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Thermostat Programming Tips for Spring

The shift from winter to spring brings a welcome change for most of us. Those longer days, the extra sunlight from daylight savings, and the gradual warmth that replaces the winter chill. These are all things we look forward to. 

With this seasonal transition comes a to-do list. Maybe you’re planning to give your car that thorough wash it’s been needing, or perhaps you’ll remove those draft blockers from your windows. For many homeowners, though, this time means learning how to adjust your thermostat for maximum comfort and savings. 

These tips will help you get the most from your thermostat while taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather headed your way.

Set Up a Spring Temperature Schedule That Makes Sense

Your home’s temperature needs to change dramatically when spring arrives. The weather outside shifts constantly during these months — warm afternoons might follow chilly mornings, while evening temperatures can drop unexpectedly. Programming your thermostat with a schedule that matches these patterns saves energy and keeps your home comfortable.

Try setting your morning temperature slightly higher than in winter but still cool enough for comfort. Program the thermostat to raise the temperature or turn it off completely during mid-day when the sun naturally warms your home. You might not need your heating system at all during peak daylight hours, which dramatically cuts your energy consumption. Your smart thermostat can make these adjustments automatically once set up.

Take Advantage of the Shoulder Season With Proper Fan Settings

Spring gives you the perfect chance to use your system’s fan settings more effectively. The shoulder season between heating and cooling offers ideal conditions to circulate air without running your furnace or air conditioner constantly (especially not a brandinew AC installed recently).

Set your thermostat fan to “AUTO” instead of “ON” during spring to avoid unnecessary energy use. When temperatures are mild, program your thermostat to use the fan-only mode during certain hours. This circulates the indoor air without heating or cooling it. Many programmable thermostats let you schedule fan-only periods. 

Add ceiling fans to the mix for even better air circulation, creating a comfortable climate without taxing your HVAC system or raising your utility bills.

Use Temperature Differentials to Your Advantage

Your home’s indoor-outdoor temperature difference can work for you during spring. The smaller this gap, the less your heating system has to work. This principle helps you program your thermostat more efficiently.

Check your local weather forecast each week and adjust your thermostat program accordingly. If daytime temperatures reach the mid-60s, you might set your daytime temperature lower or even turn the heat off completely. Program your thermostat to maintain a few degrees difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures when possible. Your heat pump or furnace won’t need to work as hard, and you’ll see the difference in your energy bills while maintaining good indoor air quality throughout your home.

Create Smart Cooling Transition Points for Unpredictable Weather

Spring weather can change quickly, switching from heating to cooling on the same day. Your programmable thermostat should handle these transitions smoothly without wasting energy. 

Program your thermostat with “dead bands” — temperature ranges where neither heating nor cooling should be activated. For example, set it to heat only when temperatures fall below 68°F and cool only when they rise above 78 °F. This 10-degree gap prevents your system from constantly switching between modes on those unpredictable spring days. 

Some smart thermostats can monitor the weather forecast through your smartphone and automatically adjust these transition points, saving you time and preventing inefficient temperature swings.

Welcome Spring With Smart Control — Or Upgrade Your Options!

You can greet the new season confidently with these thermostat programming strategies, but you can only do it if you have a thermostat. Thankfully, Henley’s Plumbing & Air upgrades homes with programmable thermostats for residents in and around San Bernadino, CA. These devices give you incredible customization options and can learn your preferences and adjust based on whether you’re home or away.

We provide these thermostats to residents in the following areas:

  • Riverside
  • Fontana
  • Redlands
  • Calimesa
  • Cherry Valley
  • Woodcrest
  • Chino
  • Chino Hills
  • Ontario
  • Anaheim
  • Jurupa Valley
  • Eastvale
  • Corona
  • Norco
  • And more!

Call now and ask about thermostats!