Harsh weather can make your energy bills to spike, especially when your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. But there's good news. Homeowners in Duryea, Pennsylvania, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a fall or spring HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these small things can help you keep comfortable and cut costs.

Here, the pros at GLR Mechanical will share 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 has the greatest impact is regular HVAC maintenance. Scheduling expert furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring ensures these systems are in optimal working order and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to spot and fix any inefficiencies, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from avoidable HVAC repair and potentially extending the life of your heating and cooling equipment. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats offer many ways to save energy. 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 the home is empty and rise again when you get home. Even a few degrees can cut down significantly on energy use.

Push your savings up a notch with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to learn your routines and automatically adjust your heating and cooling settings. Because of this smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—without you having to do a thing.

3. Prevent Energy Waste By Blocking 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 qualified professional to evaluate whether you need duct sealing and insulation services. Repairing or sealing air ducts, 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 comfortable.

4. Do Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Sweep away debris like sticks, grass clippings and shrubs from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Wash the condenser coils of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a seasonal HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Inspect your system's filter monthly, replacing if dirty 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, Failing Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Improve energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which consumes less power than non-rated units. When looking for cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Unsure what SEER means? The easiest 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 more energy efficient the equipment. These calculations are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with GLR Mechanical to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place GLR Mechanical is the HVAC company Duryea, Pennsylvania, locals turn to 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 570-569-1873 today for Duryea, Pennsylvania, HVAC service you can depend on.