Severe weather can cause your energy bills to spike, especially if your HVAC system is running constantly. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Streamwood, Illinois, can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce wear on their HVAC system by using effective energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a fall or spring HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these simple changes can help you stay comfortable and save money.

Here, the pros at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without compromising comfort.

1. Contact a Professional 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 expert furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring ensures these systems are in peak condition and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a smart time to detect and resolve any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from costly service calls and potentially maximizing the service life of your heating and cooling system. 

2. Use Specific Programmable Thermostat Settings for Winter and Summer

Programmable thermostats offer many ways to reduce electricity use. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically raise the setting when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to decrease a few degrees while the home is unoccupied and shift the temperature back up when you get back. 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 Blocking Air Leaks in Your Home

Air leaks around windows, doors and in old ductwork permit heated or cooled air to seep out of your home. Work with a reliable HVAC technician to evaluate whether you need duct sealing and insulation services. Fixing leaky ductwork, making sure you have adequate insulation and stopping airflow leaks all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Perform Seasonal DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Remove debris like sticks, leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a consistent HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Inspect your system's filter monthly, swapping for a clean one if it's dirty or every 90 days
  • Make sure air vents and registers are free of obstructions
  • Make sure your thermostat is set correctly, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

5. Replace Aging, Failing Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Boost energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Consider opting for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than non-rated units. When shopping for cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Unsure 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 measures efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more more energy efficient the equipment. These numbers are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste in Your Home

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning is the HVAC company Streamwood, Illinois, locals rely on 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 630-948-4591 today for Streamwood, Illinois, HVAC service you can depend on.