Extreme weather can make your energy bills to get really expensive, especially if your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. The good news? Homeowners in Manor, Texas, can easily save money and reduce wear on their HVAC system by using practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these simple changes can help you keep comfortable and save money.

Here, the pros at Country Thyme AC & Home Services will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without compromising comfort.

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often makes the biggest impact 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 good time to spot and fix 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 away. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly while the home is unoccupied and rise again when you get home. 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 adapt to your schedule 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 damaged ductwork permit heated or cooled air to seep out of your home. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to evaluate whether you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, improving insulation and stopping airflow leaks all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home warm or cool.

4. Do Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance

In addition to bringing in an expert for professional HVAC maintenance, you can reduce energy bills by performing these home HVAC maintenance tips:

  • Clear debris like sticks, grass clippings and shrubs from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor air conditioning equipment 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 free of obstructions
  • 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

Improve energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which uses less energy than non-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. The same concept is true with AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which measures efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more more energy efficient the equipment. These ratings are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy bills and improve year-round performance.

Work with Country Thyme AC & Home Services to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste in Your Home

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Country Thyme AC & Home Services is the HVAC company Manor, Texas, 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 512-954-2223 today for Manor, Texas, HVAC service you can depend on.