Key Points
- Biggest savings: Maintenance, clean filters, sealed ducts, and a smart thermostat are the lowest-cost ways to cut HVAC energy use.
- Energy share: ENERGY STAR reports that nearly half of the energy used in a home goes to heating and cooling.
- Smart thermostats: ENERGY STAR certified models save about 8% on heating and cooling bills on average.
- Filter changes: Check your filter every month and change it at least every 3 months.
- System upgrades: New split-system air conditioners installed in California must meet a 14.3 SEER2 minimum if they are under 45,000 BTU.
- Professional help: Retrofits, duct sealing, and installations are best handled by a licensed HVAC company.
You rely on heating, ventilation, and cooling to keep your indoor space comfortable all year round. But heating and cooling can be expensive. According to ENERGY STAR, nearly half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling, but there are steps you can take to lower the energy costs of your HVAC system significantly. From routine maintenance to various DIY tasks, let’s take a look at some energy-saving tips every Escondido homeowner should know. Thompson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning provides HVAC service in Escondido, CA and can help with any of the steps below.
1. Install Smart Thermostats
ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats save about 8% on heating and cooling bills on average. Smart thermostats automatically regulate the temperature, or you can control them from your phone and the touch panel to dictate how hot or cold you want your home. Smart thermostats are easy DIY projects that take less than an hour for experienced DIY’ers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing your smart thermostat. If you’re unsure, you can always give us a call at Thompson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning and we will take care of the rest.
2. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Even top-of-the-line HVAC systems lose efficiency over time. Lost efficiency means the system will have to work harder to heat and cool your space, which means more electricity and higher utility bills. Regular HVAC maintenance from Thompson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning ensures your HVAC is in good working condition.
Schedule maintenance during spring and fall. You get more savings for hiring an HVAC expert during those off-peak seasons. Regular maintenance checks identify problems early on and avoid long-term repairs, which can be very costly. Consider a maintenance plan to lower overall costs. Consistent maintenance has a real impact on HVAC-related energy costs.
3. Replace Your Air Filter
Air filters pick up dust and dirt, creating clogs that lead to issues with performance. A dirty filter lowers the HVAC’s efficiency and increases energy costs. Luckily, replacing your filter is an easy DIY job that saves you money on utility fees and maintenance.
ENERGY STAR recommends checking your filter every month and changing it at least every 3 months, or sooner if it looks dirty. Check monthly if you have pets and kids. Compare the dimensions of the filters before replacing them with newer ones and follow the instructions on how to replace an HVAC filter.
4. Install a New System
We certainly don’t like to add the cost of a new HVAC system to the high energy bill you pay. But sometimes, you have to pay expensive upfront costs for a new split system to register savings over its usage.
If you have an HVAC system older than ten years, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR certified model can lower your utility bills. ENERGY STAR estimates that certified heating and cooling equipment can cut an annual energy bill by nearly $140, depending on where you live. Aim for units with a SEER2 rating comfortably above the legal minimum, since a higher rating means less energy used to deliver the same cooling.
Federal efficiency standards for the Southwest region, which includes California, require new split-system air conditioners under 45,000 BTU to have a minimum of 14.3 SEER2 and 11.7 EER2. Any replacement system installed in Escondido has to meet that standard, so an older, lower-rated unit cannot simply be swapped in.
5. Retrofit an Old System
A workaround for expensive new HVAC system purchases is retrofitting an old one. You will spend less on installing and updating components than on buying and installing a new system. Consider retrofitting the compressor and adding side economizers and condenser controls to take advantage of the natural cooling. It is best to contact Thompson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning for such installations to install them correctly.
6. Seal Duct Work
Leaky ductwork lets conditioned air escape, which means your heating and cooling system puts in a double shift and consumes much more electricity. Use sealing products on your ductwork and pipes to prevent leakage. A professional ductwork repair can reach and seal leaks you can’t see. You will save on energy bills and also keep the air in your home cleaner and more comfortable.
7. Clean Your System and Its Surroundings
Cleaning debris, cleaning twigs from your outside unit, and cleaning coils are simple DIY tasks that prevent your system from consuming too much electricity. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the coils rather than an abrasive chemical solution. Be careful not to damage the integrity of electrical connections and gas pipes.
8. Make Use of Curtains
Curtains and blinds block the summer heat, which improves long-term performance and reduces cooling bills. Conversely, during winter, dress appropriately and make use of curtains and blinds to prevent your home from leaking warm air, resulting in increased heating costs. Insulation is crucial in lowering utility bills when using HVAC systems.
Which HVAC Savings Tips Should You DIY and Which Need a Professional?
Filter changes, coil and outdoor unit cleaning, curtains, and smart thermostat swaps are reasonable DIY jobs for most homeowners. Retrofitting components, sealing hidden ductwork, and anything involving gas lines or electrical connections should go to a licensed technician. A yearly heating system tune-up alongside your AC maintenance catches small issues before they raise your energy bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save by lowering my HVAC energy costs?
Savings depend on your home and system, but the numbers add up quickly. ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats save about 8% on heating and cooling bills on average. The Department of Energy also estimates that replacing a clogged filter with a clean one lowers air conditioner energy use by 5% to 15%.
How often should I change my HVAC filter?
Check your HVAC filter every month, especially in heavy-use winter and summer months. If it looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months, and check it more often if you have pets or allergies in the home.
What SEER rating do I need for a new air conditioner in Escondido, CA?
California falls under the Southwest region for federal efficiency standards. A new split-system air conditioner under 45,000 BTU must have at least a 14.3 SEER2 rating, and units at 45,000 BTU or more must have at least 13.8 SEER2. A technician can confirm the right rating for your home.
Is it worth replacing a 10-year-old HVAC system?
Replacing a 10-year-old HVAC system is often worth it if it needs frequent repairs or your energy bills keep climbing. ENERGY STAR certified equipment can cut an annual energy bill by nearly $140, depending on location. A technician can compare repair and replacement costs for your system.
When should I call a professional instead of doing it myself?
Call a professional for retrofits, duct sealing, refrigerant or compressor work, and anything involving gas or electrical connections. Simple tasks like changing filters and clearing debris around the outdoor unit are safe DIY jobs, but a licensed technician protects your equipment, warranty, and safety.
Stay Comfortable While Saving
Lowering your energy costs for an HVAC system transcends installation and regular maintenance. A blend of human input, technology, energy-efficient practices, and proactive maintenance of your HVAC system ensures you reduce your utility bills and improve your system’s efficiency. Thompson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning helps Escondido homeowners become savings gurus through the maintenance and installation of HVAC systems that lower bills without compromising comfort. Contact our team today to get started.