Extreme weather can make your energy bills to skyrocket, especially when your HVAC system is running constantly. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Saint Louis, Missouri, 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 minor adjustments can help you keep comfortable and cut costs.

Here, the experts at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without giving up 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 pro furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring helps make sure these systems are in peak condition and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to identify and address any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from avoidable HVAC repair and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Use Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats provide many ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically raise the setting when you're away. In winter, set the temperature to decrease a few degrees when the home is empty and shift the temperature back up when you return. Even a small temperature shift can cut down significantly on energy use.

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. 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 your ductwork enable heated or cooled air to seep out of your home. Work with a qualified professional to evaluate whether you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, improving insulation and eliminating air gaps all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Complete Seasonal 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, leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor air conditioning equipment 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
  • Ensure 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, Inefficient Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Increase energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Consider opting for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than un-rated units. When picking out cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Not sure what SEER means? The simplest 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 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 Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating is the HVAC company Saint Louis, Missouri, 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 reliable service all year. Call 314-310-0363 today for Saint Louis, Missouri, HVAC service you can trust.