Summer and winter are the hardest times of year on your HVAC system — and your energy bills. Increased usage can drain your wallet, but there are a few simple things you and your air conditioning contractor can do to lower your energy bills. Below are the biggest do’s and don’ts of HVAC ownership to help improve your energy efficiency.

Do:

Have it serviced yearly.

Your HVAC system should be serviced annually by a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor. These checkups include visual inspection, cleaning, lubricating moving parts, and performing necessary repair work to boost your unit’s efficiency and extend its lifespan.

Get a programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats can be installed by an experienced air conditioning contractor to help you cut back on energy usage. The devices allow you to set temperature schedules based on day and time, so you can give your system a break. For instance, during winter, set the temperature to be cooler while you’re at work and warmer by the time you get home.

Check seals on windows and doors.

Drafts allow outside air into your home, causing your HVAC system to work twice as hard. Windows and doors are the primary entry points for drafts, so check their seals to ensure they’re tight. If you detect airflow around frames or sills, reseal them to lower your energy bills give your HVAC unit a break.

Don’t:

Try to repair it alone.

If there’s something wrong with your unit, don’t attempt to repair it yourself. There are many parts you could damage, ruining your system or drastically reducing its efficiency. A qualified air conditioning contractor will be able to diagnose the problem and perform a prompt repair.

Turn the thermostat off.

Shutting down the system will allow the temperature and humidity in your home to fluctuate unchecked. When you turn it back on, it’ll have to work harder than usual to compensate. Instead, turn the temperature up (in summer) or down (in winter) by 10 degrees to minimize its usage.

Forget about your filters.

Clogged, dirty filters hinder proper airflow and lower efficiency. Your heating and air conditioning contractor should change the filters during annual tuneups, but you’ll also need to change or clean them at other intervals. The frequency depends on your system and if your home contains a high level of pet dander and dust, but every one to two months is the most common recommendation.

Need an air conditioning contractor to test and improve your HVAC system’s efficiency? With over a decade of combined experience, the professional team at Cowboy’s Heating & Air has you covered. Serving the Miami Valley and the tri-state area of Ohio, they offer exceptional HVAC services, including air conditioning repair, maintenance, installation, and heating and air inspections. Their pricing is highly competitive, with financing options available, and they offer 24/7 emergency services. Learn about their air conditioning options online, and call (937) 604-1541 today to arrange an inspection.