Severe weather can cause your energy bills to get really expensive, especially if your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Pella, Iowa, can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce stress on their HVAC system by using effective energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a routine HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these minor adjustments can help you stay comfortable and cut costs.

Here, the professionals at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you cut your monthly utility costs without giving up comfort.

1. Schedule 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 professional 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 winter and summer seasons. It's also a good time to detect and resolve any inefficiencies, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially extending the life of your heating and cooling equipment. 

2. Use Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats provide multiple ways to reduce electricity use. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to lower a bit when the home is empty and rise again when you get home. Even a small temperature shift 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 adapt to your schedule and automatically fine-tune your home temperature. Because of this smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—and you don't have to manually change the temperature.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in home ductwork enable heated or cooled air to leak out. Work with a reliable HVAC technician to determine if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Fixing leaky ductwork, making sure you have adequate 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. Perform Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Clear debris like sticks, dried leaves and plants from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a seasonal HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check your system's filter monthly, changing it if it’s clogged 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 Old, Failing Units with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Boost energy efficiency by installing advanced high-efficiency HVAC systems. Keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than non-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 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 enhance your comfort.

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

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency 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 comprehensive service all year. Call 641-628-3621 today for Pella, Iowa, HVAC service you can count on.