Harsh weather can cause your energy bills to get really expensive, especially when your HVAC system is working overtime. The good news? Homeowners in Newark, Ohio, can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these simple changes can help you keep comfortable and cut costs.

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

1. Get for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for homeowners, one that often offers the most benefit is regular 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 heating and cooling seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to identify and address any inefficiencies, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from avoidable HVAC repair and potentially extending the life of your heating and cooling equipment. 

2. Use Specific Programmable Thermostat Settings for Winter and Summer

Programmable thermostats offer several ways to save energy. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're not home. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly when the home is empty and rise again when you get home. Even a few degrees can cut down significantly on energy use.

Increase your savings even more with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to learn your routines and automatically adjust your heating and cooling settings. This means 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 damaged ductwork permit heated or cooled air to leak out. Work with a reliable HVAC technician to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Fixing leaky ductwork, adding insulation and blocking drafts all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home warm or cool.

4. Complete Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Sweep away debris like sticks, leaves and shrubs 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: Look at your system's filter monthly, replacing if dirty or every 90 days
  • Keep air vents and registers are uncovered
  • Review your temperature schedule, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

5. Replace Aging, Inefficient Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Boost energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Consider opting for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which uses less energy than un-rated units. When picking out cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Not sure what SEER means? The easiest SEER rating explanation: the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. The same concept is true with AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which shows energy efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the system. These numbers are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with Luikart Heating & Cooling to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste in Your Home

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Luikart Heating & Cooling is the HVAC company Newark, Ohio, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to HVAC system upgrades, we provide comprehensive service all year. Call 740-344-5497 today for Newark, Ohio, HVAC service you can count on.