Is It Bad to Turn on Your AC and Heater at the Same Time?

Climate change has made the weather unpredictable as the cold and hot weather tend to alternate frequently. As a result, you alternate between the AC and heater. However, you may wonder if switching your AC and heater simultaneously is possible.

Running your AC and heater simultaneously has more disadvantages than advantages. For the most part, it leads to excessive energy consumption. So, if you want your HVAC to serve you longer, it’s essential to apply it in a way that dont cause it to wear out fast.

Asking the right questions to an HVAC expert ensures you know the correct way to use your cooling and heating unit. For example, Direct Air is an HVAC provider that has knowledgeable technicians who will help you figure out how to work your AC and heater for the best results.   

Thankfully, this guide explores the pros and cons of simultaneously turning on an AC and heater. Keep reading to learn more if you are curious about what would happen if you simultaneously turned on your AC and heater.

What happens when you turn on the AC and heater at the same time?

The things that happen when you turn on the AC and heater simultaneously are mostly disadvantageous. If it gets too hot in your space because the heater is running, the AC is your answer. However, running the AC and heater simultaneously dehumidifies the air in your area.

The competition between the two will also cause an increase in energy consumption. Also, having the two run together will wear down the entire system. However, there is a way around it. You can let each run in its turn. You’ll be amazed at the results, especially when you receive your utility bill at the end of the month.

How do you switch from ac to heater and vice versa

There is no telling how the weather will be tomorrow. So, it only makes sense to keep switching between cooling and heating as it changes. Following the correct procedure ensures energy efficiency and prevents system overload, which often leads to damage.

There are rules about how to go about it. For example, set the thermostat to auto. So, when starting the switch from AC to heating, it’s essential first to set the thermostat to auto. There’s not much to it since all you have to do is turn the dial.

Allow for the current cycle to end. Switching pre-maturely, before the cycle ends, will likely damage the system by causing the compressor to lock.

Adjust the thermostat to a preferred temperature. The cycle ends in a few minutes, and you may adjust the thermoset as you please.

What happens during short cycling in HVAC

Failure to give a cycle time to end causes short cycling, leading to components breaking down, poor energy efficiency, and high energy bills. It’s worse if you are constantly switching between AC and heating. Also, with short cycling, the unit works harder than intended.

It’s a series of problems from that point. First, short cycling only damages the unit’s interior components, such as the compressor. It breaks down from the pressure during short cycling.

Although it makes sense to switch between cooling and heating, resist it if you can. Find other creative ways of staying cool or warm instead. It will save you from paying more electricity bills and possibly hiring a repair professional.

Creative ways to avoid switching from AC to the heater and vice versa

What if you could avoid figuring out all these issues with heating and cooling systems? It requires you to rethink the need for cooling and heating systems. The switching back and forth between cooling and heating will eventually wear the systems out too.

For instance, during the day, when heat accumulates in your home, opening a window and turning on a fan might help manage the heart. However, an air conditioner is not necessary at such a time. Another thing that may help is wearing lighter clothes.

You could add blankets, layer up on warm clothes, and do away with the heater when it’s cold at night. You can do that when there are power interruptions due to unpredictable weather. Try them out and see if you can sustain them to help your HVAC last longer.

How to get the compressor working after locking up from short cycling

Please don’t wait until it’s too late to figure out the problems with the compressor in your AC. You can always look for signs to help you know when the compressor locks up. For example, a burning smell or unusual noises from the compressor could signify it’s locked.

A compressor is one of the essential parts of the HVAC system and yet the most sensitive. Besides the refrigerant leaking, short cycling is the other factor that could cause a compressor to break down. The good news is that you can fix it by trying either of two things.

a) Turn off the breaker

The first thing you should try is turning off the breaker. A breaker controls the unit. Letting the breaker sit for a few minutes releases the pressure in the system to facilitate a reboot.

b) Manual alternative

Alternatively, you may go with a more manual option. It involves turning the breaker to start the compressor. Once done, you may push the start button on the thermostat. Thankfully, these are things you can do yourself without requiring professional help.

Pro Tip: Consider asking for professional help if all your attempts to revive the compressor fail.

Conclusion

Although the weather can be unpredictable, you can’t give up cooling and warming your space accordingly. Running your AC and heater alongside each other is terrible, but you can alternate between both modes. Switching involves rules, such as giving the system time to end a cycle.

Rushing your system into a cycle before it ends a previous one causes short cycling and, later, a locked compressor. Instead, follow the correct procedure of switching from AC to the heater described above to avoid problems in your system. Better yet, ask for help from an expert.