Year-round temperatures in Texas can be unpredictable, to say the least. During our version of “winter,” you might find yourself needing your heater one day then your AC the next--sometimes even on the same day!
If you’re concerned about the effect this might have on your HVAC system, have no worries. It’s okay to switch back and forth between your heater and your air conditioner as long as you’re doing it correctly. Here is what you should keep in mind to avoid running up your energy bills or putting unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
Set Your Thermostat Correctly
If you see dramatic temperature fluctuations in the weather forecast, go ahead and set your HVAC system’s thermostat to AUTO. Why? When your home reaches the temperature on your thermostat, your HVAC system will shut off. When you set your thermostat to ON, the system will run continuously until you tell it otherwise.
Don’t Interrupt the System’s Current Cycle
When you’re ready to make the switch from your AC to your heater or vice versa, wait for the system that’s currently running to shut off. It shouldn’t take long. Once your heating or cooling system’s cycle is complete, set your thermostat to OFF, and wait about five minutes before switching to your other system.
Make Minor Adjustments
This last step is important to keep your energy bills low. Your HVAC system will require a lot of energy to make a drastic temperature change in your home. This is because it will need to run longer to reach the temperature on the thermostat. Keep in mind that long cycles also increase wear and tear on your HVAC equipment.
Avoid these issues by letting your system cool or warm your home by just a few degrees at a time until you reach your desired temperature. For optimum energy savings during winter, the Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you're awake at home and lower while you’re away from home or asleep. During summer, the DOE recommends 78 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re at home and higher while you’re not.
Fast and Fair With Your Repair
At Rescue Air and Plumbing, we provide quality repairs for furnaces and air conditioners that ensure your equipment will run safely and efficiently. Call us today at (972) 201-3253 or contact us online to schedule your appointment with our Dallas HVAC experts.