Extreme weather can make your energy bills to get really expensive, especially when your HVAC system is running constantly. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Newark, Ohio, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce stress on their HVAC system by following practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a fall or spring HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these small things can help you keep comfortable and lower expenses.

Here, the experts at Luikart Heating & Cooling will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without giving up comfort.

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for homeowners, one that often offers the most benefit is regular HVAC maintenance. Scheduling professional furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring helps make sure these systems are in optimal working order and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a good time to detect and resolve any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from costly service calls and potentially maximizing the service life of your heating and cooling system. 

2. Use Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats offer multiple ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically increase the temperature when you're away. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly while the home is unoccupied and warm back up when you get back. Even a 2–3°F temperature change 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 adapt to your schedule and automatically adjust your heating and cooling settings. By doing so, smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—without you having to do a thing.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in damaged ductwork permit 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, adding insulation and stopping airflow leaks all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Do Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Sweep away debris like sticks, grass clippings and plants from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a consistent HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Inspect your system's filter monthly, changing it if it’s clogged or every 90 days
  • Ensure air vents and registers are free of obstructions
  • Make sure your thermostat is set correctly, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

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

Increase energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to advanced high-efficiency HVAC systems. Keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than non-rated units. When picking out cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Unsure 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 shows energy 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 Luikart Heating & Cooling to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Luikart Heating & Cooling is the HVAC company Newark, Ohio, locals rely on 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 740-344-5497 today for Newark, Ohio, HVAC service you can depend on.