Your home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential for maintaining comfort throughout the year. An HVAC system keeps you cool on hot summer days and warm on cold winter nights. HVAC systems consist of two separate mechanical units that require maintenance and occasional heating or AC repair services to reliably work their best. Here are some timely tips to help you save money on your heating and cooling costs.

Maintain Systems Each Spring and Fall

There are two times each year when you should ensure your HVAC system is fully maintained to prepare one for peak use while preparing the other for extended dormancy. You should have the heating system inspected, maintained, and repaired as needed during the fall while getting the AC system ready for several months of no use. When spring arrives, it's time to prepare the AC system for its peak season of use while ensuring the heating system is in good condition as its peak season winds down. According to Bankrate, AC systems use 6% of the nation's electricity, which is why heating and AC repair services are important in the spring and fall.

Replace Heating or AC Systems When Necessary

Our experts have found that most heating and AC systems last for about 20 years before they wear down and require replacement. Timely maintenance and heating and AC repair services when needed will help you get the longest life from your HVAC systems, but the time will come when it's best to replace one or both systems. If you spend lots of money on heating or AC system repairs every year instead of just maintaining them, you spend more than you should. It's time to look into installing a new HVAC system that runs more efficiently and lowers your energy costs for maintaining comfort throughout the year.

Use a Smart Thermostat

One of the most useful changes you can make to lower your heating and cooling costs is to install a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat tracks your usage and automatically adjusts itself based on the time of the day or night and day of the year to automatically maintain the ideal indoor temperature. A smart thermostat reduces how much your HVAC system has to work, so you can stay comfortable without making multiple trips to the thermostat to adjust the temperature. The automatic changes enable the heating and AC systems to run less, which lowers your heating and cooling costs.

Don't Block HVAC Vents

Many people call for heating or AC repair services because they notice significant variations in room temperatures. When our technicians show up to diagnose the problem, it's often a blocked vent inside a room that stops effective airflow. You should make sure all vents are clear and have no obstructions that will stop the air from fully circulating in the respective rooms. Paying more attention to where you place furniture and furnishings will make a big difference in how well your HVAC system works. It also will help lower heating and cooling costs by enabling the systems to work less to maintain comfort in all rooms.

Fully Insulate Your Home

Even when your HVAC system is working its best, you can do more to make it more effective. Ensuring your home is fully insulated will help make it more resistant to extremely hot or cold temperatures outside. Insulating the attic, exterior walls, and the floors or ceilings will help maintain a suitable level of comfort indoors while requiring the heating and cooling systems to run less. A fully insulated home also benefits from better soundproofing, so you can save money on your heating and cooling costs while reducing potential noise pollution from a nearby road or another source.

Eliminate Drafts

Drafts sap the heat from your home during the winter and enable heat to enter it during the summer months. Doorways and windows are common sources of drafts that make your HVAC system run more often to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. You can use weatherstripping, door guards, and window film to stop drafts and enable your home to retain heat or cool air better. Eliminating drafts also stabilizes the temperature, so the HVAC system won't run as often.

You can call or visit Greenbrier Mechanical to learn more about our heating and AC repair services. Schedule a visit from one of our experienced and professional technicians. We look forward to helping you save money on your home's heating and cooling costs.