Severe weather can make your energy bills to get really expensive, especially if your HVAC system is running constantly. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Corpus Christi, Texas, can easily save money and reduce wear on their HVAC system by following smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these small things can help you keep comfortable and lower expenses.

Here, the experts at Total Assurance AC & Heating will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you cut your monthly utility costs without giving up comfort.

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for property owners, one that often offers the most benefit is routine 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 perfect opportunity to identify and address any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from costly service calls and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats offer several ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're away. 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 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 adapt to your schedule and automatically fine-tune your home temperature. Because of this smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—without you having to do a thing.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in old ductwork enable heated or cooled air to seep out of your home. Work with a reliable HVAC technician to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, improving insulation and blocking drafts all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home comfortable.

4. Perform Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

In addition to hiring a professional for seasonal HVAC maintenance, you can reduce energy bills by tackling these home HVAC maintenance tips:

  • Sweep away debris like sticks, dried leaves and plants from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a seasonal HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Inspect your system's filter monthly, replacing if dirty or every 90 days
  • Make sure air vents and registers are open and unblocked
  • Review your temperature schedule, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

5. Replace Old, 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 consumes less power 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 rates efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more more energy efficient the equipment. These efficiency measurements are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can do a lot to reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with Total Assurance AC & Heating to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste in Your Home

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Total Assurance AC & Heating is the HVAC company Corpus Christi, Texas, locals rely on for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to heating and cooling installation, we provide full-service service all year. Call 361-446-6925 today for Corpus Christi, Texas, HVAC service you can depend on.