How to Deal With Large Day-to-Day Temperature Variations

As fall turns into winter in Philadelphia, it’s getting colder seemingly by the hour. Yet, even after needing to bundle up in three layers one day, you may find yourself in shorts and a T-shirt the next. This is especially true with the temperature fluctuations El Nino is presenting this year. While this is a nuisance to you, it can be highly detrimental for your HVAC system.

Constantly changing the thermostat can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your system. In addition, the large day-to-day temperature variations may damage the HVAC system without any input from you. However, there are some steps you can take to help your HVAC system thrive during these large day-to-day temperature variations.

Open the Windows and Build a Fire

In the winter, HVAC professionals, including those at ServiceWhale, recommend leaving your thermostat at 68 degrees. On an average day, this temperature is pretty much near perfect. But on especially warm or cold days, it can be hellish. However, there are ways to control the temperature of your home without damaging the HVAC system.

If the outside temperature feels better than the indoors, simply turn off the thermostat and throw open the windows. In the fall, many insects are already dormant and shouldn’t be a problem. But, screens for your windows never hurt. In the same light, if you have a fireplace in your common room, use it. This is especially true if everyone is mostly in the same room watching a movie or otherwise socializing. By using the heat of a fire, you can save big on energy.

Change Your Filters

If you have ever had any sort of HVAC problem, the first question a contractor will likely ask is, “When was the last time you changed your filters?” This is especially important with large day-to-day temperature variations. Different allergens may be more prevalent on warmer or colder days, and therefore your filters may be doing twice the work they usually would.

You can always get cheap filters from your local hardware store, but for the best results, you want to get HEPA/high efficiency filters. These will catch just about every allergen before it enters the air you breathe in. If someone in your household suffers from bad allergies, this can be crucial to their wellbeing.

Get Your System Checked

With large day-to-day temperature variations, you may decide to switch from heating to cooling often to keep the house at a good temperature. If so, it is important you get your HVAC system maintained to keep it in good working order. You want to do this as soon as possible so both your furnace and AC are ready to go at a moment’s notice with little to no hassle.

There are some steps you can take on your own to prepare your HVAC system for this increased activity, such as changing your filters. But, for the best results, you want to have an experienced contractor inspect and repair your HVAC system and get it in top shape. If you need work done on your HVAC system to deal with these large day-to-day temperature variations in Philadelphia, ServiceWhale can help. Simply fill out our online form and get quotes almost instantly for whatever work you need done.