Severe weather can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, especially if your HVAC system is running constantly. However, there's something you can do about it. Homeowners in Portland, Oregon, can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following 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 save money.

Here, the pros at All Solutions Heating & Cooling will share their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

1. Schedule for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often offers the most benefit is seasonal HVAC maintenance. Scheduling expert furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring helps make sure these systems are in peak condition and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to spot and fix any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially extending the life of your heating and cooling equipment. 

2. Change Programmable Thermostat Settings for the Seasons

Programmable thermostats provide multiple ways to save energy. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically raise the setting when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to decrease a few degrees when the home is empty and shift the temperature back up when you return. 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. By doing so, smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—and you don't have to manually change the temperature.

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 escape. Work with a trusted HVAC specialist to find out if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Fixing leaky ductwork, improving insulation and eliminating air gaps all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Do Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Clear debris like sticks, grass clippings and plants from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Wipe down the fins 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 free of obstructions
  • 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 upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to new high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than non-rated units. When looking for 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 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 ratings are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can really help reduce energy bills and boost comfort throughout the year.

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

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place All Solutions Heating & Cooling is the HVAC company Portland, Oregon, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to selecting and setting up new HVAC equipment, we provide full-service service all year. Call 971-414-2639 today for Portland, Oregon, HVAC service you can count on.