If your current HVAC system is still working, you might not see the need to replace it with a new high-efficiency unit. However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and air conditioning systems account for most of your home’s energy usage. While replacing an HVAC system isn’t cheap, it might be a worthy investment for the overall comfort of your home.
Adding an energy-efficient HVAC system can help you save on your utilities in the long run, but it’s best to be informed about when and how to install a high-efficiency HVAC unit. The Kansas City HVAC team at Cates Heating and Cooling are always available for an in-home consultation. If your home needs HVAC services or your current system is a few years old, it might be time to consider an energy-efficient HVAC system.
When to Consider Replacing Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is comprised of your air conditioning unit, air filters, furnace, and all the ventilation in your home. Each component is crucial to maintaining the comfort levels and air quality of your home year-round. The average HVAC system lasts between 15 and 25 years, depending on how hard it’s run, the type of system you have, and many other factors.
You should consider replacing your HVAC system when the repairs are a third of the cost of a new system, if the system is older than ten, and if the efficiency is starting to slip. You will know that your efficiency is decreasing when energy bills start to increase.
The Benefits of a High-Efficiency System
Upgrading your current HVAC system to an energy-efficient one can benefit you, your home, and your family in many different ways.
1. Save on Your Utilities Year Round
A high-efficiency HVAC system can save you a lot of money when using your furnace in the winter and air conditioner in the summer. Furnaces are rated using the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency scale and get a percentage to describe their efficiency. Average gas furnaces rank around 60 percent, while energy-efficient furnaces can rank between 80 and 95 percent.
The higher-rated furnaces reuse more energy to heat your home, depending on their percentage listed. For example, a 65 percent efficient furnace will lose 35 percent of its energy as exhaust, while the remaining 65 percent is used to maintain your home’s temperature. The higher the percentage, the more energy-efficient it is, resulting in higher energy savings.
Energy-efficient air conditioners use a similar measurement known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Energy-efficient air conditioners are roughly 25 SEER, while average AC units are around 10 SEER or less. The higher SEER, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner is. You can save more energy and money on your utilities with a high-efficiency HVAC system.
2. Better Airflow and Comfort
New technology allows for more even heating and cooling power from your HVAC equipment. With high-efficiency equipment, you are more likely to get consistent temperatures throughout every room of your home. Variable speed motors allow for better airflow, which improves the flow of air in your house. Improved airflow leads to improved comfort.
3. Higher Resale Value for Your Home
Every homeowner wants to make money on their home should they choose to sell at some point. A high-efficiency heating and cooling system is a great way to add value to your home. The best part is that the time it takes to recoup the cost of the system is made up quickly by energy bill savings. When it comes time to sell, you can make money by having a high-efficiency HVAC unit in your home.
4. Improved Air Quality
One of the best ways to improve the air quality in your home is to install a high-efficiency HVAC unit. These systems are better at filtering dust, dander, pollen, odors, germs, mold, chemical vapors, and more out of the air. When you install a high-efficiency HVAC system, you reduce the risk of viruses and allergens in your home, which means cleaner air for everyone who steps foot in your house.
5. Better for the Environment
For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems are a great option. These systems use up to one-third less fuel than older models, which helps conserve natural resources. They also produce less exhausting, resulting in less air pollution. Plus, these new systems don’t use freon, which was hazardous to the planet as they damage the ozone layer.
Is a High-Efficiency HVAC System Right for Everyone?
Like with every home improvement or utility project for your home, you have to consider if it’s the right choice for you. A new HVAC system costs between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on size, efficiency, and brand. While many HVAC installation companies offer financing options to make it more affordable, it’s still a hefty investment.
You also have two main options for high-efficiency furnaces: 80 percent and 95 percent using the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency scale. Furnaces with an 80 percent efficiency rating only lose 20 percent of their energy to their exhaust, while the rest is used to heat your home.
Furnaces that are 95 percent fuel-efficient lose only five percent of energy to exhaust as they heat your home. This can warm your home faster and keep it warm longer than the standard 80 percent efficient furnace. While they are more fuel-efficient, furnaces with a 95 rating typically require an additional PVC pipe to draw in air from outside, while other furnaces generate heat internally.
If you’re ready to switch to a high-efficiency HVAC system, work with the best HVAC company in Kansas City. Our HVAC technicians are trained to work on any brand, making us a perfect choice for many homeowners in the area. We understand your needs and install your energy-efficient HVAC system quickly and easily. Kansas residents can call 913-888-4470 to schedule an appointment. For Missouri residents, call us at 816-944-1844 to schedule an appointment.
