5 Energy-Saving HVAC Tips for Richmond, British Columbia, Homeowners

Extreme weather can make your energy bills to spike, especially if your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. The good news? Homeowners in Richmond, British Columbia, can easily reduce energy expenses 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 minor adjustments can help you stay comfortable and save money.

Here, the professionals at Refrigeration Systems Ltd. will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you save on utilities without giving up comfort.

1. Get for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for homeowners, one that often has the greatest impact is regular HVAC maintenance. Scheduling expert 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 perfect opportunity to spot and fix any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from costly service calls and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Use Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats provide multiple ways to conserve power. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're out of the home. In winter, set the temperature to drop slightly when the home is empty and rise again when you get home. Even a small temperature shift can make a noticeable difference.

Take your savings a step further with a smart thermostat. One of the many smart thermostat benefits is their ability to track your daily patterns and automatically manage your home's temperature accordingly. By doing so, smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—with minimal effort on your part.

3. Prevent Energy Waste By Blocking Air Leaks in Your Home

Air leaks around windows, doors and in your 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. Fixing leaky ductwork, adding insulation and eliminating air gaps all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home warm or cool.

4. Complete Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

• Remove debris like sticks, leaves and shrubs from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
• Wipe down the fins of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
• Follow a consistent HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Check your system's filter monthly, swapping for a clean one if it's dirty or every 90 days
• Make sure air vents and registers are open and unblocked
• 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 installing modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Keep an eye out 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 concept is true with AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which rates efficiency in heating equipment. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the system. These calculations are important because energy-efficient HVAC systems can really help reduce energy bills and improve year-round performance.

Work with Refrigeration Systems Ltd. to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to staying comfortable and saving money on your heating and cooling Refrigeration Systems Ltd. is the HVAC company Richmond, British Columbia, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to HVAC system upgrades, we provide reliable service all year. Call 778-764-2026 today for Richmond, British Columbia, HVAC service you can depend on.