Heat or AC? Staying Comfortable During the In-Between Seasons

No matter where you live, there’s usually at least one season that makes indoor comfort a challenge. Here in New England, spring and fall are often the most unpredictable. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and sudden temperature swings can leave homeowners constantly debating whether to turn on the heat or the air conditioning.

Creating a comfortable indoor environment during these transitional seasons can be tricky, but the key is finding the right balance.

For many people, the first instinct is to adjust the thermostat every time the weather changes. However, because temperatures during spring and fall are often fluctuating rather than extreme, constantly switching between heating and cooling may not be the most effective or energy-efficient solution.

Sometimes small adjustments can make a big difference. On a chilly fall morning, allowing more sunlight into your home can naturally warm the space. During a warmer spring afternoon, ceiling fans or improved airflow may provide enough cooling without needing to run the AC.

Of course, when temperatures shift dramatically, switching between heating and cooling may be necessary. The important thing is to avoid drastic thermostat changes whenever possible.

Depending on the type of HVAC system and thermostat you have, it may be best to make only small temperature adjustments or set a wider temperature range during the spring and fall months. This helps prevent your system from constantly cycling between heat and air conditioning, which can reduce efficiency and place unnecessary strain on your equipment.

Ultimately, maintaining comfort during the in-between seasons comes down to using your HVAC system strategically while taking advantage of simple solutions like natural sunlight, fans, and airflow whenever possible.