Is It Bad for My Unit to Go from AC To Heat?

hvac unit

Do you worry about switching your heating and air conditioning back and forth from AC to heat? In the south, we know all too well that the weather can be warm during the day and cool at night, especially in the spring. The good news is that you can protect your HVAC system and keep your home comfortable, no matter the weather. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Go Easy

Your HVAC system can handle going back and forth from heat to AC and vice versa. The key is going easy on it, meaning don’t make dramatic or extreme temperature changes on your thermostat. Instead, raising and lowering the temperature gradually, a few degrees at a time, will help your heating and cooling equipment make the adjustments without taking toll on the components. The gradual changes will allow it to be more effective and more energy-efficient than big swings one way or the other.

Don’t Interrupt a Cycle

If you want to change from AC to heat or heat to AC, make sure you don’t do it in the middle of a heating or cooling cycle. If you hear the air conditioner or furnace running, wait until it stops before making a change. The abrupt stop and shift can cause stress on the moving parts, potentially leading to damage that requires repair. It also uses excess energy to make sudden changes leading to higher energy bills.

Your HVAC unit can handle temperature changes, even if you want to switch from AC to heat and back again in the same day or even the same evening. By taking a few simple precautions, you can make the changes without risking damage to the unit. If you have any questions about making the switch or about your HVAC system in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to the expert team at your local McCall’s Supply, Inc. dealer.