5 ways to cut your HVAC energy bill in 2026, ranked by real savings
As much as 40% of your annual energy costs are eaten up by your HVAC systems. If that system is outdated or allows air to leak, as much as $400 per year could be floating out the door.
Depending on where you are in the United States, you could spend anywhere from $340 to nearly $700 per year on your central air conditioner alone. If you have an old HVAC system, live in a hot climate or don't perform regular HVAC maintenance, your energy bills could be even more.
USA TODAY talked to the HVAC experts at ARS, a national HVAC installer, to learn about the best and easiest ways to save money on your energy bills.
At a glance: Cut HVAC costs now
Bottom line: The easiest way to save money on HVAC costs is the install a newer, more energy efficient HVAC model. But if that isn't in your budget, then there are some more affordable fixes.
- Best overall savings: Replace your HVAC system
- Best value upgrade: Seal ducts and add insulation
- Fastest return: Install a smart thermostat
- Most overlooked fix: Annual maintenance
- Easiest habit: Change your air filter
5 ways to save money on your HVAC bills
1. Upgrade to a high-efficiency HVAC system
Takeaway: If your HVAC system is more than 10 to 15 years old, upgrading to a new HVAC unit could instantly save you hundreds of dollars per year.
If you see a rapid increase in energy costs from one year to the next, odds are, a new HVAC system is in your future. And when you do, you'll save instantly.
"Assuming the same exact conditions year over year in an upgraded furnace and air conditioning system this year, you would comfortably save 30 to 40% on the electrical usage on today's system versus the one that was 20 years old," says Steve Wade, a senior director of operations and procurement at ARS.
2. Seal ductwork and improve insulation
Takeaway: Leaky doors, ductwork and windows allow heat or cold air to escape. Fix this and you'll save money on energy.
"Sealing the ducts, reducing air leakage, sealing the system properly.... That's critical," says Joey Dooley, a general manager at ARS in Texas. If air is escaping, your system has to work that much harder to keep your home comfortable, meaning higher energy bills and more wear and tear on your equipment.
You should also check doors and windows for drafts and use weatherstripping or caulk to patch leaks. Even small leaks can add up, and by tightening up your home's envelope and duct system, you'll improve efficiency and save money.
3. Install a smart thermostat
Takeaway: Install a smart thermostat to manage your home's temperature.
A more affordable alternative to a new HVAC system is installing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can set your home on a regular schedule and manage internal temperatures for you.
"Every smart home thermostat would have that same ability to turn the temperature off when you're away [and] to turn it back on, even as you're returning home," says Wade. Even just a few degrees can make all the difference in your energy bill.
For example, "if you leave the home in the morning and go to work Monday through Friday... you can set back your temperature 7 to 10 degrees and allow the home to be a cooler temperature or a warmer temperature depending on season," explains Wade. "And then, as you return home, it can return to your desired temperature."
4. Schedule annual HVAC maintenance
Takeaway: Get an HVAC tune-up every spring and fall to get ahead of repairs.
"Biannual maintenance is the baseline," says Dooley. An HVAC tune-up each spring and fall can identify minor problems before they become significant - and expensive - issues. HVAC maintenance can also help extend your HVAC system's life and alert you when it's time to replace it.
"Almost every manufacturer recommends it, and I can tell you that a lot of them also effectively require maintenance if you want to protect your warranty," Dooley adds. Maintenance records may be required for you to cash in on your warranty, whether it's a manufacturer's warranty or an extended HVAC warranty.
5. Change air filters regularly
Takeaway: Change your filter every one to three months.
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to make sure your HVAC system runs efficiently is to change your air filter every one to three months at minimum. Dirty air filters restrict airflow and force your HVAC unit to work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 ways to cut your HVAC energy bill in 2026, ranked by real savings
Reporting by Alora Bopray, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 5:52 PM.