Severe weather can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, especially if your HVAC system is working overtime. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Oxford, Georgia, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce wear 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 keep comfortable and save money.

Here, the experts at Covington Air Systems will offer their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without giving up comfort.

1. Get for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often has the greatest impact is regular HVAC maintenance. Scheduling pro 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 winter and summer seasons. It's also a good time to identify and address any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats provide several ways to save energy. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to decrease a few degrees when the home is empty and rise again when you return. Even a few degrees can make a noticeable difference.

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. This means 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 home ductwork enable heated or cooled air to seep out of your home. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to evaluate whether you need duct sealing and insulation services. Repairing or sealing air ducts, improving insulation and blocking drafts all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Do Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

In addition to bringing in an expert for routine HVAC maintenance, you can reduce energy bills by performing these home HVAC maintenance tips:

  • Sweep away debris like sticks, dried leaves and plants from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Clean the coils of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a consistent HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check your system's filter monthly, swapping for a clean one if it's dirty or every 90 days
  • Keep air vents and registers are uncovered
  • Check your thermostat settings, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

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

Increase energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Consider opting for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which consumes less power than non-rated units. When picking out cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Unsure what SEER means? The easiest SEER rating explanation: the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. The same 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 really help reduce energy bills and boost comfort throughout the year.

Work with Covington Air Systems to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place Covington Air Systems is the HVAC company Oxford, Georgia, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to selecting and setting up new HVAC equipment, we provide full-service service all year. Call 770-766-8015 today for Oxford, Georgia, HVAC service you can depend on.