Severe weather can make your energy bills to skyrocket, especially if your HVAC system is running constantly. But there's good news. Homeowners in Opelika, Alabama, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following effective energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a routine HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these minor adjustments can help you stay comfortable and cut costs.

Here, the experts at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without giving up comfort.

1. Schedule 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 ensures these systems are in optimal working order and ready for the heating and cooling seasons. It's also a smart time to detect and resolve any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially extending the life of your heating and cooling equipment. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats provide multiple ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically raise the setting when you're not home. In winter, set the temperature to lower a bit while the home is unoccupied and warm back up when you get home. Even a small temperature shift can cut down significantly on energy use.

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. By doing so, smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—and you don't have to manually change the temperature.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in your ductwork allow heated or cooled air to escape. Work with a qualified professional to determine if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, improving 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 Seasonal DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Clear debris like sticks, dried leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Wash the condenser coils of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a regular HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check your system's filter monthly, replacing if dirty or every 90 days
  • Keep 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 Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Boost energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Consider opting for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which uses less energy than un-rated units. When shopping for 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. The same is true with AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which shows energy efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the system. These ratings are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can really help reduce energy bills and boost comfort throughout the year.

Work with Farnell Mechanical, Inc. to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste in Your Home

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Farnell Mechanical, Inc. is the HVAC company Opelika, Alabama, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to heating and cooling installation, we provide reliable service all year. Call 334-524-2458 today for Opelika, Alabama, HVAC service you can depend on.