Severe weather can cause your energy bills to get really expensive, especially when your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Grass Valley, California, can easily reduce energy expenses 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 stay comfortable and save money.

Here, the professionals at A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without giving up comfort.

1. Get for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often offers the most benefit is seasonal HVAC maintenance. Scheduling professional furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring helps make sure these systems are in top shape and ready for the heating and cooling seasons. It's also a good time to identify and address any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially maximizing the service life of your heating and cooling system. 

2. Use Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats offer many ways to save energy. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're not home. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly when the home is empty and shift the temperature back up when you get back. Even a 2–3°F temperature change can save a lot of energy.

Take your savings a step further with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to learn your routines and automatically fine-tune your home temperature. By doing so, 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 your ductwork permit 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, improving insulation and blocking drafts all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Perform Simple 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:

  • Clear debris like sticks, dried leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a regular HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Look at your system's filter monthly, replacing if dirty or every 90 days
  • Ensure air vents and registers are free of obstructions
  • Make sure your thermostat is set correctly, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

5. Replace Old, Inefficient Equipment 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 uses less energy than un-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. 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 more energy efficient the equipment. These efficiency measurements are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can really help reduce energy bills and improve year-round performance.

Work with A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste in Your Home

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal is the HVAC company Grass Valley, California, locals rely on for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to selecting and setting up new HVAC equipment, we provide comprehensive service all year. Call 530-273-1301 today for Grass Valley, California, HVAC service you can depend on.