10 Easy HVAC Tips to Help Homeowners Save Money Year-Round

Your home’s heating and cooling system is one of the biggest contributors to your energy bill. The good news? With a few simple changes, you can cut costs without sacrificing comfort.

Here are 10 easy HVAC-related tips to help homeowners save money all year long:

1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly

A dirty filter makes your system work harder, using more energy and leading to breakdowns.

🔁 Tip: Replace your air filter every 1–3 months, depending on the season and if you have pets or allergies.

2. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats let you adjust temperatures based on your schedule, helping you avoid heating or cooling an empty home.

📉 Savings: Up to 10% annually on heating and cooling costs when used correctly.

3. Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance

A yearly tune-up helps your system run efficiently, extends its lifespan, and catches small issues before they become expensive repairs.

🧰 Tip: Book a professional HVAC inspection in spring (AC) and fall (furnace).

4. Seal Air Leaks in Your Home

Air leaks around windows, doors, or ductwork let your conditioned air escape—wasting energy and money.

🔍 Use caulking, weather stripping, or have your ductwork professionally sealed to reduce air loss.

5. Use Ceiling Fans to Help Circulate Air

Ceiling fans don’t cool the air, but they help you feel cooler, meaning you can raise the thermostat by a few degrees in summer.

🔁 In winter, reverse the fan direction to help push warm air down from the ceiling.

6. Close Vents in Unused Rooms

If you have rooms you rarely use, consider closing the vents and doors to reduce the area your HVAC system needs to heat or cool.

🚪 Be cautious not to close too many—this can affect airflow balance in some systems.

7. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency HVAC System

If your system is over 15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. New ENERGY STAR®-rated units use significantly less energy.

💸 Bonus: You may qualify for rebates through government or local energy programs.

8. Keep Vents and Registers Clear

Make sure furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking your vents. Blocked airflow makes your system work harder and less efficiently.

📏 Leave at least 12 inches of space around each vent for optimal airflow.

9. Use Curtains Strategically

• In summer: Close curtains during the day to block heat from the sun.

• In winter: Open curtains during the day to let in natural warmth, and close them at night to retain heat.

🌤️ Simple and effective for indoor climate control.

10. Don’t Crank the Thermostat

Turning your thermostat way up or down doesn’t make your system work faster—it just runs longer.

🎯 Set your thermostat to a steady, energy-efficient temperature:

• Winter: 20°C (68°F) when home, 17°C (62°F) when away or sleeping

• Summer: 24–25°C (76–78°F) when home

✅ Final Thoughts

Saving money on your energy bills doesn’t have to be complicated. These simple, low-cost HVAC tips can make a big difference in your monthly costs—and they’ll help your system last longer too.

If you're looking for professional HVAC maintenance or advice on upgrading your system, contact us at +1-(289)-306-0542 today for expert service in the Greater Toronto Area.