Harsh weather can make your energy bills to skyrocket, especially when your HVAC system is running constantly. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Marshalltown, Iowa, can easily save money and reduce stress on their HVAC system by using effective energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these small things can help you stay comfortable and cut costs.

Here, the professionals at B & G HVAC will offer their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you cut your monthly utility costs without compromising comfort.

1. Schedule for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for property owners, one that often has the greatest impact is routine HVAC maintenance. Scheduling professional 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 performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from avoidable HVAC repair and potentially maximizing the service life of your heating and cooling system. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats offer many ways to save energy. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're away. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly while the home is unoccupied and warm back up when you return. Even a 2–3°F temperature change can save a lot of energy.

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. This means 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 old ductwork permit heated or cooled air to leak out. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to determine if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Repairing or sealing air ducts, improving insulation and blocking drafts all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home comfortable.

4. Complete Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Remove debris like sticks, leaves 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 regular HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Inspect your system's filter monthly, replacing if dirty or every 90 days
  • Ensure air vents and registers are open and unblocked
  • Review your temperature schedule, 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. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which uses less energy than non-rated units. When looking for cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Unsure what SEER means? The basic SEER rating explanation: the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. The same 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 improve year-round performance.

Work with B & G HVAC to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place B & G HVAC is the HVAC company Marshalltown, Iowa, locals turn to 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 641-649-4649 today for Marshalltown, Iowa, HVAC service you can count on.