Energy-Saving HVAC Practices for Fresno, California, Homes

Extreme weather can cause your energy bills to spike, especially if your HVAC system is pushed to its limits. However, there’s something you can do about it. Homeowners in Fresno, California, can easily reduce energy expenses and reduce stress on their HVAC system by using smart energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these simple changes can help you keep comfortable and lower expenses.

Here, the experts at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning will provide their best heating and cooling tips for HVAC energy efficiency to help you reduce energy bills without compromising comfort.

1. Contact a Professional for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Of all the energy-saving HVAC tips for homeowners, one that often makes the biggest impact is routine 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 optimal working order and ready for the heating and cooling 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 maximizing the service life of your heating and cooling system. 

2. Use Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats offer multiple ways to reduce electricity use. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you’re not home. In winter, set the temperature to decrease a few degrees when the home is empty and warm back up when you return. Even a 2–3°F temperature change can make a noticeable difference.

Push your savings up a notch 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. This means smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—without you having to do a thing.

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

Air leaks around windows, doors and in damaged 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, making sure you have adequate insulation and blocking drafts all help reduce energy bills by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home comfortable.

4. Perform 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:

• Sweep away debris like sticks, dried leaves and plants from around your outdoor AC unit in spring
• Wipe down the fins of the outdoor AC unit in spring
• Follow a consistent HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Inspect your system’s filter monthly, swapping for a clean one if it’s 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 Aging, Failing Equipment with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Improve energy efficiency by upgrading old, inefficient heating and cooling systems to modern high-efficiency HVAC systems. Keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than un-rated units. When shopping for cooling equipment, check for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Unsure 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 do a lot to reduce energy bills and enhance your comfort.

Work with Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste All Year

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning is the HVAC company Fresno, California, locals trust for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to HVAC system upgrades, we provide full-service service all year. Call 559-255-1644 today for Fresno, California, HVAC service you can trust.