The first place you should assess when trying to cut the cost of your home’s energy bills is the HVAC system. In a typical home, heating and air conditioning are responsible for nearly half of the energy used. Here are a few tips for cutting down power costs that add up from using your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump.

How to Save on HVAC Energy Use

1. Use the Right Settings

During the summer, you should set your thermostat about 10 degrees warmer than you would in the winter. This will ease the workload of your HVAC system as the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures isn’t as large.

If you have a heat pump, setting it to automatic may mean it’ll switch between heating and cooling, making unnecessary adjustments to the temperature and wasting energy.  Set it to "heat" in cold weather and "cool" in hot weather.

2. Repair & Clean Equipment

Over time, parts of your air conditioner and furnace can wear out or get damaged. This causes the system to use more energy doing the same tasks. Regular maintenance and HVAC repairs will help solve this issue.

Dust buildup can block airflow and make your fans work harder, so make sure to change your air filters every one to three months. In addition, schedule duct cleaning at least every three to five years so air can flow easily.

3. Upgrade Equipment

If your HVAC units are getting old, consider replacing them with newer ones. Look for appliances that are Energy Star approved— this program identifies equipment that runs more efficiently than others. Also, make sure you're choosing units that are correctly sized for your home. One that's too small will run constantly, and one that's too large will cycle on and off frequently, both of which use energy unnecessarily.

For quality HVAC installation and maintenance in the Piedmont Triad region, choose Hunter Heating & Air Conditioning. Based in High Point, NC, this family-owned company has almost 90 years of history providing reliable fixes from fully trained technicians. Call (336) 882-3367 or visit their website to plan a visit.