Harsh weather can make your energy bills to skyrocket, especially when your HVAC system is working overtime. The good news? Homeowners in Huntingburg, Indiana, can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following effective energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these small things can help you stay comfortable and save money.

Here, the professionals at Dearing's Service & Solutions will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without compromising comfort.

1. Get for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for homeowners, one that often has the greatest impact is routine HVAC maintenance. Scheduling professional furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring helps make sure these systems are in peak condition and ready for the heating and cooling seasons. It's also a good time to identify and address any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially maximizing the service life of your heating and cooling system. 

2. Use Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats provide several ways to save energy. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly while the home is unoccupied and shift the temperature back up when you get back. Even a small temperature shift can make a noticeable difference.

Take your savings a step further with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to learn your routines and automatically adjust your heating and cooling settings. Because of this smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—without you having to do a thing.

3. Prevent Energy Waste By Sealing Air Leaks in Your Home

Air leaks around windows, doors and in damaged ductwork permit heated or cooled air to escape. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to determine if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Repairing or sealing air ducts, making sure you have adequate insulation and blocking drafts all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home warm or cool.

4. Perform Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

In addition to scheduling a technician for routine HVAC maintenance, you can reduce energy bills by performing these home HVAC maintenance tips:

  • Remove debris like sticks, dried leaves and plants from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Wash the condenser coils of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a seasonal HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Inspect your system's filter monthly, replacing if dirty or every 90 days
  • Keep air vents and registers are uncovered
  • Make sure your thermostat is set correctly, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

5. Replace Aging, Inefficient Units with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Increase energy efficiency by installing new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Consider opting for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which uses less energy than un-rated units. When selecting cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Not sure what SEER means? The easiest SEER rating explanation: the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. This also is true with AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which measures efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more more energy efficient the equipment. These efficiency measurements are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can really help reduce energy bills and boost comfort throughout the year.

Work with Dearing's Service & Solutions to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Dearing's Service & Solutions is the HVAC company Huntingburg, Indiana, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to HVAC system upgrades, we provide comprehensive service all year. Call 812-956-0349 today for Huntingburg, Indiana, HVAC service you can depend on.