Harsh weather can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, especially if your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Pella, Iowa, can easily save money and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following smart 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 pros at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without compromising comfort.

1. Get for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often has the greatest impact is routine HVAC maintenance. Scheduling pro furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring helps make sure these systems are in peak condition and ready for the heating and cooling seasons. It's also a good time to detect and resolve any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from avoidable HVAC repair and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats provide multiple ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically raise the setting when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to lower a bit while the home is unoccupied and shift the temperature back up when you return. Even a small temperature shift 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 track your daily patterns and automatically adjust your heating and cooling settings. Because of this smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—with minimal effort on your part.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in damaged ductwork allow heated or cooled air to leak out. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to determine if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Repairing or sealing air ducts, improving 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. Complete Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Clear debris like sticks, grass clippings and plants from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Clean the coils of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a regular HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Look at your system's filter monthly, changing it if it’s clogged or every 90 days
  • Ensure 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 Aging, Inefficient Units with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Increase energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Keep an eye out 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 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 rates efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the system. These numbers are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can do a lot to reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating is the HVAC company Pella, Iowa, locals rely on for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to heating and cooling installation, we provide reliable service all year. Call 641-628-3621 today for Pella, Iowa, HVAC service you can count on.