Harsh weather can make your energy bills to skyrocket, especially when your HVAC system is working overtime. But there's good news. Homeowners in Fairview, Pennsylvania, can easily save money and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these minor adjustments can help you keep comfortable and lower expenses.

Here, the pros at Patterson & Stirling will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without compromising comfort.

1. Schedule for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for homeowners, one that often has the greatest impact is regular HVAC maintenance. Scheduling pro furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring helps make sure these systems are in top shape and ready for the heating and cooling seasons. It's also a smart time to detect and resolve any inefficiencies, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from avoidable HVAC repair and potentially maximizing the service life of your heating and cooling system. 

2. Use Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats provide several ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically raise the setting when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly when no one is home and rise again when you return. Even a few degrees can make a noticeable difference.

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. This means 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 allow heated or cooled air to seep out of your home. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to determine if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Repairing or sealing air ducts, adding insulation and blocking drafts all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Perform Basic 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:

  • Clear debris like sticks, leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a consistent HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Look at your system's filter monthly, swapping for a clean one if it's dirty or every 90 days
  • Keep 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 Old, Failing Units with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Increase energy efficiency by installing advanced high-efficiency HVAC systems. Keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than un-rated units. When selecting 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 concept is true with AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which shows energy 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 Patterson & Stirling to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Patterson & Stirling is the HVAC company Fairview, Pennsylvania, locals rely on 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 814-739-6977 today for Fairview, Pennsylvania, HVAC service you can trust.