4 Things to Know Before Upgrading your HVAC system

Is it time to replace your furnace? What about your air conditioner? Ductwork? While most systems have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, as your equipment ages, its efficiency will decrease dramatically. The decision to continue to repair your aging furnace or replace it with a new one is complicated. Because there are so many pieces in your HVAC system that may be affecting the system, it is best to consult a trusted HVAC specialist who will assess each component and offer professional advice.

1. Energy efficiency

When your current furnace or air conditioner was new, its technology was state of the art for that time. After 10 years, not only is the technology old, but the efficiency has likely declined due to regular wear and tear. Heating and air conditioning technology improve over time, so investing in a unit designed with newer, more energy-efficient technology makes good sense. Depending on the unit and how it is installed, the cost of the new equipment can pay for itself with money saved on energy costs. It’s recommended that homeowners choose an Energy Star rated HVAC system. An Energy Star rated system will lower your energy bills and increase the value of your home due to a high-efficiency HVAC system. 

Have it serviced regularly to ensure your new HVAC equipment stays at peak efficiency. A regular HVAC maintenance or tune-up for your heating & air conditioning system is where an HVAC technician will inspect, clean, and check to see if your HVAC unit needs repair or an HVAC system upgrade. A typical tune-up will have an HVAC specialist clean all coils, check on refrigerant levels, access the heat pump, and examine overall system efficiency. Regular maintenance is worth it because homeowners not only save money in the long run, but it will also help your new equipment last longer as well as run at peak performance.

2. Do I need ductwork replaced?

Your HVAC system consists of more than just heating and cooling systems. If your home relies on ductwork to carry warm and cold air, you’ll need to consider whether your ductwork is in good condition and in an optimal location. For example, if ducts are not properly sealed or insulated, they will fail to efficiently get the hot or cool air where you want it. This will cost you money! 

Before you invest in a new HVAC system, have a heating and air conditioning professional check your ductwork. There could be modifications or repairs you could do before immediately replacing your air ducts. Such modifications include a UV light installation that increases air filtration. Your air ducts may have a small leak and need a simple repair. The energy savings on a new, super-efficient system won’t be realized if warm and cool air leaks out of inferior ductwork.

Another alternative, instead of replacing your ductwork, is to install a ductless mini-split system. This HVAC upgrade system will allow you to cool and heat your home with separate programmable thermostats. With each room having its own unit and thermostat, your cooling costs and energy consumption will drastically reduce because of the increased zoning systems. You can have a smart thermostat installed with each mini-split unit that will allow you to control the temperature of a room from your smartphone!

3. Will a bigger furnace or AC unit work better?

The simple answer is no! Air conditioners control your home’s comfort level by cooling the air and removing humidity. While an oversized air conditioner may cool your home faster, it will use more energy. An oversized air conditioner may not be able to remove humidity effectively. Plus, existing ductwork may not be able to support the airflow of a larger system and might affect the indoor air quality of your home. An oversized furnace may warm the house quicker, but it uses more energy and is likely to bring about greater temperature swings in your home.

4. Who should I trust to install my new HVAC system?

Your HVAC system requires fuel. Whether that fuel is electricity, gas, or oil, it requires a highly skilled and trained professional to handle it with care. There are inherent dangers with each component of your home’s HVAC system. Even air duct materials can be dangerous when handled improperly. 

To ensure a new HVAC system achieves optimal energy efficiency and installation is done safely, always hire a trusted professional who will assess your existing equipment, your unique requirements, the environment, and your budget and current utility bills to design and install an HVAC system that will keep your family safe and comfortable. 

If it’s time to upgrade or replace your HVAC unit, then trust the HVAC specialists at Xcalibur Services! Our HVAC technicians will inspect your current system and do a load calculation to determine what is best for your needs.

When you hire Xcalibur Services to install your HVAC system, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re getting the best value for your hard-earned money. Your installation will be covered by a product warranty if installed by a professional, and a legitimate HVAC service provider will present that guarantee in writing.

Published: January 15th, 2021