Harsh weather can make your energy bills to spike, especially if your HVAC system is working overtime. The good news? Homeowners in Grimes, Iowa, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce strain on their HVAC system by using 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 cut costs.

Here, the experts at Heartland Heating & Cooling will offer their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you cut your monthly utility costs without compromising comfort.

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for homeowners, one that often offers the most benefit 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 top shape and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to spot and fix 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 offer multiple ways to reduce electricity use. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically raise the setting when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly 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.

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 manage your home's temperature accordingly. By doing so, smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—without you having to do a thing.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in your ductwork allow heated or cooled air to seep out of your home. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Repairing or sealing air ducts, improving insulation and blocking drafts all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home warm or cool.

4. Perform Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Sweep away debris like sticks, dried leaves and shrubs 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: Look at your system's filter monthly, changing it if it’s clogged or every 90 days
  • Ensure 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, Failing Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Increase energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than un-rated units. When picking out 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 more energy efficient the equipment. These ratings are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can do a lot to reduce energy bills and boost comfort throughout the year.

Work with Heartland Heating & Cooling to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Heartland Heating & Cooling is the HVAC company Grimes, Iowa, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to HVAC system upgrades, we provide comprehensive service all year. Call 515-800-9344 today for Grimes, Iowa, HVAC service you can count on.