Harsh weather can cause your energy bills to get really expensive, especially if your HVAC system is working overtime. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Weatherford, Texas, can easily save money and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a routine HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these simple changes can help you stay comfortable and lower expenses.

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

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often has the greatest impact is seasonal HVAC maintenance. Scheduling professional 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 heating and cooling seasons. It's also a smart time to spot and fix 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 Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats offer many ways to reduce electricity use. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly when the home is empty and rise again when you get back. Even a small temperature shift can cut down significantly on energy use.

Increase your savings even more with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to learn your routines and automatically adjust your heating and cooling settings. By doing so, smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—and you don't have to manually change the temperature.

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 escape. Work with a reliable HVAC technician to evaluate whether you need duct sealing and insulation services. Fixing leaky ductwork, improving insulation and eliminating air gaps all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home warm or cool.

4. Perform Seasonal DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Remove debris like sticks, dried leaves and plants from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Clean the coils of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a seasonal HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Look at your system's filter monthly, replacing if dirty or every 90 days
  • Make sure air vents and registers are open and unblocked
  • Make sure your thermostat is set correctly, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

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

Improve 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. Not sure 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 shows energy efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the system. These numbers are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can do a lot to reduce energy bills and improve year-round performance.

Work with Parker County Cooling & Heating to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste in Your Home

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place Parker County Cooling & Heating is the HVAC company Weatherford, Texas, locals turn to 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 817-587-4899 today for Weatherford, Texas, HVAC service you can depend on.