Extreme weather can make your energy bills to spike, especially if your HVAC system is working overtime. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Gardnerville, Nevada, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce wear on their HVAC system by following effective energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a routine HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these small things can help you stay comfortable and save money.

Here, the professionals at Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc. will offer their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without giving up comfort.

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often makes the biggest impact is seasonal HVAC maintenance. Scheduling expert furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring helps make sure these systems are in top shape and ready for the heating and cooling seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to spot and fix any inefficiencies, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from avoidable HVAC repair and potentially maximizing the service life of your heating and cooling system. 

2. Use Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats provide many ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically increase the temperature when you're away. In winter, set the temperature to lower a bit while the home is unoccupied and warm back up when you return. Even a 2–3°F temperature change can save a lot of energy.

Push your savings up a notch with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to track your daily patterns and automatically fine-tune your home temperature. By doing so, smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—with minimal effort on your part.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in home ductwork allow heated or cooled air to escape. 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 warm or cool.

4. Do Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Sweep away debris like sticks, grass clippings and shrubs from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Clean the coils of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a seasonal HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check 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
  • Check your thermostat settings, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

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

Boost energy efficiency by installing modern 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. Not sure what SEER means? The simplest SEER rating explanation: the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. The same is true with AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which shows energy 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 really help reduce energy bills and boost comfort throughout the year.

Work with Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc. to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc. is the HVAC company Gardnerville, Nevada, locals rely on 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 775-782-0055 today for Gardnerville, Nevada, HVAC service you can trust.