Extreme weather can make your energy bills to spike, especially if your HVAC system is working overtime. The good news? Homeowners in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, can easily save money and reduce strain on their HVAC system by using practical energy-saving HVAC practices. From scheduling a fall or spring HVAC tune-up to DIY HVAC chores, these simple changes can help you stay comfortable and cut costs.

Here, the experts at Polar Air & Mechanical will share 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 residents, one that often makes the biggest impact is seasonal HVAC maintenance. Scheduling expert furnace maintenance in the fall and air conditioning maintenance in the spring ensures these systems are in optimal working order and ready for the winter and summer seasons. It's also a perfect opportunity to detect and resolve any performance issues, worn-out parts or brewing problems—saving you from unnecessary breakdowns and potentially lengthening your heating and cooling equipment's lifespan. 

2. Use Programmable Thermostat Settings to Your Advantage

Programmable thermostats offer several ways to save energy. In summer, set your thermostat to automatically adjust upward when you're away. In winter, set the temperature to decrease a few degrees 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 fine-tune your home temperature. This means smart thermostats can increase your energy efficiency—with minimal effort on your part.

3. Prevent Energy Waste By Stopping 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. Repairing or sealing air ducts, making sure you have adequate insulation and stopping airflow leaks all help prevent energy waste by allowing your HVAC system to work less in order to keep your home comfortable.

4. Complete Basic DIY HVAC Maintenance

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

  • Remove debris like sticks, grass clippings and plants from around your outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Wash the condenser coils of the outdoor air conditioning equipment in spring
  • Follow a seasonal HVAC air filter replacement schedule: Look at your system's filter monthly, replacing if dirty or every 90 days
  • Ensure air vents and registers are open and unblocked
  • Review your temperature schedule, ensuring it's on cool mode in summer and heating mode in winter

5. Replace Aging, Inefficient Units with Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Boost energy efficiency by installing advanced high-efficiency HVAC systems. Consider opting for ENERGY STAR®-rated HVAC equipment, which operates more efficiently than un-rated units. When picking out 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 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 Polar Air & Mechanical to Prevent HVAC Energy Waste Year-Round

When it comes to comfort and energy efficiency Polar Air & Mechanical is the HVAC company Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, locals turn to for their furnace, AC, heat pump and more. From seasonal HVAC tips like these to selecting and setting up new HVAC equipment, we provide full-service service all year. Call 843-484-3783 today for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, HVAC service you can depend on.