Spring in the North Atlanta suburbs is a beautiful but unpredictable time of year. As your HVAC system switches gears from heating to cooling, the demand on your unit increases. This "shoulder season" of spring brings the challenge of rising energy bills as the AC starts to kick in more frequently. Without proper preparation, this shift can result in a sudden increase in your utility costs. 

We'll provide you with actionable DIY tips and expert advice to improve your HVAC's performance and lower your energy costs. Maximizing energy efficiency extends the lifespan of your equipment and ensures your home remains comfortable throughout the season.

Simple Spring Energy Efficiency Tips

The most effective changes come from adjusting how you interact with your HVAC system on a daily basis. There are several easy yet high-impact tasks you can perform yourself to enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Adjust Your Thermostat for Spring Weather

During the mild spring months, it's tempting to drop the temperature low to get that immediate burst of cool air. However, drastic temperature changes force your system to run longer cycles and consume more power. On those mild North Atlanta days, consider setting your thermostat as high as comfort allows. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 78° Fahrenheit when you’re home. Each degree you raise your thermostat can reduce cooling costs by 2%-3%.

For even greater savings, consider a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices allow you to set a schedule that aligns with your routine. For example, you can program the temperature to rise while you are at work and lower shortly before you return. This prevents your system from cooling an empty house and ensures you can come back to a comfortable environment.

Replace Your Air Filter for Better Airflow

A clogged air filter is one of the most common culprits of reduced HVAC efficiency. When the filter is dirty, it restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and increasing your energy consumption, as well as premature wear and tear on components.

Replacing a dirty filter can lower your AC's energy consumption. Check your air filter every 1-3 months and replace it if it's dirty. Ensure you use a filter with the correct MERV rating for your specific system, as specified by the manufacturer. A clean air filter improves efficiency and contributes to better indoor air quality.

Use Ceiling Fans to Feel Cooler

Ceiling fans can help you be more energy-efficient in the spring. During this season, switch your fan blades to rotate counter-clockwise. This direction pushes air straight down, creating a breeze that can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat setting by those same 4 degrees without noticing a difference in comfort. By relying on fans for immediate comfort, you reduce the burden on your central air conditioner.

Essential Spring Cleaning for a More Efficient HVAC System

Beyond quick fixes, a bit of spring cleaning around your indoor and outdoor HVAC equipment can make a real difference.

Clear Debris From Your Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor condenser unit is responsible for releasing heat from your home. Over time, it can become cluttered with leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and other debris, obstructing airflow. Blocked airflow forces the system to work harder and longer, driving up energy costs and increasing wear.

Take some time this spring to clear away any debris from around your outdoor unit. Maintain at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides of the outdoor unit. Trim back shrubs, cut tall grass, remove piled-up leaves, and gently hose down the exterior fins.

Keep Your Indoor Vents and Registers Clean

The supply and return vents help maintain balanced pressure within the system. If vents are blocked by furniture, rugs, or heavy dust buildup, your system has to work harder to distribute air. Vacuum dust, pet hair, or cobwebs from vents and registers, and check that furniture, curtains, or rugs aren’t blocking airflow.

Good indoor airflow ensures every room cools evenly and helps your system run at peak efficiency. A professional duct cleaning service can remove years of accumulated debris, improving your indoor air quality and overall efficiency.

Why Professional Spring Maintenance Is Key

Many energy-wasting HVAC problems are not visible to the average homeowner, making professional maintenance critical. A trained technician thoroughly examines the mechanical and electrical components of your system. They address complex issues that directly waste energy and can foresee problems before they arise.

A professional tune-up includes key tasks such as:

  • Coil cleaning: Dirty evaporator and condenser coils prevent effective heat transfer. Cleaning them allows your system to cool more efficiently with less effort and reduced runtime.
  • Refrigerant level check: If the refrigerant level is even slightly low due to a small leak or too high from a past error, the system’s efficiency plummets. A technician uses precise gauges to ensure the charge meets manufacturer specifications.
  • Electrical connection inspection: Loose or corroded connections can lead to unsafe operation and wasted energy. Tightening and cleaning these connections ensures your components receive enough power.
  • System calibration: Your thermostat, blower motor, and compressor need to work in perfect harmony. A technician tests these components to ensure they are cycling on and off correctly without wasting energy.

A spring tune-up from a professional restores lost efficiency and gives you peace of mind.

Is It Time for an Upgrade? When a New Installation Saves More

Sometimes, no amount of maintenance can compensate for an aging or outdated system. Older units often have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of 10 or 12. Modern ENERGY STAR-certified systems start at much higher ratings, often exceeding SEER 15 or 20. Upgrading to a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR model can reduce your cooling costs by 20% or more.

Newer systems also come with variable-speed motors and two-stage compressors. Unlike older units that run at 100% capacity whenever they are on, these modern systems can ramp up or down to meet the exact cooling needs at that moment. You should consider a new, high-efficiency installation if:

  • Your HVAC unit is more than 10 years old.
  • Your energy bills are rising despite regular maintenance.
  • You are facing a repair bill that exceeds 50% of the system's value.
  • Your home has hot and cold spots that your current unit cannot resolve.

An HVAC expert can help you weigh the costs and benefits of repair versus replacement, so you can make the best decision for your home and budget.

Get Your HVAC System Ready for Spring

As the North Atlanta region warms up, taking a proactive approach to your HVAC care is the best way to protect your wallet and your comfort. By combining simple habits with expert care, you can maximize energy efficiency — enjoying a comfortable home throughout the spring and summer without breaking the bank.

At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, our certified technicians are ready to help you get the most out of your system. Whether you need a comprehensive tune-up or are ready to explore high-efficiency upgrades, we are here to serve you.

Ready to enjoy an energy-efficient home all season long? Contact us today to schedule your professional spring AC tune-up and start saving on your energy bills.