These Surprising Insights Will Demystify the HVAC Upgrade Process
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are the heart of your home’s comfort. Your HVAC circulates air, regulates indoor temperatures, and keeps your air clean.
A well-maintained HVAC system can last up to 25 years. However, there comes a point when it’s time to replace it.
You usually don’t think or look at your HVAC system until it breaks down, so you may not feel prepared to make the decision to replace your equipment until then. To help you when the inevitable occurs, let’s explore some lesser-known facts about buying new heating and cooling equipment.
All Homes Eventually Require HVAC Replacement. The Trick Is Knowing When.
Your HVAC consists of multiple parts that wear down over time. Many common issues with your heating and cooling components can be addressed with preventative maintenance or basic repairs.
The big question is, “When do I stop investing in my current system and start fresh with an HVAC replacement?”
Consider your system’s age, condition, and performance. For the best energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR® recommends considering replacing heat pumps and air conditioners that are more than 10 years old; begin considering replacing furnaces and boilers at the 15-year mark. If your air conditioner uses an outdated refrigerant like R-22, that’s another big sign it’s time for an upgrade.
Your HVAC equipment’s condition is another factor that indicates you’re due for a replacement. Minor repairs and parts replacements are normal, until they’re frequently needed. Critical failures signal your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump may need replacement. This is because some air conditioner and furnace parts are so expensive to replace that it makes more sense to invest in new equipment.
The final factor to consider is performance. There are two main ways to gauge this. First, ask yourself if your system is keeping your home comfortable. Look for these performance red flags:
- Some rooms are too hot or too cold.
- Poor indoor air quality and humidity issues.
- Your HVAC components are noisy or producing strange odors.
Energy efficiency is the second performance metric to consider. Heating and cooling equipment that isn’t energy efficient must work harder to achieve desired temperatures, resulting in higher bills. Heating and cooling components naturally experience decreased performance as they age, no matter how much work you put into them.
HVAC Replacement Requires Permits
As a homeowner, you can make certain upgrades to your property without asking permission. An HVAC replacement isn’t one of them.
Some municipal authorities require permits for HVAC upgrades to ensure they meet energy conservation requirements and comply with safety standards.
Because HVAC replacement is a major home improvement upgrade, work with qualified professionals who can obtain the necessary permits from your city or county. If you don’t have the proper permits, your municipality could force you to remove your new system and charge fines.
Each HVAC Replacement Is Unique
Homes come in various sizes and floor plans, which means every HVAC replacement is a custom job. Technicians must calculate the correct size and type of system to match your home’s layout, insulation, and unique attributes. Installation isn’t a simple swap; it’s a process that’s unique to every home.
Energy Efficiency Ratings Are the Best Way to Evaluate Quality
If you’re not immersed in the world of HVAC, evaluating replacement central air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces can be an intimidating process. How are you supposed to know which products are right for you and your long-term comfort goals?
Energy efficiency is one universal quality to look for in any system. The more energy efficient your heating or cooling system is, the more you’ll save on energy bills.
Check the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating when evaluating furnaces. High-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE rating of 90% or higher.
Air conditioners and air source heat pumps use the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) to measure energy efficiency. The SEER rating scale tops out at 21, meaning the unit achieves maximum efficiency, but is also very expensive. You can balance affordability and performance with a 15 to 18 SEER rating.
Heat pumps measure heating system efficiency using the Department of Energy’s heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF2) scale. Single-packaged heat pumps must have a HSPF2 of 6.7 or higher. Split system heat pumps must have a HSPF2 of 7.5 or higher.
HVAC Replacement Delivers Immediate and Long-Term Value
A new HVAC system delivers improved indoor comfort and superior air quality. However, there are other immediate and long-term benefits that sometimes get overlooked.
First, an energy-efficient HVAC system can add significant value to your home. It’s also a key feature that homebuyers actively seek, helping your property stand out should you decide to put it on the market within a few years.
Another unique value point of HVAC replacement is you can stop investing in an old system. New HVAC systems are low risk for critical failures that require expensive parts replacements, meaning you could save on maintenance and repair costs. As long as you keep up with scheduled maintenance, you should enjoy several years of incident-free, cost-effective ownership.
Perhaps most importantly, an HVAC replacement delivers long-term value through reduced energy expenses. You can save up to 20% on energy expenses when you upgrade to ENERGY STAR®-certified equipment.
How to Schedule HVAC Replacement
HVAC replacement is more than just a simple upgrade. It’s an opportunity to improve your home’s comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR® reports a heating and cooling system upgrade can reduce your annual energy expenses by approximately $140 per year. Over time, the upgraded system eventually pays for itself.
If you’re ready to improve your home’s comfort and value, contact a HVAC service provider near you to get an estimate for HVAC replacement.