Severe weather can make your energy bills to skyrocket, especially if your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. But there's good news. Homeowners in Moline, Illinois, can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce stress on their HVAC system by using smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these small things can help you keep comfortable and lower expenses.

Here, the pros at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without giving up comfort.

1. Get for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often has the greatest impact is seasonal HVAC maintenance. Scheduling pro furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring is a great way to make sure these systems are in top shape and ready for the heating and cooling seasons. It's also a good time to detect and resolve any inefficiencies, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from costly service calls and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats provide several ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically raise the setting when you're not home. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly when the home is empty and warm back up when you get back. Even a few degrees 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 adapt to your schedule and automatically fine-tune your home temperature. By doing so, 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 damaged 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. Fixing leaky ductwork, making sure you have adequate insulation and blocking drafts all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Do Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Clear debris like sticks, dried 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 seasonal 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 uncovered
  • Make sure your thermostat is set correctly, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

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

Boost energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with advanced high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently 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 simplest SEER rating explanation: the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. The same 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 calculations are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can really help reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with Freed Heating & Air Conditioning to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Freed Heating & Air Conditioning is the HVAC company Moline, Illinois, 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 309-865-5115 today for Moline, Illinois, HVAC service you can trust.