Severe weather can cause your energy bills to get really expensive, especially if your HVAC system is working overtime. The good news? Homeowners in Dresden, Ontario, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce strain on their HVAC system by following smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a routine HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these simple changes can help you keep comfortable and save money.

Here, the pros at McFadden Heating & Cooling will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without giving up comfort.

1. Schedule for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for residents, one that often offers the most benefit is regular 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 perfect opportunity to detect and resolve any signs of inefficiency, worn-out parts or brewing issues—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially maximizing the service life of your heating and cooling system. 

2. Use Specific Programmable Thermostat Settings for Winter and Summer

Programmable thermostats offer 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 warm back up when you get home. Even a 2–3°F temperature change can save a lot of energy.

Increase your savings even more with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to adapt to your schedule and automatically manage your home's temperature accordingly. 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 old ductwork permit heated or cooled air to escape. Work with a qualified professional to determine if you need duct sealing and insulation services. Repairing or sealing air ducts, improving insulation and stopping airflow leaks 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 seasonal HVAC maintenance, you can reduce energy bills by handling these home HVAC maintenance tips:

  • Remove debris like sticks, grass clippings and plants from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Clean the coils of the outdoor AC unit in spring
  • Follow a regular HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Look at your system's filter monthly, changing it if it’s clogged 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 Aging, Failing Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Boost energy efficiency by replacing outdated HVAC equipment with modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which consumes less power than non-rated units. When shopping for 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 more energy efficient the equipment. These calculations are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with McFadden Heating & Cooling to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to making your home a more comfortable place McFadden Heating & Cooling is the HVAC company Dresden, Ontario, 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 519-683-2339 today for Dresden, Ontario, HVAC service you can count on.