Harsh weather can make your energy bills to skyrocket, especially if your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Thedford, Ontario, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce wear on their HVAC system by using smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these small things can help you keep comfortable and lower expenses.

Here, the experts at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without sacrificing comfort.

1. Get 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 good time to detect and resolve any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from avoidable HVAC repair and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Use Specific Programmable Thermostat Settings for Winter and Summer

Programmable thermostats provide multiple ways to reduce electricity use. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically increase the temperature 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 get home. Even a 2–3°F temperature change 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 adapt to your schedule and automatically fine-tune your home temperature. Because of this smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—and you don't have to manually change the temperature.

3. Prevent Energy Waste By Sealing 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 qualified professional to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Repairing or sealing air ducts, improving insulation and eliminating air gaps all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home comfortable.

4. Perform Simple 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, dried leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Wash the condenser coils of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a regular HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check your system's filter monthly, replacing if 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 Aging, Inefficient Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Boost energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Consider opting for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than un-rated units. When shopping 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 measures efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the system. These numbers are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can really help reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning is the HVAC company Thedford, Ontario, locals turn to for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to selecting and setting up new HVAC equipment, we provide comprehensive service all year. Call 519-296-4437 today for Thedford, Ontario, HVAC service you can count on.