Extreme weather can cause your energy bills to get really expensive, especially when your HVAC system is working overtime. The good news? Homeowners in Modesto, California, can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a routine HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these minor adjustments can help you stay comfortable and lower expenses.

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

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often has the greatest impact is routine HVAC maintenance. Scheduling professional furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring ensures these systems are in peak condition and ready for the heating and cooling seasons. It's also a smart time to spot and fix any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from avoidable HVAC repair and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats provide multiple ways to reduce electricity use. 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 rise again when you get home. Even a 2–3°F temperature change can save a lot of energy.

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 Eliminating 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 trusted HVAC specialist to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, adding insulation and blocking drafts all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Perform Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

In addition to scheduling a technician for professional HVAC maintenance, you can reduce energy bills by performing these home HVAC maintenance tips:

  • Remove debris like sticks, dried leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Clean the coils 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
  • Keep 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, Inefficient Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Increase energy efficiency by installing modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which consumes less power than non-rated units. When selecting 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. The same is true with AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which measures efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the system. These calculations are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can do a lot to reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with Jet Electrical, Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Jet Electrical, Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing is the HVAC company Modesto, California, 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 comprehensive service all year. Call 209-618-4595 today for Modesto, California, HVAC service you can count on.