
- By Kurt Kopp
- In Home Maintenance, Seasonal, Spring
- Tags HVAC
When to replace your HVAC system and how updating your HVAC Saves Money?
Do you have an HVAC system that you are not just when you throw in the towel and replace or if it just needs repair? This article, When to replace your HVAC system and how updating your HVAC Saves Money, we will help you navigate this question and more.
When is it time to replace your HVAC system?
If your HVAC is more than 10 years old.
You may consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. These types of high-efficiency units can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
If your furnace is more than 15 years old.
Consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR furnace, which is 15% more efficient than a standard model. If you have a boiler, consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR boiler that is 5% more efficient than a standard model.
If your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are keep going up.
Your cooling or heating equipment may have become less efficient.
If some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold.
Improper equipment operation, duct problems, or inadequate insulation could be the cause. If you have a brand new HVAC system, your system performance could still be lacking, and you could be wasting money. Removing and replacing damaged, moldy, or just plain old attic insulation can make a big difference in how hard your HVAC system has to work.
If you do not have a programmable thermostat.
Installing a programmable and Wifi thermostat gives you 24/7 access and control over your home comfort right from your computer or smartphone. You can set different comfort settings for every day of the week around your family’s schedule. These can be maximizing your HVAC system’s efficiency and saving you money without having to sacrifice comfort.
If your home has humidity problems.
Poor equipment operation and leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.
If your home has excessive dust.
Leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics, crawl spaces, and basements and distribute them throughout your house. Sealing your ducts may be a solution. According to the Department of Energy, the average duct system can lose between 25–40% of the heating and cooling energy due to leaks. The average home could save as much as $160 annually. A ductwork evaluation with repairs can make your HVAC systems run much more efficiently, saving you money by reducing unnecessary wear and tear.
If your heating or cooling system is noisy.
You could have an undersized duct system or a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.
How Updating Your HVAC Unit Saves Money
A Lower Electric Bill
Heating and cooling systems account for almost 50% of a household’s electricity bill. Today’s HVAC systems are designed to be more energy-efficient. Look for air conditioners with the Energy Star label and a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 14 and higher. These units can reduce energy consumption by 20% and decrease your annual energy bill.
Reduces Repair Costs
An aging HVAC system is going to break down more often. Regular HVAC repairs mean spending more than you’d like to. HVAC systems are like old cars — they reach a point where they are simply not worth putting more money into them.
The Benefit of Automation
For further savings, consider a zoned system and programmable thermostat. This allows you to regulate the temperature in different parts of the house. If you live in a two-story house and spend most of your time downstairs during the day, you can switch off or lower the temperature upstairs. While at work, you can switch the HVAC off during the day and set it to switch it back on when you’re about to leave for home. Not only does this reduce your electric bill, but it also means less wear and tear on the unit, saving money on maintenance and repairs.
Tax Rebates and Incentives
There are federal tax credits as well as state and municipal tax rebates you can take advantage of. Depending on the type of unit installed, a tax rebate can cover up to 30 percent of the cost of a new HVAC system. Also, check with your utility company if they offer any rebates and incentive programs for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality
In addition to cooling and heating your home, one of the HVAC system’s primary jobs is managing your home’s indoor air quality. An HVAC system does this by providing adequate ventilation throughout the house, keeping humidity at an acceptable level, and filtering allergens and other harmful particles out of the air. Dated HVAC systems are not compatible with add-ons like whole-home dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and ventilators. To ensure that your home’s indoor air quality is virtually free of pollutants, allergens, and harmful airborne chemicals, consider investing in a new HVAC system and any indoor air quality components that meet the unique demands of your home environment.
Need Help or have questions about When to replace your HVAC system and how updating your HVAC Saves Money? Contact Us online at or give Us a call at 1 (503) 3357-8810. From concept to completion, we provide full remodeling services. Let’s Build It!
Kurt Kopp is a dedicated professional with a commitment to excellence. He is a master builder of over 35 years of experience that strives to deliver the highest quality product to his valued customer.