Harsh weather can cause your energy bills to get really expensive, especially if your HVAC system is running constantly. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Phoenix, Arizona, can easily save money and reduce stress on their HVAC system by using effective energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a fall or spring HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these small things can help you keep comfortable and save money.

Here, the pros at Integrity AC & Heating LLC will offer their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you cut your monthly utility costs without giving up comfort.

1. Schedule for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often offers the most benefit is routine HVAC maintenance. Scheduling professional furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring is a great way to make sure these systems are in optimal working order 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 several ways to reduce electricity use. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically increase the temperature when you're not home. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly when no one is home and rise again when you get back. Even a 2–3°F temperature change 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 adapt to your schedule and automatically adjust your heating and cooling settings. Because of this smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—with minimal effort on your part.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in old ductwork enable heated or cooled air to seep out of your home. Work with a qualified professional to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, improving 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. Complete Seasonal 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:

  • Remove debris like sticks, grass clippings and shrubs from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Wipe down the fins of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a regular HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check your system's filter monthly, swapping for a clean one if it's dirty or every 90 days
  • Make sure air vents and registers are open and unblocked
  • 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

Boost energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which uses less energy than un-rated units. When looking for cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Unsure what SEER means? The simplest 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 more energy efficient the equipment. These efficiency measurements are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can do a lot to reduce energy bills and improve year-round performance.

Work with Integrity AC & Heating LLC to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Integrity AC & Heating LLC is the HVAC company Phoenix, Arizona, locals turn to 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 602-971-0567 today for Phoenix, Arizona, HVAC service you can trust.