Extreme 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 Wilmington, Delaware, can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce stress on their HVAC system by using practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these minor adjustments can help you stay comfortable and save money.

Here, the professionals at Brandywine Heating & Air will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you cut your monthly utility costs without sacrificing comfort.

1. Get 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 top shape 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 avoidable HVAC repair 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 shift the temperature back up when you return. Even a small temperature shift can make a noticeable difference.

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. 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 home ductwork permit heated or cooled air to escape. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Addressing duct issues, adding insulation and eliminating air gaps all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home warm or cool.

4. Perform Simple DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Clear debris like sticks, dried leaves and plants from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Clean the coils of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a regular HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Inspect your system's filter monthly, swapping for a clean one if it's dirty or every 90 days
  • Keep air vents and registers are free of obstructions
  • 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 replacing outdated HVAC equipment with new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Consider opting for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which uses less energy than un-rated units. When selecting 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. 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 ratings are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy bills and improve year-round performance.

Work with Brandywine Heating & Air to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Brandywine Heating & Air is the HVAC company Wilmington, Delaware, 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 302-246-7971 today for Wilmington, Delaware, HVAC service you can depend on.