Extreme weather can make 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 Portland, Oregon, can cut heating and cooling costs and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following effective energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a routine HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC maintenance, these minor adjustments can help you keep comfortable and cut costs.

Here, the experts at All Solutions Heating & Cooling will offer their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without compromising comfort.

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for property owners, one that often offers the most benefit is seasonal 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 heating and cooling seasons. It's also a good time to detect and resolve any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially extending the life of your heating and cooling equipment. 

2. Use Specific Programmable Thermostat Settings for Winter and Summer

Programmable thermostats provide several ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically increase the temperature when you're away. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly when the home is empty and warm back up 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 adjust your heating and cooling settings. 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 home ductwork enable heated or cooled air to leak out. Work with a qualified professional 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 maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Do Basic 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:

  • Remove debris like sticks, grass clippings and plants from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Wash the condenser coils of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a seasonal HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check your system's filter monthly, swapping for a clean one if it's dirty or every 90 days
  • Ensure air vents and registers are free of obstructions
  • Check your thermostat settings, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

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

Increase energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with advanced high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which consumes less power than un-rated units. When looking 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. This also is true with AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which rates 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 boost comfort throughout the year.

Work with All Solutions Heating & Cooling to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency All Solutions Heating & Cooling is the HVAC company Portland, Oregon, locals turn to for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to heating and cooling installation, we provide comprehensive service all year. Call 971-414-2639 today for Portland, Oregon, HVAC service you can count on.