Extreme weather can make your energy bills to skyrocket, especially when your HVAC system is running constantly. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Kearney, Nebraska, can easily save money and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these small things can help you stay comfortable and cut costs.

Here, the experts at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

1. Schedule for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for homeowners, one that often makes the biggest impact is routine HVAC maintenance. Scheduling professional furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring ensures these systems are in peak condition and ready for the heating and cooling seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to identify and address 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 provide many ways to reduce electricity use. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically increase the temperature when you're away. In winter, set the temperature to lower a bit when the home is empty and shift the temperature back up when you return. Even a small temperature shift can save a lot of energy.

Increase your savings even more 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—with minimal effort on your part.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in old ductwork allow heated or cooled air to seep out of your home. Work with a reliable HVAC technician to evaluate whether you need duct sealing and insulation services. Fixing leaky ductwork, making sure you have adequate insulation and blocking drafts all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home comfortable.

4. Complete Basic 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:

  • Remove debris like sticks, dried leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor air conditioning equipment 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
  • Make sure 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 Units with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Improve energy efficiency by installing new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which uses less energy than non-rated units. When shopping for cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Unsure what SEER means? The simplest SEER rating explanation: the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. This also 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 numbers are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can really help reduce energy bills and improve year-round performance.

Work with Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning is the HVAC company Kearney, Nebraska, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to selecting and setting up new HVAC equipment, we provide reliable service all year. Call 308-624-3485 today for Kearney, Nebraska, HVAC service you can count on.