Harsh weather can make your energy bills to spike, especially when your HVAC system is running constantly. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Elk River, Minnesota, can easily save money and reduce wear on their HVAC system by following smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these minor adjustments can help you keep comfortable and save money.

Here, the professionals at Home Comfort Heating & Air will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without compromising comfort.

1. Schedule for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often offers the most benefit is regular HVAC maintenance. Scheduling expert 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 perfect opportunity 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. Use Specific Programmable Thermostat Settings for Winter and Summer

Programmable thermostats provide multiple ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically increase the temperature when you're not home. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly when no one is home and warm back up when you return. Even a few degrees can make a noticeable difference.

Increase your savings even more 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 permit heated or cooled air to leak out. Work with a reliable HVAC technician to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Repairing or sealing air ducts, making sure you have adequate insulation and stopping airflow leaks all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home comfortable.

4. Do 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:

  • Clear debris like sticks, leaves and shrubs 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, swapping for a clean one if it's dirty or every 90 days
  • Make sure 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

Boost energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to advanced 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. 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 measures 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 enhance your comfort.

Work with Home Comfort Heating & Air to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Home Comfort Heating & Air is the HVAC company Elk River, Minnesota, locals turn to for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to HVAC system upgrades, we provide full-service service all year. Call 763-276-0617 today for Elk River, Minnesota, HVAC service you can depend on.