Can I Run an Air Conditioner and Heater at the Same Time?

09/01/22

The weather’s changing in Cincinnati, and you may switch between your AC and heater systems during summer and fall. However, before using both systems, there are a few guidelines to follow to prevent damage. Here are some tips from us to make the process easier.

Run an Air Conditioner and Heater at the Same Time

We get it. You need AC when it’s hot out and heat when it’s cold outside. But there are ways to go about switching between the two that can save you money in the long run.

Switching between the two systems is fine. However, it’s good to spend some time reading about the correct way to switch before you start. Changing settings too quickly can lead to increased wear and tear and higher energy bills.

Be Sure that the System has Completed its Current Cycle

If you’re missing the summer heat and feeling the chill, you’ll be keen to get your heating system running. But hold off on the switch until your air-conditioner finishes its current cycle.

If you switch too quickly from heating to cooling or vice versa, you can cause damage to your HVAC system. If you suddenly switch from one source of heat to another, that could cause problems with the compressor or other unit parts.

The secret is to turn your thermostat to AUTO, wait for the cycle to finish and then switch the thermostat to OFF. Wait at least five minutes before switching to heat and only change the temperature by a few degrees.

Switching this way will help you avoid costly HVAC maintenance bills.

Why you Shouldn’t let Your Air Conditioner Short-Cycle

Your HVAC unit is designed to run continuously until the desired temperature is reached. When you constantly shut it off or switch to the heating mode, it cools down a bit before starting up again. If it has to restart often, it doesn’t have enough time to cool down properly between cycles. This can damage the compressor, which could end up costing money to replace.

To avoid short-cycling, make sure you follow the switching procedures correctly. Even better, try to keep switching from air-conditioning to heating to a minimum. You’ll save money on your energy bills and prevent a hefty HVAC maintenance and repair bill.

What to do with a Locked-Up Compressor

It’s no fun when your HVAC compressor locks up. Unfortunately, a locked-up compressor is one of the most common problems with an AC unit.

Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can try yourself to get your air conditioner back up and running again.

1. Check the fuse or breaker. If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air, but there is power going to the unit, check the fuse or breaker in your electrical box first. If blown, replace it with a 15-amp fuse or reset the breaker by pushing it in. If that doesn’t work, move on to step two.
2. Check for loose wires or connections. The next step is ensuring all your wires and connections are tight and secure. You should also check that nothing obstructs any parts of the unit (like dirt).

If you aren’t sure how to check your air-conditioning and heater system, the best thing to do is call an expert. You don’t want to cause further damage to the system by trying to guess how to fix the issue.

Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance to Keep Your System Running Smoothly

Your HVAC system is an integral part of your home. It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. That’s why it’s essential to maintain it regularly.

You may be surprised to learn that HVAC maintenance also protects the environment. A well-maintained HVAC system is more environmentally friendly than one that hasn’t been maintained regularly. A poorly maintained AC unit can emit carbon monoxide into the air, harming people and animals. Plus, it can contaminate drinking water if there are leaks in pipes due to corrosion or other problems with the unit itself. A well-maintained HVAC system uses less energy overall — which is better for you and the planet!

Invest in a Smart Thermostat to Ward off the Chilly Weather

Smart thermostats use wireless technology to connect to your phone or tablet, so you can keep tabs on the temperature anywhere in your home — even from across town.

The benefits of using a smart thermostat aren’t limited to just saving money on your energy bills. You can also expect to see other benefits such as:

• Improved indoor air quality
• Fewer home fires and carbon monoxide poisonings
• Improved comfort levels in your home
• A simple way to keep track of your energy usage
• Increased security when you’re away from home

For more information about how to keep your home comfortable as summer moves into fall, contact the HVAC professionals at HELP.

Posted in: Meters & Thermostats