7 Things to Know About Upgrading Your HVAC

*Collaborative Post

Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a treasured part of your home, keeping you and your family comfortable regardless of the season. However, old systems can lead to frequent repairs and wasted energy, making them a hassle.

Here are seven things to know about upgrading your HVAC.

Types of HVAC Systems

Before you decide on specifics for your system, you must determine what unit you want for your upgrade.

• Packaged system: Heating and cooling is in one unit and is entirely outdoors. It’s beneficial for homes without a basement or utility room.
• Split system: A split system utilizes two primary units for heating and cooling. These typically have an outdoor air conditioning unit and an indoor heating system.
• Hybrid system: These systems are an advanced split system with a hybrid heating component.
• Ductless: They consist of an outdoor air conditioning system and heat pump for heating and cooling. This option is best for homes without conventional duct systems, like older homes.

You can begin the perfect upgrade by knowing which system is best for your home.

1.   It Will Be Quieter.

It can concern new HVAC owners when their system sounds like it’s barely on. However, most current models have your eardrums in mind.

Modern HVAC models have significant noise reduction thanks to advanced compressors. Newer systems also have smoother fan blade designs that rotate more quickly to reduce the sound you hear.

Though the exact noise reduction depends on the model, most HVACs on the market have significant noise reduction compared to those installed decades ago.

2.   They Are Smaller.

HVAC units are now smaller than ever, and it might seem like the model needs to be larger for your home. Don’t panic. Most new models have a larger capacity than older units, making them work more efficiently regardless of size.

A unit’s capacity is in British Thermal Units (BTUs), with higher ratings showcasing higher power.

Measure your home and consult with your contractor about which capacity is best for your house. You don’t want to pay for a unit that isn’t going to accommodate each room or has more power than you need.

3.   It Can Improve Your Air Quality.

Home air quality is a concern that rapidly grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wildfires and pollen levels can also exacerbate respiratory symptoms. Servicing your air conditioner is crucial in maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Though older HVAC systems utilize filters, modern versions have different options, including UV lights that can help you breathe more easily throughout the year.

New filters are also available that can accommodate the size and capacity of more recent models. The better your filters fit, the more significant impact they will have.

4.   The Price of New Units Varies.

Many factors go into what upgrading your HVAC system costs, including size, model, efficiency, unique features and installation costs.

The more complex a system is, the more time a contractor will take to install it, adding up your labor costs. The average rate for a contractor can range from $15.34 to $38.86 per hour. 

Any special features in newer models can also add to the price, such as air purifiers or dehumidifiers. However, choosing less popular brands could lower the cost.

5.   You Will Likely See a Decrease in Energy Costs.

Modern HVAC systems are more efficient than previous models. As they age, units work less productively, wasting energy. Current technology allows modern units to operate on less power than older ones.

By replacing your unit with an energy-efficient electric model, you could reduce your energy usage by up to 50%. Energy Star-certified HVAC systems can save you between 10%-30% on your annual energy bills.

6.   They’re Better for the Planet.

New HVAC systems are better for the environment than older models. Not only do they use less energy, but they also use less harmful coolants.

Many use new refrigerants like R410A, which doesn’t contain the chlorine that damaged the ozone layer in the past.

New systems also connect to smart thermostats, which you can use to manage your home’s temperature better. By programming and adjusting it from anywhere, you can use less power away from home, saving more energy.

You can place sensors around your home, which enables smart thermostats to detect when people are in a room and focus energy on it, reducing its power in empty areas. It might shock you how much it shrinks your carbon footprint.

7.   They Will Still Need Regular Maintenance.

All HVACs need maintenance, but some units require more than others. Purchasing a system with a low-maintenance reputation could make a higher price worth it. Cheaper models could seem nice initially but break down quickly, causing you to pay a contractor fee much more frequently.

Preventive maintenance is vital, such as changing the filter and lubricating moving parts as recommended. You can ensure your HVAC gets serviced by looking into ongoing care plans with the contractor or company that installs it.

Also, ensure your HVAC system is under warranty to cover unexpected repairs.

Upgrading Your HVAC System

Upgrading your HVAC could be the solution for handling an old, inefficient one. With the proper research and guidance, you can have a unit that improves your home, wallet and the environment.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.