A/C and Heat in the Same Day: A Houston Winter
Have you switched your HVAC system from A/C to heat for the season? Or you constantly switching back to A/C? A lot of homeowners wonder when they should switch their system between heating and cooling. Because it all depends on the size of your house, the efficiency of your HVAC system, and your geographical location, the answer is different for everyone. If you’re lucky enough to be a Houston resident, the fickle weather can make it more challenging to figure out the schedule that works best for you. Our unique climate here in the Houston can make for warm days and cold nights, so you might even find yourself feeling like you need to switch between A/C and heat in the same day. While switching back and forth between the two is not inherently harmful for your system, there are a few important things you should know before pressing that button.
Tips for Switching Systems in the Same Day
Because of the extra workload it puts on your HVAC unit, switching back and forth between the systems will make your annual HVAC inspection even more important to make sure everything runs smoothly in the long run. If you’re keeping up with annual maintenance, you’re already on the right track. Still, taking a few precautionary measures can mean all the difference for keeping your current HVAC system functional for a long time. Here are two tips to ensure you’re switching between heating and cooling in the safest way possible.
1) Wait 5 minutes between turning off one system and starting the other. Switching too quickly can blow a fuse or fry your circuitboard.
2) When you do make the switch between heating and cooling, make changes to your system’s set temperature gradually. For example, if you’re switching from heat to cooling, slowly work towards your preferred temperature by taking it down a couple degrees every half hour or so. Making too big of a jump in temperature while switching systems can strain your HVAC system and cause technical problems.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Your HVAC system is an investment, and just like with home ownership, this investment requires regular maintenance. Avoiding maintenance will just cause more expensive repairs down the road and can even lead to dangerous situations. It’s not just about your wallet or your comfort–it’s about the safety of you and your family. So in our climate, when you find yourself switching back and forth between the two systems often, it is a good idea to get maintenance help bi-annually (at the start of the heating season and at the start of the cooling season). When it comes to safety with your HVAC unit, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Call Houston AC Master at 713-516-3115 today to schedule your next HVAC system maintenance. Together we’ll make sure that your system is keeping you and your family comfortable for years to come.
