👋 Hey folks — Jake Lawson here
When you’re investing in a 5-ton R-32 AC and gas furnace combo, you want to make sure you’re getting the most efficient, cost-saving performance possible. Even the most advanced HVAC systems can’t do all the work for you — the way you maintain and use your system is equally important.
In this blog, I’ll break down easy, practical steps to maximize energy savings. You’ll learn maintenance routines, smart thermostat settings, ductwork tricks, and some longer-term upgrades that’ll keep your home comfy without draining your wallet.
Let’s jump in!
✅ Understanding Energy Efficiency
Before you can improve your system’s efficiency, it’s worth understanding what’s working under the hood.
Your 5-ton R-32 AC and gas furnace combo is rated for high energy efficiency — often reaching SEER2 ratings of 14.5 or higher and AFUE ratings of 95% or more. The refrigerant R-32 itself has a lower global warming potential than older refrigerants and also improves heat transfer, boosting overall performance.
For a deeper look at how refrigerants like R-32 impact energy efficiency, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver guide.
✅ Optimize Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is one of your most powerful tools for saving energy — if you use it right.
Here are a few best practices:
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Set and forget — Avoid cranking the temperature up and down. Find a comfortable temperature and leave it there.
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Upgrade to a smart thermostat — Products like Nest or Ecobee can automatically adjust to your schedule and habits.
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Try recommended settings — Aim for 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter when you’re home, then let your smart thermostat dial back further when you’re away.
Research by ENERGY STAR shows that proper thermostat management can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling.
✅ Maintain the Filters
Your air filter might seem like a small thing, but a clogged one restricts airflow and makes your system work much harder — driving up your energy use.
Quick filter tips:
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Check filters every 30 days and change at least every 90 days.
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Consider higher-MERV filters if you have allergies or pets.
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Write the replacement dates on the filters so you never forget.
With a 5-ton R-32 AC and gas furnace combo, consistent filter changes can improve airflow by up to 15%.
For more filter maintenance tips, take a look at the EPA’s guide to HVAC air filters.
✅ Keep the Outdoor AC Unit Clean
Your condenser unit works best when it can easily exhaust heat. Keeping it clean and unobstructed is one of the most overlooked — yet effective — ways to keep your energy bills in check.
Here’s what to do:
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Trim grass and vegetation at least 2 feet around the unit.
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Clear debris like leaves and twigs regularly.
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Check the coils for dust and hose them down gently if needed.
Cleaning your outside unit can improve heat exchange and reduce strain on the compressor — extending its lifespan.
✅ Seal and Insulate Ductwork
If your ducts leak or are poorly insulated, you could lose 20–30% of the heated or cooled air before it ever reaches your rooms. That’s like paying to heat or cool your attic!
Have an HVAC pro inspect your ducts — especially if they’re in unconditioned spaces like attics or basements — and seal leaks with mastic or foil-backed tape. Adding insulation around ducts further improves efficiency.
For detailed sealing and insulation guidance, check out this U.S. Department of Energy article.
✅ Prioritize Annual Tune-Ups
Preventive maintenance isn’t optional — it’s essential for top-notch energy savings. Every year, a pro should inspect and clean:
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Burners, heat exchangers, and flue in your furnace
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Condenser and evaporator coils in your AC
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Refrigerant levels and connections
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Electrical contacts and controls
Annual service not only catches small issues before they become big repairs — it also restores your system to factory efficiency specs. Plus, many warranties require it!
✅ Size Matters — Even After Installation
Your 5-ton R-32 AC and furnace combo was probably sized carefully before you installed it — but renovations like finishing a basement or adding a room can change your heating and cooling needs.
If you plan significant home upgrades, have an HVAC pro reevaluate your system. Even the most efficient unit can’t perform optimally if it’s too big or too small for the job.
✅ Keep Curtains and Blinds in Mind
Your windows are one of your biggest thermal weak spots. Letting in the summer sun can add heat gain that makes your AC work overtime — while losing heat at night can tax your furnace.
Use insulating curtains or blinds:
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Close them during the hottest part of the day in summer
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Open them on sunny winter days to take advantage of passive heating
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Consider energy-efficient windows for long-term savings
✅ Invest in Zoned Heating and Cooling
If you want to supercharge your savings, consider zoning your system. With zoning, dampers in your ducts direct air only to the rooms you need heated or cooled — so you’re not wasting energy on rarely-used areas.
It’s a more advanced upgrade, but for large homes with 5-ton systems, zoning can deliver serious savings.
More on the benefits of zoning can be found at This Old House’s HVAC zoning guide.
✅ Don’t Ignore Airflow
Your system depends on proper airflow — so make sure furniture, rugs, or curtains never block registers or returns. Even a few blocked vents can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency.
Also, check that interior doors allow for free air circulation, or add return-air vents if needed.
✅ Consider Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)
If you live in a hot or humid climate, an ERV can recover energy from your exhaust air to pre-cool or pre-heat incoming fresh air — slashing the load on your system.
This kind of equipment is especially valuable with newer, well-sealed homes where passive ventilation is limited.
✅ Think Long-Term — Efficient Equipment Pays Back
When you look at energy savings over the life of your HVAC system — which can easily last 15 to 20 years — spending a bit more up front on high-efficiency equipment pays for itself.
Your new 5-ton R-32 AC and gas furnace combo is already a good step toward efficiency. Combine it with these strategies and you’ll get a comfortable home, lower energy bills, and a smaller carbon footprint.
And if you’re still shopping for the perfect setup, I recommend checking out the top-quality systems at The Furnace Outlet’s R-32 5-ton collection. They carry efficient, future-ready systems that’ll serve you well for years to come.
✅ Final Thoughts from Jake
Making small changes can have a big impact. Keep up with maintenance, seal those ducts, mind your thermostat — and let a pro help you when it’s time for service. Treat your 5-ton R-32 system well, and it’ll reward you with years of energy-efficient comfort.
And as always, if you have questions about your setup, feel free to reach out. Happy saving!
