Harsh weather can cause your energy bills to get really expensive, especially when your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. But there's good news. Homeowners in Michigan City, Indiana, can easily save money and reduce strain on their HVAC system by using smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these simple changes can help you stay comfortable and save money.

Here, the pros at Paniccia Heating & Cooling will provide 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 homeowners, 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 winter and summer seasons. It's also a good time to identify and address any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from costly service calls and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Use Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats provide multiple 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 no one is home and shift the temperature back up when you get home. Even a 2–3°F temperature change can make a noticeable difference.

Take your savings a step further with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to adapt to your schedule and automatically fine-tune your home temperature. This means smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—without you having to do a thing.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in old ductwork permit 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. Perform Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance

In addition to bringing in an expert for seasonal HVAC maintenance, you can reduce energy bills by performing these home HVAC maintenance tips:

  • Sweep away debris like sticks, dried leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Wash the condenser coils of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a consistent 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 free of obstructions
  • Review your temperature schedule, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

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

Increase energy efficiency by installing advanced high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which consumes less power than un-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 measures efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more more energy efficient the equipment. These numbers are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy bills and improve year-round performance.

Work with Paniccia Heating & Cooling to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Paniccia Heating & Cooling is the HVAC company Michigan City, Indiana, locals rely on for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to HVAC system upgrades, we provide reliable service all year. Call 219-872-2198 today for Michigan City, Indiana, HVAC service you can trust.