Harsh weather can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, especially if your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. But there's good news. Homeowners in Pacheco, California, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce strain on their HVAC system by using effective energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a routine HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these simple changes can help you stay comfortable and save money.

Here, the pros at Clean Air HVAC will share 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 offers the most benefit is routine HVAC maintenance. Scheduling pro 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 heating and cooling seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to spot and fix any signs of inefficiency, 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 several 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 while the home is unoccupied and rise again when you return. Even a small temperature shift can save a lot of energy.

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 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 Sealing Air Leaks in Your Home

Air leaks around windows, doors and in your ductwork allow heated or cooled air to leak out. Work with a reliable HVAC technician to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, 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 comfortable.

4. Complete Simple 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
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a consistent HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Look at your system's filter monthly, changing it if it’s clogged or every 90 days
  • Ensure 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 Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Increase energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look 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. Unsure what SEER means? The simplest SEER rating explanation: the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. This also is true with AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which rates efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the system. These efficiency measurements are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy bills and boost comfort throughout the year.

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

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place Clean Air HVAC is the HVAC company Pacheco, California, locals turn to 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 925-267-6219 today for Pacheco, California, HVAC service you can depend on.