Harsh weather can cause your energy bills to get really expensive, especially when your HVAC system is working overtime. But there's good news. Homeowners in Croydon, Pennsylvania, can easily save money and reduce wear on their HVAC system by following practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a fall or spring HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these small things can help you keep comfortable and cut costs.

Here, the professionals at Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without sacrificing comfort.

1. Schedule for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often has the greatest impact is regular HVAC maintenance. Scheduling expert furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring is a great way to make sure these systems are in peak condition and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a smart time to identify and address any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats offer many ways to reduce electricity use. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're not home. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly when the home is empty and shift the temperature back up when you get back. 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 adjust your heating and cooling settings. By doing so, smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—with minimal effort on your part.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in your ductwork enable heated or cooled air to escape. 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 blocking drafts all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home warm or cool.

4. Complete Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Remove debris like sticks, leaves and plants from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Wash the condenser coils 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
  • Make sure air vents and registers are free of obstructions
  • Check your thermostat settings, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

5. Replace Aging, Inefficient Units with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Increase energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than non-rated units. When looking for 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 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 calculations are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy bills and boost comfort throughout the year.

Work with Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC is the HVAC company Croydon, Pennsylvania, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to selecting and setting up new HVAC equipment, we provide reliable service all year. Call 215-741-5505 today for Croydon, Pennsylvania, HVAC service you can count on.