12 Ways to Lower Your HVAC Energy Bills

HVAC typically accounts for 40-60% of home energy use. Here are practical ways to reduce that cost.

Free Changes

1. Adjust the Thermostat Every degree matters. Setting heating 2° lower or cooling 2° higher can save 5-10% on that portion of your bill.

2. Use Fans Ceiling fans let you raise the AC setting by 4° without feeling warmer. Just remember: fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.

3. Close Blinds Window coverings block solar heat gain in summer. Close them on sun-facing windows during peak hours.

4. Seal Obvious Leaks Feel for drafts around doors and windows. Weatherstripping and door sweeps are cheap and effective.

5. Don't Block Vents Ensure furniture and curtains don't obstruct supply and return vents.

Low-Cost Improvements

6. Change Filters Regularly Dirty filters make your system work harder. This is the simplest maintenance with the biggest impact.

7. Program Your Thermostat Set it back when you're asleep or away. If you don't have a programmable thermostat, consider a basic one ($25-50).

8. Seal Accessible Duct Leaks If you can access ductwork in an attic or basement, seal visible gaps with mastic or metal tape (not regular duct tape).

9. Add Attic Insulation If you can see the ceiling joists in your attic, you probably need more insulation. This pays for itself.

Investment Improvements

10. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat If you'll use the features, smart thermostats can optimize your schedule and save energy.

11. Consider Duct Sealing Professional duct sealing can improve efficiency 20-30% if your ducts are leaky.

12. Schedule Maintenance A well-maintained system runs more efficiently. Annual tune-ups catch problems early.

What About Replacing Equipment?

If your system is 15+ years old and inefficient, replacement might pay for itself in energy savings. Modern systems are significantly more efficient than older models.