No homeowner wants to learn they need to replace their HVAC system. These systems come with a high price tag, but they remain a necessity today. If your HVAC technician recommends the replacement of your existing system, consider investing in an energy-efficient model. What benefits come with choosing one of these models?
Cost Savings
Modern HVAC units come with an annual fuel utilization efficiency of between 90 and 98.5 percent. Installing a high-efficiency system could reduce this usage by up to 50 percent when the new system is combined with other measures designed to cool the home.
What many homeowners don’t realize is a home can lose up to 40 percent of its energy through conventional ductwork. To reduce the risk of this happening, consider making the move to a ductless mini-split system. The homeowner can control the temperature of each individual room rather than keeping the entire home at the same temperature. This means rooms that aren’t in use aren’t heated or cooled, which helps keep energy costs down.
Carbon Emissions
Most electricity today comes from fossil fuels. Older HVAC systems use more energy, which means they release more carbon emissions, and these emissions harm the environment. New systems come with features designed to reduce energy consumption,
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy reports half of the energy used in a home goes to heating and cooling the residence. By switching to an energy-efficient system, a person will use less energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Today, manufacturers continue to look for ways to reduce the environmental impact of these systems to further reduce their energy consumption.
Extended Lifespan
Modern HVAC units cycle less frequently than their older counterparts. This means the unit experiences less wear and tear and lasts longer as a result. To extend the lifespan more, owners need to have the unit inspected a minimum of once a year and use a smart thermostat to ensure the unit doesn’t run more than is necessary to keep the home at the desired temperature.
Increased Comfort
Newer HVAC models provide more consistent heating and cooling. The temperature across the home remains constant, so homeowners never have to worry about one room being hot and another frigid. In addition, these systems offer superior humidity control, which homeowners appreciate. Overall, modern energy-efficient HVAC systems provide a more comfortable home environment.
Quiet Operation
Homeowners typically know when their HVAC system is operating. They hear the unit turn on and off and can hear various components during operation. The new energy-efficient HVAC systems often could with sound-absorbing materials and other features that help keep this noise to a minimum. This serves as only one example of advanced technology that owners appreciate in their HVAC units today.
Increased Home Resale Value
Investing in a high-efficiency HVAC system increases the resale value of the home. Potential buyers like knowing they will save on energy bills each month thanks to the installation of this system, and they also appreciate knowing they won’t need to replace the system during their first few years of homeownership. Thanks to the high cost of heating and cooling a home today, buyers take the HVAC system into careful consideration when choosing which home to buy. The homeowner benefits from the electric HVAC installation while they live in the home and recoup some of the cost when they decide to sell, so they come out ahead either way.
Improved Air Flow
Energy-efficient electric HVAC systems provide better airflow with the help of a variable speed motor. This motor ensures a consistent flow of air, yet doesn’t use extra energy to provide it. This increased airflow helps to remove pollutants and regulate the temperature. The health of the home’s occupants improves, and the air smells clean and fresh. This is what every person wants when they are home. They want to be comfortable and a new HVAC system ensures they are.
New Refrigerant Options
Older HVAC systems use R-22 to cool the home. Manufacturers phased out this refrigerant in 2010 because they discovered it played a role in climate change and ozone depletion. As the ozone layer thins, the atmosphere warms. Systems made after 2010 use R-410A, a refrigerant that doesn’t damage the ozone or make the atmosphere warmer. When talking with an electric HVAC services provider, ask which refrigerant the system uses. If it uses R-22, talk with them about retrofitting the unit to accept this refrigerant.
Owners who switch to R-410A find they save money on heating and cooling the home. This refrigerant requires less compression, which boosts the efficiency of the unit. In addition, the system undergoes less wear and tear, which extends its lifespan while boosting performance.
Additional Services
When working with the HVAC provider, ask about additional services that may increase the energy efficiency of the home. This may include duct repair or replacement, as the ductwork carries treated air throughout the home. Other individuals find they benefit from the installation of a whole-house dehumidifier or humidifier. As each home is unique, a one-size-fits-all solution isn’t appropriate.
The technician evaluates the home and makes recommendations based on what they see during this inspection. They may also recommend an air filtration system, such as an ultraviolet filtration system. Discuss the options and the benefits of each to learn what will be of the most value in your home.
Consider making the move to a high-efficiency HVAC system. Doing so could save you money in the long run, as the system will last longer than older models and use less energy during operation. It’s an option every homeowner should consider, as it comes with many benefits and no drawbacks. Learn more today to see if an energy-efficient HVAC system is right for your needs.
About AirNow Cooling and Heating:
AirNow Cooling and Heating serves homeowners in and around Millbrook, Alabama. The company installs, repairs, and services all HVAC systems and works with clients to reduce their energy bills with the help of a cost-benefit analysis.