If you are concerned about temperature changes, why not just leave it turned on 24/7? I'm sure that it might help to gradual heat it up especially if your unit has been outside in the dead of winter, is ice cold, and you haven't given it time to reach room temperature; to be honest I've never done either...in fact I do just the opposite...I crank mine all the way up to get it to heat up faster, and then turn it down to my sweet spot that I have marked. When I'm done with it I've NEVER turned it down gradually, I just turn it off. My SSV is from 2009 and still going strong. I've never had a problem other than the time I accidentally lowered my hospital bed onto the power cord and cut damaged the power cord.
I had to send it in to 7th Floor for a new power cord which was no big deal, and actually turned out to be a great thing because Steve at 7th Floor not only replaced the power cord (which I paid for), he also surprised me by upgrading my SSV with the newer easy change heater cover bracket. He even popped a new heater cover on before sending it back to me. He didn't even charge me for the bracket or heater cover. I absolutely love the improved heater cover bracket...its so simple to change heater covers without the hassle of putting in shims.
I ADORE all of the people at 7th Floor and Elev8! What a WONDERFUL group of creative, artistic and compassionate people.