Harsh weather can cause your energy bills to spike, especially when your HVAC system is running constantly. The good news? Homeowners in Irvine, California, can easily save money and reduce strain on their HVAC system by using smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a fall or spring HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these minor adjustments can help you stay comfortable and lower expenses.

Here, the professionals at Silver Fox Cooling & Heating will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without compromising comfort.

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for homeowners, one that often makes the biggest impact is seasonal HVAC maintenance. Scheduling pro furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring ensures these systems are in peak condition and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to detect and resolve any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially maximizing the service life of your heating and cooling system. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats provide multiple ways to save energy. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically raise the setting when you're not home. In winter, set the temperature to decrease a few degrees when the home is empty and rise again when you get home. Even a 2–3°F temperature change can make a noticeable difference.

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 fine-tune your home temperature. Because of this smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—with minimal effort on your part.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in old ductwork allow heated or cooled air to leak out. Work with a reliable HVAC technician to evaluate whether you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, adding insulation and blocking drafts all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home warm or cool.

4. Perform Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

In addition to hiring a professional for professional HVAC maintenance, you can reduce energy bills by handling these home HVAC maintenance tips:

  • Sweep away debris like sticks, leaves and plants from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Wash the condenser coils of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a consistent HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check your system's filter monthly, swapping for a clean one if it's dirty or every 90 days
  • Keep 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 Aging, Failing Units with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Increase energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with advanced high-efficiency HVAC systems. Consider opting 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. 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 efficiency measurements are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with Silver Fox Cooling & Heating to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Silver Fox Cooling & Heating is the HVAC company Irvine, California, locals trust 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 949-997-2201 today for Irvine, California, HVAC service you can depend on.