As the weather shifts in spring and fall, many residents notice their suites feeling too warm or too cool — even when the building systems are working normally. This period is called the “shoulder season.”
It’s the in-between time when we move from summer cooling to winter heating (or vice versa). Temperatures outside can swing from hot to chilly in a single day, making it tricky for any central system to keep everyone perfectly comfortable.
Central systems can’t heat and cool at the same time.
The building must fully switch over from cooling to heating. A process that can take a few days, and can’t be flipped back and forth every few days.
Outdoor temperatures change quickly.
Outdoor temperatures can rise above 25°C one day and drop below 10°C the next. If the system is set to “cool” during a sudden cold snap, suites on shaded or north-facing sides may feel chilly. Conversely, if it’s set to “heat” and the weather suddenly warms, sun-exposed units may become too warm.
Suite orientation matters.
South-facing units get more sun and warm up faster, while north-facing ones stay cooler
Use blinds or curtains to block or keep in heat.
Open a window slightly (if permitted) to balance air.
Run a fan to circulate air evenly.
Be patient — the weather (and comfort levels) will soon even out once the system is fully switched over.
Shoulder seasons only last a few weeks, but they can make a big difference in comfort. These short periods are part of safely changing over the building’s systems for the next season.