Severe weather can make your energy bills to spike, especially if your HVAC system is running constantly. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Streamwood, Illinois, can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce wear 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 simple changes can help you keep comfortable and save money.

Here, the professionals at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you cut your monthly utility costs 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 regular HVAC maintenance. Scheduling pro 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 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 maximizing the service life of your heating and cooling system. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats offer several 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 drop slightly when no one is home and rise again when you return. Even a few degrees can cut down significantly on energy use.

Take your savings a step further with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to track your daily patterns and automatically fine-tune your home temperature. Because of this 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 allow heated or cooled air to escape. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to determine if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, making sure you have adequate insulation and eliminating air gaps all help prevent energy waste 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 professional HVAC maintenance, you can reduce energy bills by handling these home HVAC maintenance tips:

  • Clear debris like sticks, leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Clean the coils of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a seasonal HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check your system's filter monthly, swapping for a clean one if it's dirty or every 90 days
  • Make sure air vents and registers are uncovered
  • Make sure your thermostat is set correctly, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

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

Increase energy efficiency by installing modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which consumes less power than non-rated units. When selecting cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Unsure what SEER means? The basic 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 efficient the system. These efficiency measurements are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can really help reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste in Your Home

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning is the HVAC company Streamwood, Illinois, 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 630-948-4591 today for Streamwood, Illinois, HVAC service you can trust.