More than 50 percent of a home’s energy use is consumed to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. That is why it is essential to make well-informed decisions concerning the HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system in your home. In addition to maintaining a comfortable environment inside the house, repairing or upgrading the heating and cooling system can make a significant difference in lowering your monthly utility bills.
HVAC experts recognize the significant benefits of a home heating and cooling system that has been professionally installed and routinely maintained. Major benefits include:
• Substantial Cost Savings – Choosing to replace an outdated HVAC system can save on the home’s utility bills every month. This is because a new system will run more efficiently and can essentially pay for themselves after just a few years of use.
• Control Air Comfort – Newly manufactured HVAC systems have modulating gas valves and variable speed fans to produce high-efficiency cooling and heating output. This advanced technology makes it easier to maintain comfortable temperatures at a constant level while providing a more consistent flow of air and better humidity control than an outdated system.
• Programmable Thermostat – Major advancements in programmable thermostat technology have now become the standard in high-efficiency HVAC systems. Some heating and air-conditioning system manufacturers offer units that control specific temperatures in individualized zones throughout the home. With the capacity to pre-program temperatures throughout the house, homeowners can save money by programming the thermostat at comfortable temperatures while family members are home and less comfortable temperatures while everyone is away.
• Quality Airflow – The incorporation of variable speed motors in new high-efficiency heating and cooling systems provide consistent airflow in every room of the house. Better-managed airflow translates into a more comfortable indoor environment while the unit removes air impurities and prevents the development of mold. Some HVAC units can be upgraded with advanced filtration systems to maximize quality airflow output.
• Peace and Quiet – Many newly manufactured HVAC units and ductwork are crafted with advanced sound-absorbing steel, textures and other materials to reduce noise. Replacing an outdated unit with the new system provides highly efficient operation of the system while reducing sound.
• Decades of Efficient Operation – New technologies and advancements in heating and cooling systems provide high-efficiency in units that have a longer operating life. In addition, when properly maintained, the system tends to require minimal repairs and last significantly longer compared to less efficient systems. As a result, many heating and cooling system manufacturers are offering extended warranties to provide every homeowner decades of efficient operation.
• Maximize Resale Values – Updating an old system with a new heating and cooling unit can maximize resale values of the home. Installing a new unit avoids many of the hassles of a home inspection demanded by a prospective home buyer or mortgage lender.
Replacing the System
Knowing when it is best to replace the system instead of having it repaired or maintained can be challenging. However, if the current unit in the home is at least 15 years old, it is likely a wise decision to invest in a new high-efficiency model. Engelsma Heating & Cooling, a company performing air conditioning replacement in Grand Rapids, MI, recommends replacing any unit over 10 years in age in order to see significant savings. More than likely, an older unit has generated high utility bills for the last few years or may be performing inconsistently.
Having the unit professionally evaluated is an easy way to determine if replacement of the system or maintenance is the best course to take. However, choosing to purchase a high-efficiency HVAC system will require proper installation to ensure it operates as designed. When professionally installed, the system can reduce utility bills by upwards of 30 percent and extend the lifespan of the unit.
Within the first year of use, it is essential to have routine inspections by a qualified service technician to ensure that the unit is running at peak efficiency. Annual or semi-annual maintenance can detect any small issue before it turns into a large, serious and expensive problem. A technician can check the unit’s heating system from late summer into autumn and the A/C components throughout spring before the hot days arrive.
There are significant benefits of a home heating and cooling system when it is properly installed and well maintained. A new unit can reduce fuel consumption and provide years of comfortable air inside the house.
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