Extreme weather can make 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 Omaha, Nebraska, can easily reduce energy expenses 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 simple changes can help you stay comfortable and lower expenses.

Here, the professionals at The Frazier Company will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you cut your monthly utility costs 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 routine HVAC maintenance. Scheduling expert 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 good time to spot and fix any inefficiencies, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from avoidable HVAC repair and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Use Specific Programmable Thermostat Settings for Winter and Summer

Programmable thermostats offer several ways to reduce electricity use. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically raise the setting when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to decrease a few degrees while the home is unoccupied and rise again when you return. Even a few degrees 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 learn your routines and automatically manage your home's temperature accordingly. By doing so, smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—and you don't have to manually change the temperature.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in damaged ductwork allow heated or cooled air to seep out of your home. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, 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 comfortable.

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:

  • Remove 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 seasonal HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check your system's filter monthly, changing it if it’s clogged or every 90 days
  • Ensure air vents and registers are open and unblocked
  • Make sure your thermostat is set correctly, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

5. Replace Aging, Inefficient Units with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Improve energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with advanced 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. 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 shows energy efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the system. These efficiency measurements are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can do a lot to reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with The Frazier Company to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste in Your Home

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency The Frazier Company is the HVAC company Omaha, Nebraska, locals rely on for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to HVAC system upgrades, we provide comprehensive service all year. Call 402-581-9502 today for Omaha, Nebraska, HVAC service you can count on.