Harsh weather can make your energy bills to get really expensive, especially when your HVAC system is working overtime. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Columbus, Ohio, can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce strain on their HVAC system by using smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a fall or spring HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these simple changes can help you stay comfortable and cut costs.

Here, the experts at Classic Air will offer their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without giving up comfort.

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often makes the biggest impact is regular HVAC maintenance. Scheduling pro furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring ensures these systems are in top shape and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to detect and resolve any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from avoidable HVAC repair and potentially extending the life of your heating and cooling equipment. 

2. Use Specific Programmable Thermostat Settings for Winter and Summer

Programmable thermostats offer many ways to reduce electricity use. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to decrease a few degrees when the home is empty and warm back up when you get home. Even a small temperature shift can make a noticeable difference.

Push your savings up a notch with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to track your daily patterns and automatically fine-tune your home temperature. Because of this smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—and you don't have to manually change the temperature.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in old ductwork allow heated or cooled air to escape. Work with a reliable HVAC technician to determine if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Repairing or sealing air ducts, improving insulation and eliminating air gaps all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Do Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Clear debris like sticks, leaves and plants from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment 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, changing it if it’s clogged or every 90 days
  • Keep air vents and registers are uncovered
  • Review your temperature schedule, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

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

Boost energy efficiency by installing new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than non-rated units. When selecting cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Unsure what SEER means? The basic 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 significantly reduce energy bills and boost comfort throughout the year.

Work with Classic Air to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Classic Air is the HVAC company Columbus, Ohio, locals rely on for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to heating and cooling installation, we provide full-service service all year. Call 614-739-1627 today for Columbus, Ohio, HVAC service you can count on.