Harsh weather can make your energy bills to get really expensive, especially if your HVAC system is running constantly. But there's good news. Homeowners in Columbus, Ohio, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce stress on their HVAC system by using smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these minor adjustments can help you keep comfortable and save money.

Here, the professionals at Classic Air will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often has the greatest impact is regular HVAC maintenance. Scheduling expert furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring is a great way to make sure these systems are in top shape and ready for the heating and cooling seasons. It's also a good time to spot and fix any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from costly service calls and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats offer multiple ways to save energy. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're not home. In winter, set the temperature to lower a bit when the home is empty 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 track your daily patterns and automatically fine-tune your home temperature. This means smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—with minimal effort on your part.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in old ductwork enable heated or cooled air to seep out of your home. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to evaluate whether you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, making sure you have adequate insulation and stopping airflow leaks all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home warm or cool.

4. Perform Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Remove debris like sticks, leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a regular HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Inspect your system's filter monthly, swapping for a clean one if it's dirty or every 90 days
  • Ensure air vents and registers are open and unblocked
  • Make sure your thermostat is set correctly, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

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

Improve energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which uses less energy than un-rated units. When picking out cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Not sure 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 enhance your comfort.

Work with Classic Air to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place Classic Air is the HVAC company Columbus, Ohio, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to HVAC system upgrades, we provide reliable service all year. Call 614-739-1627 today for Columbus, Ohio, HVAC service you can trust.