Extreme weather can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, especially if your HVAC system is running constantly. But there's good news. Homeowners in Lexington, North Carolina, can easily save money and reduce stress on their HVAC system by following effective energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a fall or spring HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these minor adjustments can help you keep comfortable and lower expenses.

Here, the experts at James Heating & A/C, Inc will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without giving up comfort.

1. Get for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for homeowners, one that often has the greatest impact is seasonal HVAC maintenance. Scheduling professional furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring is a great way to make sure these systems are in peak condition and ready for the heating and cooling seasons. It's also a smart time to detect and resolve any inefficiencies, worn-out parts or brewing issues—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 offer multiple ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically increase the temperature 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 home. Even a 2–3°F temperature change can save a lot of energy.

Take your savings a step further 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. By doing so, 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 your ductwork permit heated or cooled air to leak out. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to evaluate whether you need duct sealing and insulation services. Fixing leaky ductwork, adding insulation and stopping airflow leaks all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Complete Seasonal DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Remove debris like sticks, grass clippings and plants 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: Check your system's filter monthly, replacing if dirty or every 90 days
  • Keep 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 Old, Inefficient Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Increase energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with advanced high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look 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. 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 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 James Heating & A/C, Inc to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling James Heating & A/C, Inc is the HVAC company Lexington, North Carolina, locals rely on for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to heating and cooling installation, we provide full-service service all year. Call 336-853-6070 today for Lexington, North Carolina, HVAC service you can depend on.