Beat the Spring Swings: Avoid Overpaying for HVAC in Northern Colorado

Springtime in Northern Colorado is not for the faint of heart. One day it’s snowing, the next it’s sunny and 75 degrees. With this kind of weather whiplash, it’s tempting to run your HVAC system around the clock just to stay comfortable. But if you're not careful, that comfort can come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid overpaying for HVAC during the spring swings. Here are some cost-savings tips from A Plus Heating and AC, Northern Colorado’s pro choice for home comfort services.

1. Get a Spring Tune-Up (Early!)

In Northern Colorado, spring is the calm before the summer heat—and the perfect time to schedule an HVAC tune-up. Technicians are less busy than in peak summer months, and if you’re on our HVAC maintenance plan, you’re already good to go! A well-timed maintenance check ensures your system is running efficiently, helps you catch small issues before they become costly repairs, and can even extend the life of your unit.

2. Manage Your Thermostat Wisely

This is arguably the most important tip to save money on seasonal HVAC. Springtime in Colorado typically brings warm days that can reach into the 80s, with chilly nights plunging down into the 40s, 30s, and occasionally even lower. Even for residents who have lived here a long time, this oscillation can make regulating your home environment in spring confusing and frustrating.

To master the season of swings, set reminders on your phone to adjust manual thermostats, or upgrade to a smart thermostat and program it to turn off the heat in the morning and turn it back on in the evening. Avoid running the heat or A/C when you’re not home, and avoid strain on the system by making programmed or manual thermostat adjustments moderate rather than extreme. 

3. Use Nature to Your Advantage

Take advantage of cool nights and warm, breezy days; open your windows during the evening and early morning hours to naturally cool your home if it gets too warm during the day. Using ceiling or box fans strategically can also circulate fresh air and reduce the need for A/C. The less you rely on your HVAC system, the lower your energy bill will be—and the less wear and tear on the system.

On a similar note, use the daytime heat to your advantage as well: turn your heat back on in the evening, just before the sun goes down and the house gets cold again. This means your system won’t have to work as hard to bring the temperature back up for the night.

4. Check Filters and Seals

A clogged air filter or leaky duct can make your HVAC system work twice as hard, driving up costs. Change your air filter every 1-3 months (more often if you have pets), and check windows and doors for drafts. In older homes, especially common in areas like Old Town Fort Collins or central Loveland, these small inefficiencies can add up fast.

5. Watch the Forecast

Prep for especially long cold or warm stretches by keeping an eye on the 10-day weather forecast. It’s not uncommon for Northern Colorado to see alternating weeks of wintry and warmer weather in the spring, so looking out for these stretches (especially if you’re planning to be away during one) can help you get your thermostat properly dialed in.

Get Peace of Mind in Volatile Seasons with A Plus’ Maintenance Plans

Springtime in the Rockies may be unpredictable, but you can stay ahead of all the volatility by enrolling in A Plus Heating’s HVAC maintenance plan. With priority service and biannual tuneups, you’ll be prepared for every season and all the weather Colorado can throw at you.