Severe weather can cause your energy bills to get really expensive, especially when your HVAC system is working overtime. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Bridgeport, Connecticut, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce stress on their HVAC system by using smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these minor adjustments can help you keep comfortable and save money.

Here, the professionals at Custom Air Systems will offer their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without compromising comfort.

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for property owners, one that often makes the biggest impact is seasonal HVAC maintenance. Scheduling pro furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring helps make sure these systems are in optimal working order and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a smart time to identify and address any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Use Specific Programmable Thermostat Settings for Winter and Summer

Programmable thermostats provide many ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're not home. In winter, set the temperature to decrease a few degrees when no one is home and warm back up when you get back. 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 adapt to your schedule and automatically manage your home's temperature accordingly. Because of this smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—with minimal effort on your part.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in damaged ductwork enable heated or cooled air to leak out. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Fixing leaky ductwork, adding 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 Seasonal DIY HVAC Maintenance

In addition to bringing in an expert for routine 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
  • Wash the condenser coils of the outdoor AC unit 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
  • 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

Improve energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than non-rated units. When shopping for cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Not sure what SEER means? The basic SEER rating explanation: the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. This also is true with AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which rates 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 Custom Air Systems to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place Custom Air Systems is the HVAC company Bridgeport, Connecticut, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to HVAC system upgrades, we provide full-service service all year. Call (203) 333-1906 today for Bridgeport, Connecticut, HVAC service you can count on.