Can You Run Heat and AC at the Same Time?

During the fall, the weather starts to turn and keeping a comfortable temperature in your home is trickier. It often means you need to bounce between running your AC and heater. But is this safe? Should you run both systems at once? Can you really run heat and AC at the same time?

Why it’s Essential to Switch Between AC and Heater Safely

While it’s true that using both systems at once can put a strain on your unit, it won’t necessarily cause any damage; in fact, many modern units are designed for this type of use.

However, if you don’t know how or when to make the switch, you could land yourself with high energy bills and costly repairs. Switching between AC and heater functions isn’t difficult and doesn’t require any special tools or training. If you’re willing to do a little research beforehand, you should be able to swap between modes without any problems.

Be Patient and Wait for the Cycle to Finish

It might be tempting to switch from heating to air-conditioning or vice versa in the middle of a cycle. But doing this causes damage to your system.

Always wait for the current cycle to finish. We recommend turning your thermostat to OFF and leaving your system off for five to ten minutes before adjusting the thermostat and switching.

Resist going from one extreme to the other. Turning it up or down as far as it will go won’t heat or cool your home any quicker, instead you’ll have an intensely cold or hot home. Stick to adjusting the temperature by a few degrees at a time.

It takes time for a system to cycle back on and cool down or warm up the house again. If you keep turning back and forth between modes, the system must work harder than necessary. Just keep in mind that switching between cycles leads to higher utility bills and premature wear-and-tear on your HVAC equipment — not a good combination!

Don’t let Your HVAC Unit Short Cycle

Short cycling is a term used to describe the practice of turning your HVAC system off and on frequently. If you’re constantly switching from air-conditioning to heating, you could increase the chances of short-cycling.

Short-cycling uses more energy, meaning you pay more for your heating and cooling. It’s also damaging to the equipment. For example, short-cycling puts extra stress on compressor motors, which may reduce their efficiency over time and lead to premature failure if left unchecked.

Another downside of short-cycling is higher energy bills. Constant switching between air-conditioning and heating may keep your home at the perfect temperature, but it may end up costing you more for your energy.

Compressor Locked Up? What to do Next.

The HVAC compressor is the heart of your air conditioner. It’s what pumps refrigerant through your system and draws in outside air through the condenser.

The compressor works by drawing air into the unit and compressing it. The compression creates a hot gas that expands, then drives a piston attached to a shaft. The shaft turns a fan blade and blows cold air out of the vents.

A locked-up compressor means that it has seized up and stopped working. Locking-up can happen for many reasons, but constantly switching from air-conditioning to heating can overwork the compressor.

If your HVAC compressor is locked up, you have a couple of options. You can try to repair it yourself or hire a professional. Calling a professional is always the best option if unsure of how your system works.

Not Sure how to Look After Your HVAC System? HVAC Maintenance has you Covered

Your heating and air conditioning system is the heart of your home. It keeps you comfortable, saves money, and can last for decades if properly maintained.

A properly maintained HVAC system works like a well-oiled machine, but it’s not as simple as changing the oil every spring or fall. And if your HVAC system isn’t working correctly, you spend more on your energy bills.

Maintenance helps to prevent these problems by keeping your system running at peak performance. Doing this means you won’t have to wait until a problem arises before it can be fixed. Instead, schedule routine maintenance appointments with a technician who will identify issues before they become major problems.

Why Smart Thermostats Make It Easier to Move from Summer to Fall

A smart thermostat can help you save money on utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Unlike traditional thermostats, which only turn off heating or cooling when you’re not home, smart thermostats learn the temperature that works best for you throughout the day and week.

Contact the HVAC experts at Adeedo for more information about smart thermostats and HVAC maintenance.