If the time has come to replace your home’s old HVAC system, there is a wide range of options. In fact, there are more options now than a decade or more ago when you purchased your current system. That includes modulating furnaces, dual-fuel heat pumps, and high-SEER air conditioners. These high-efficiency systems do cost more up front but provide many benefits. Let’s explore those to see why the added investment may be the right choice for your home.
1. Suitable for All Homes
There are no special requirements to upgrade to a high-efficiency system. If you have a traditional furnace, you can upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace with little to no modifications. You may need condensate drainage for a condensing furnace, for instance. That said, if you already have a drip pan for the AC, we can often use it. If you currently have a furnace and AC pairing, upgrading to hybrid heating is simple. Upgrading to a modulating blower is simple too, and if your home lacks ducts, there are ductless solutions. Those include mini-splits and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems.
2. Enhanced Comfort
High-efficiency systems foster a more comfortable home and more consistent comfort. Temperature readings and control are much more precise. These often allow for relative humidity (RH) adjustment and “feels like” temperature settings. High-efficiency systems provide greater airflow and give you finer and more robust control over it. The industry has also come a long way in manufacturing efficient, high-output systems. Modern high-output HVAC systems are much better suited to larger homes, including those with multiple levels.
3. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Modern high-efficiency systems generally run cleaner. This is particularly notable with fuel-burning systems, such as gas and oil furnaces. High-efficiency HVAC units don’t have to cycle as long and minimize the impact to air quality. They also allow for high-efficiency air filters. Most systems support a minimum efficiency reporting value of at least 13. At that level, filters trap a minimum of 90% of household allergens. Some systems allow up to 16, which is the highest rating on the MERV scale. There are even systems that support high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which filter at least 99.97% of all particulates.
4. Reduced Operating Costs
The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that the average home can reduce its annual HVAC costs by at least 30%. Doing so requires proper insulation and sealing of your home and a programmable or smart thermostat. You must also upgrade to an HVAC system that meets DOE standards, which are lower than Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. High-efficiency equipment can increase that savings to 50% or more.
5. Lessened Household Carbon Footprint
The DOE estimates that 40% of the country’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions come from heating, cooling, and hot water. AC alone accounts for 15% of the world’s energy consumption and will likely reach 25% by 2050. A high-efficiency system will reduce your household’s environmental output by at least 20% and as much as 50%.
6. Longer Lifespan
High-efficiency HVAC equipment will typically have a longer lifespan. It’s not unusual for these systems to last 25 years or even longer. One reason is that they don’t cycle as often and are subject to less wear and tear. Another reason is that component quality and sophistication are generally higher as well. Warranties also reflect these expected longer lifespans.
7. Lower Total Cost of Ownership
While high-efficiency systems cost more initially, they usually cost less over the life of the equipment. There is a range of factors to this. Some we’ve already discussed, such as lower operating costs and extended lifespan. There are others, such as rebates and tax credits, which we’ll discuss next.
8. Rebates and Tax Credits
Whether a high-efficiency HVAC system is worth it comes down to whether the long-term savings outweigh the added initial cost. Energy incentives help to offset that added cost and make the investment more appealing. Rebates are available through manufacturers, utility companies, federal, state, and local governments, and other groups. You can claim multiple rebates if they’re available, and there are few requirements other than the model you select. Typically, you do need to buy a unit with the ENERGY STAR label. It’s a certification awarded by the EPA for appliances among the most efficient in their class.
Choosing an ENERGY STAR heating, cooling, or ventilation system or accessory may also make you eligible for a federal tax credit. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit has existed in one form or another for decades. It lets you claim an annual nonrefundable tax credit up to $3,200. The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate provides you either a $4,000 or $8,000 reimbursement for a heat pump depending on household income.
9. Safer Operation
It’s important to note that all modern HVAC systems are incredibly safe, including hot water and steam boilers. Still, high-efficiency fuel-burning furnaces and boilers are even safer than their standard counterparts. One reason is that they have sealed combustion chambers. That upgrade makes it even less likely that carbon monoxide (CO) will mix with your air supply.
10. Quieter Operation
High-efficiency HVAC systems are generally quieter for several reasons. They don’t have to cycle as often. When they do cycle, they don’t have to run at full bore. They can throttle down as needed. Noise-reducing blower fan blades are common as well.
11. Future-Proofing
Upgrading your home now will prepare you for a future inevitability. Consider that the DOE has already updated annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) requirements for the future. By 2029, you won’t be able to buy a furnace with an AFUE rating of less than 95. That means you’ll need a modulating blower and condensate drainage system for your furnace.
12. Increased Property Value and Home Appeal
Another way high-efficiency HVAC systems provide an excellent return on investment is by increasing your property value. If you may sell or rent your home in the future, these upgrades will make it more appealing and move faster.
Other Considerations
High-efficiency systems open up a broad range of additional options. Manufacturers often use green refrigerants with their high-efficiency air conditioners, heat pumps, mini-splits, and VRF systems. Higher efficiency systems are a better option for HVAC zoning. Zoning is where we organize your home into discrete zones that you can adjust independently. You can use a programmable or smart thermostat with any HVAC system, but high-efficiency systems often have integrated smart features. That includes predictive analysis for lower maintenance and repair costs. High-efficiency systems often have integrated humidity control or at least provide better support for HVAC add-ons like humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
Would You Like to Install a High-Efficiency HVAC System in Hanover?
Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing is an HVAC company that serves homeowners and businesses throughout Hanover and the surrounding areas. Our team installs furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits. We perform conversions, including electric and oil to gas. Our team installs, repairs, cleans, and seals ductwork. We install and service thermostats, CO detectors, humidifiers, and air purifiers. Our Juuust Right Service Club can save you money while keeping your equipment serviced on schedule. We’re available 24/7 for emergencies, including plumbing repairs. Our plumbing services include sewer and well system maintenance and repair. We also hook up appliances and install and repair kitchen plumbing, bathroom plumbing, water heaters, water softeners, and sump pumps. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a service appointment or on-site consultation.