Harsh weather can make your energy bills to skyrocket, especially if your HVAC system is running constantly. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Harmony, Pennsylvania, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce wear on their HVAC system by following practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these minor adjustments can help you keep comfortable and lower expenses.

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

1. Get for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often has the greatest impact is seasonal HVAC maintenance. Scheduling pro furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring helps make sure these systems are in peak condition and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to spot and fix any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns 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 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 lower a bit when the home is empty and warm back up when you return. Even a few degrees 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 manage your home's temperature accordingly. Because of this smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—with minimal effort on your part.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in home ductwork permit heated or cooled air to escape. Work with a qualified professional to determine if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Fixing leaky ductwork, improving insulation and stopping airflow leaks all help prevent energy waste 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 bringing in an expert 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
  • Clean the coils of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a consistent HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check 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
  • 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 replacing outdated HVAC equipment with new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Consider opting for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which consumes less power 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 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 rates 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 enhance your comfort.

Work with Knoechel Heating to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste in Your Home

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Knoechel Heating is the HVAC company Harmony, Pennsylvania, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to HVAC system upgrades, we provide comprehensive service all year. Call 724-806-1195 today for Harmony, Pennsylvania, HVAC service you can count on.