Real‑world examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems

Everyday examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems you can do yourself

Let’s start with the easy wins: simple, real examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems that any homeowner can tackle without special tools.

Example of checking and changing air filters

A dirty air filter is one of the most common reasons an HVAC system wastes energy. When the filter is clogged, your blower motor has to work harder to pull air through, which means higher electricity use and uneven temperatures.

A practical example of this energy efficiency check:

You pull out your return air filter and hold it up to a light. If you can’t see light through most of the filter surface, it’s time to replace it. In many U.S. homes, that means changing filters every 1–3 months, especially if you have pets or live in a dusty area. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that replacing a dirty filter can lower your air conditioner’s energy use by up to 15% (energy.gov).

As part of your HVAC maintenance timeline, add a recurring calendar reminder to check filters. This is one of the best examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems that pays off quickly.

Example of thermostat and schedule optimization

Another simple example of an energy efficiency check is reviewing how your thermostat is programmed. Many homes still run on outdated schedules, or worse, no schedule at all.

Here’s a real example: You work outside the home from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but your thermostat holds 72°F all day. You adjust your schedule so the system lets the temperature rise to 78°F in summer while you’re gone, and drops back to 72°F about 30 minutes before you return. In winter, you might set 68°F when you’re home and 62–64°F while you’re asleep or away.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day can save around 10% a year on heating and cooling (energy.gov). That makes this one of the best examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems that doesn’t require touching the equipment at all—just smarter control.

Example of sealing obvious air leaks and drafts

Your HVAC system can be perfectly tuned, but if conditioned air is leaking out and hot or cold air is leaking in, you’re wasting energy.

A basic example of this check:

On a windy day, you walk around with a lit stick of incense or a very light tissue near window frames, exterior doors, and where ducts enter walls or floors. If the smoke or tissue moves sharply, you’ve found a draft. Adding weatherstripping, caulk, or a simple door sweep can reduce the load on your HVAC system.

This isn’t only a comfort issue. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that improving home sealing and insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by an average of 15% (energystar.gov). That’s why examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems always include a look at the building envelope, not just the furnace or AC.

Example of checking vents and registers for airflow

Another easy example of an energy efficiency check: making sure supply and return vents are fully open and not blocked.

Walk room to room and:

• Feel for airflow at each supply vent.
• Make sure furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking vents.
• Confirm return grilles (often on walls or ceilings) aren’t covered.

If one room feels stuffy and the airflow is weak compared to others, that’s a red flag. It could be a duct problem, a closed damper, or an undersized return. Either way, you’re getting uneven comfort while the system uses the same amount of energy—or more.

These basic checks are simple examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems that you can do in under 15 minutes as part of your seasonal home maintenance.

Professional examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems

Now let’s look at deeper, more technical examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems that a licensed technician typically performs during annual service.

Example of measuring temperature rise and drop

A classic example of a professional check is measuring the temperature difference across the system.

For cooling, a technician measures the air temperature entering the return and the air leaving the supply plenum near the evaporator coil. A typical residential system should show about a 15–20°F temperature drop. If it’s much lower, the system may be undercharged, airflow may be restricted, or the coil may be dirty. If it’s much higher, the system might be oversized or airflow is severely restricted.

For heating (furnace), they measure temperature rise between return and supply. The manufacturer’s data plate lists an acceptable range (for example, 35–65°F). If the measured rise is outside that range, the system is not operating efficiently and may be at risk of overheating.

These measurements are real examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems that go beyond “it feels warm or cool” and instead verify performance against manufacturer specs.

Example of static pressure and airflow testing

Static pressure is like blood pressure for your ductwork. Too high, and the system strains; too low, and airflow is weak.

A technician uses a manometer to measure static pressure on the return and supply sides of the blower. They compare the readings to the equipment’s rated maximum external static pressure. If it’s too high, common causes include undersized ducts, dirty filters, closed registers, or restrictive aftermarket filters.

Why this matters: High static pressure can mean the blower is working harder and drawing more electricity while still not delivering the right airflow. This is a textbook example of an energy efficiency check for HVAC systems that homeowners usually can’t do themselves but should ask for during annual service.

Example of duct leakage testing

Leaky ducts are one of the biggest hidden energy wasters in homes. The Department of Energy estimates that typical duct systems lose 20–30% of the air that moves through them due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts (energy.gov).

A professional example of this check is a duct blaster test. The technician seals off registers, pressurizes the duct system with a fan, and measures how much air is needed to maintain that pressure. High leakage indicates that conditioned air is escaping into attics, crawlspaces, or wall cavities.

Sealing ducts with mastic or UL‑listed foil tape (not standard cloth duct tape) can significantly improve system efficiency. In any list of best examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems, duct leakage testing is near the top for older homes and homes with ducts in unconditioned spaces.

Example of refrigerant charge verification on AC and heat pumps

If you have central air or a heat pump, proper refrigerant charge is key to efficiency. Too much or too little refrigerant can reduce capacity and drive up energy use.

During a professional tune‑up, a technician:

• Measures suction and liquid line pressures.
• Takes line temperature readings.
• Calculates superheat and subcooling.
• Compares values to manufacturer guidelines for current outdoor and indoor conditions.

If readings are off, they may adjust charge (where permitted by regulations) or look for leaks. Since refrigerant handling is regulated, this is not a DIY task, but it’s a prime example of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems that directly affect your monthly bill and comfort.

Example of inspecting and cleaning coils and blower components

Dirty evaporator and condenser coils act like a blanket over your heat transfer surfaces. The system has to run longer to achieve the same result.

A technician may:

• Visually inspect the indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condenser coil.
• Clean debris, dirt, and biological growth using appropriate coil cleaners.
• Inspect and clean blower wheels and housings.

The Department of Energy notes that a dirty condenser coil increases energy consumption and reduces system life (energy.gov). So professional coil cleaning is another real example of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems that shows up in both performance and longevity.

Newer 2024–2025 examples of energy efficiency checks for smart HVAC systems

HVAC isn’t stuck in the 1990s anymore. If you’ve upgraded to smart thermostats or variable‑speed equipment, there are fresh examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems that take advantage of newer tech.

Example of using smart thermostat energy reports

Many smart thermostats (like Nest, Ecobee, and others) now provide monthly energy reports. These reports can show:

• How often your system runs each day.
• How your usage compares to previous months or similar homes.
• Which schedule changes saved the most energy.

A practical example: You notice from your thermostat’s report that your AC runs heavily between 3–6 p.m. in summer. You adjust shades or blinds on west‑facing windows and bump the setpoint up by 2°F during that window. Next month, your runtime chart drops noticeably. That’s a modern example of an energy efficiency check for HVAC systems where data guides the changes instead of guesswork.

Example of monitoring energy use with smart plugs or whole‑home monitors

Some homeowners are now using whole‑home energy monitors or smart panels to track how much power their HVAC system uses. These devices can show:

• Peak demand times.
• How HVAC compares to other major loads.
• Trends over seasons.

If you see that your heat pump’s energy use has jumped compared to last year for the same outdoor temperatures, that’s a signal to schedule a tune‑up. It might be a failing component, refrigerant issue, or airflow problem. This is one of the best examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems in 2024–2025: using real‑time data to catch problems early.

Example of checking ventilation and indoor air quality settings

Modern systems often include ERVs/HRVs (energy or heat recovery ventilators), variable‑speed fans, and advanced filtration. These can improve comfort and health, but if set incorrectly, they can waste energy.

An example of an efficiency‑focused check:

• Reviewing ERV/HRV run times and making sure they match occupancy.
• Ensuring continuous fan mode is used strategically, not 24/7 without need.
• Confirming that high‑MERV filters are sized correctly so they don’t choke airflow.

The CDC and other health agencies emphasize the importance of good ventilation for indoor air quality (cdc.gov), but it should be balanced with energy use. Tuning these settings is a newer example of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems that keeps both air quality and energy in mind.

How to build these examples into your yearly HVAC maintenance timeline

Knowing examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems is one thing; turning them into a routine is where you actually save money.

Here’s a simple way to organize them across the year, woven into your regular home maintenance:

Every month or two during heavy use seasons:

• Check and replace air filters.
• Walk the house to make sure vents and returns are unblocked.
• Glance at your thermostat’s runtime or energy reports.

Every spring (before cooling season):

• Inspect the outdoor unit for leaves, grass clippings, or debris within 2–3 feet.
• Rinse the condenser coil gently from the outside using a garden hose (if your manufacturer allows it).
• Review and update cooling schedules and setpoints.
• Schedule a professional AC/heat pump tune‑up that includes coil inspection, temperature drop measurement, and refrigerant checks.

Every fall (before heating season):

• Review heating schedules on your thermostat.
• Check for drafts around doors and windows and seal as needed.
• Have a professional inspect the furnace or heat pump, measure temperature rise, and test static pressure.

Every few years:

• Consider professional duct leakage testing and sealing, especially if you have ducts in attics or crawlspaces.
• Ask your HVAC contractor to review whether your thermostat, zoning, or ventilation settings match your current lifestyle.

When you think about your HVAC maintenance timeline this way, you’re not just reacting to breakdowns. You’re using specific, proven examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems to keep comfort high and energy waste low.

FAQ: Common questions about examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems

What are some simple examples of HVAC energy efficiency checks I can do myself?

Some of the easiest examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems include checking and replacing dirty air filters, making sure vents and returns are open and not blocked, adjusting thermostat schedules to match when you’re home or away, and sealing obvious drafts around windows and doors. These steps don’t require tools and can noticeably reduce energy use.

What is an example of a professional HVAC efficiency test I should ask for?

A good example of a professional test is static pressure and airflow measurement. This tells you whether your duct system and blower are working efficiently together. You can also ask for temperature rise/drop measurements and, for AC or heat pumps, refrigerant charge verification compared to manufacturer specifications.

How often should these energy efficiency checks be done?

DIY checks like filters and vents should be done monthly during heavy heating or cooling seasons. Thermostat schedule reviews can be done at the start of each season. Professional examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems—such as coil inspection, static pressure testing, and refrigerant checks—are best done at least once a year.

Are smart thermostats really worth it for energy efficiency?

For many homes, yes. Smart thermostats make it easier to run efficient schedules and provide reports that highlight when your system runs the most. Those reports are modern examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems because they help you spot patterns—like heavy afternoon cooling or overnight heating—that you can adjust with minor setpoint changes.

When should I consider duct leakage testing?

If you have rooms that are consistently too hot or too cold, high dust levels, or you know your ducts run through attics, garages, or crawlspaces, duct leakage testing is a strong candidate. It’s one of the best examples of a deeper energy efficiency check because sealing leaks can improve comfort and cut energy use without replacing major equipment.

By folding these real‑world examples of energy efficiency checks for HVAC systems into your regular home maintenance, you give your equipment a better shot at running efficiently for years—and you give your utility bills a much‑needed break.