Severe weather can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, especially if your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. But there's good news. Homeowners in Nebraska, Nebraska, can easily save money and reduce stress on their HVAC system by following practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a fall or spring HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these minor adjustments can help you keep comfortable and lower expenses.

Here, the experts at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning will offer their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you cut your monthly utility costs without sacrificing 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 expert furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring is a great way to make sure these systems are in top shape and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a smart time to identify and address any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns 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 conserve power. 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 shift the temperature back up when you get back. Even a few degrees can cut down significantly on energy use.

Push your savings up a notch with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to learn your routines and automatically fine-tune your home temperature. This means smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—without you having to do a thing.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in old ductwork permit heated or cooled air to escape. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, making sure you have adequate insulation and blocking drafts all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home warm or cool.

4. Perform Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Remove debris like sticks, dried leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Clean the coils of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a consistent HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Inspect 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 Old, Inefficient Units with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Boost energy efficiency by installing advanced high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than non-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. This also 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 efficiency measurements are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can do a lot to reduce energy bills and improve year-round performance.

Work with Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste in Your Home

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning is the HVAC company Nebraska, Nebraska, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to heating and cooling installation, we provide comprehensive service all year. Call 402-581-9641 today for Nebraska, Nebraska, HVAC service you can count on.