning switches off, and your heater switches on to the same temperature. If you leave a 5-10 degree window here, it will give your system more time to transition and should also help you save money.
Learn More: Explore our top 10 energy-saving tips.
Other Tips to Maximize Energy Efficiency & Comfort in Spring
Service Your Air Conditioner Once It Starts Getting Warmer
Our experts recommend scheduling an air conditioner service check once the temperatures start rising to around 60 degrees. This will ensure your unit is in good working condition for the summer ahead and eliminate any surprises when you need to start using it again.
Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor A/C Unit
Ensuring the area around your unit is clear of brush, debris, or any other obstructions will help make sure it has the space it needs to run efficiently. Here are some other ways to prepare your A/C for summer.
Check Your Windows
Checking the seal on your windows and making sure you have blinds or drapes on them will help make your home more energy efficient. The seal will ensure you don’t lose your cooled or heated air, while the window coverings will help reduce heating due to sunlight.
Is Your A/C Ready for Spring? Contact Iowa’s HVAC Experts
Here at Wyckoff Heating & Cooling, we’re no strangers to Iowa’s ever-changing weather. We’re here and ready to help make sure both your air conditioning and heater are in good working order whenever you need them most.
If you’re looking to schedule a tune-up for your air conditioning or have questions about how to keep your home comfortable, don’t hesitate to contact us.