Thermostat Adjustments, HVAC Unit Maintenance, and Other Ways to Cut Costs
Keeping your home comfortable throughout the year shouldn’t come at the cost of sky-high energy bills. By making a few key HVAC system adjustments, you can reduce energy waste, improve comfort, and save money on your utility costs.
Here are some tips to improve HVAC energy efficiency and make the most of your heating and cooling systems year-round.
Adjust Your Thermostat Settings
One of the easiest ways to lower your energy bills is by adjusting your thermostat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should set your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.
However, we recognize those temperatures may be too hot or too cold for some. If that’s the case, the next best thing you can try is adjusting your thermostat while you’re at work or asleep. Making a few small tweaks to your thermostat settings throughout the day can reduce the workload on your HVAC unit and improve overall HVAC energy efficiency.
Consider a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat takes temperature control to the next level. These devices learn your habits and automatically adjust your home’s temperature to save energy when you’re not home. They can also be controlled from your phone, which means you can remotely make changes.
Smart thermostats are a valuable investment in HVAC energy efficiency and often pay for themselves over time through energy savings.
Get Regular HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system works hard year-round, so regular maintenance is essential. Having your unit inspected and serviced at least twice a year goes a long way toward HVAC energy efficiency and extending your equipment’s lifespan.
Ideally, you should get your HVAC serviced once before the heating season and once before the cooling season. During a maintenance visit, a technician will clean the components, check for leaks or wear, and make necessary adjustments. This can help avoid unexpected breakdowns and improve the performance of your HVAC unit, keeping energy use in check.
Invest in Proper Insulation
A well-insulated home keeps heated or cooled air inside where it belongs. If your attic or walls are under-insulated, your HVAC system must work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to higher energy bills.
Check your insulation levels and consider upgrading areas that aren’t meeting modern energy standards. Proper insulation supports HVAC energy efficiency by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork allow conditioned air to escape, forcing your HVAC unit to run more often than it should. Sealing these leaks is an easy and affordable way to boost HVAC energy efficiency.
Use caulk or weatherstripping around windows and doors. For ductwork, consider hiring a professional to inspect and seal any gaps. These improvements help keep your home more comfortable while lowering your energy costs.
Use Ceiling Fans and Curtains
Ceiling fans help circulate air more effectively throughout your home, creating cost-effective cooling during the summer. In the winter, reversing the fan direction helps push warm air back down from the ceiling.
Curtains also play a role in temperature control. Close them during hot afternoons to block sunlight and open them on cold winter days to let the sun naturally warm your space. These small steps reduce the demand on your HVAC system and support long-term energy savings.
Consider Zoning Temperature Control
Zoning allows you to heat or cool specific areas of your home rather than the entire house. This is especially helpful for homes with multiple floors, large square footage, or rooms that are rarely used.
Zoned systems require separate thermostats and ductwork controls, but the result is more precise comfort and better energy use. By reducing the load on your HVAC unit, you can increase HVAC energy efficiency and lower your monthly utility bills.
Use Natural Light During Cold Weather
During colder months, take advantage of natural sunlight to help warm your home. Open blinds and curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let sunlight in and close them at night to keep the warmth inside.
This method gives your HVAC system a break and helps maintain comfortable temperatures with less energy use. It’s a simple, no-cost way to supplement your heating efforts in the winter.
Consider Installing ENERGY STAR®-Certified Equipment
If your HVAC unit is more than 10–15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Newer models with ENERGY STAR® certification meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency. In fact, the average household can save approximately $450 per year by making the switch to ENERGY STAR®-certified equipment.
Replacing outdated equipment can be a big investment, but it often leads to lower energy bills, fewer repairs, and improved home comfort. Talk to a professional about whether upgrading your HVAC system makes sense for your home and budget.
Little HVAC Changes Yield Big Savings
Improving HVAC energy efficiency is all about smart, consistent habits and a little attention to your system’s performance.
Whether it’s adjusting your thermostat, sealing leaks, or making equipment upgrades, each tip plays a part in reducing your overall energy use. By making these smart choices now, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy a more comfortable home throughout the year.
Need a little more guidance on how to improve HVAC energy efficiency? Contact an HVAC expert near you to learn more.