You rely on your home’s HVAC system to keep your living spaces comfortable year-round. Unfortunately, if your HVAC unit is a little worse for wear, it may not be as reliable as it once was. During the summer, your home may feel humid and uncomfortable no matter how low you crank the thermostat down. Then, once the frigid winter months hit, you may have a hard time keeping your home cozy and warm.
What gives? If your HVAC system is approaching 10 years old (or older), then it may simply be that it’s due for replacement. But with a brand new HVAC system easily costing between $7,500 and $10,000 installed, that upfront cost can be difficult for many homeowners to justify.
The good news is that there are several ways in which having a new HVAC system installed can actually save you money. This can help offset some of those upfront expenses and help you make a more informed decision regarding your home’s HVAC system.
How Can a New HVAC System Save You Money?
The primary way a new HVAC system saves homeowners money is by offering much greater energy efficiency than an existing system. Even if your current system is only seven or eight years old, HVAC technology has come a long way in less than a decade. An HVAC unit manufactured today is significantly more efficient than one made even seven or eight years ago.
This means that your new HVAC system will likely require less energy to keep your home even more comfortable. This can lead to major savings on your utility costs, such as your electricity and/or gas bills (depending on what type of furnace you have). SEER ratings on HVAC units are higher than ever before — so even if you select a relatively budget-friendly unit, there is still a good chance that it will be more energy-efficient than your current setup.
The best way to find out for sure how much money a new HVAC system could save you on your energy bills? Reach out to a reputable HVAC specialist. He or she will come out and recommend a specific system for your home based on its square footage and other factors. From there, he or she should also give you a general idea of how much you could be cutting down on your energy bills with the new system.
Another possible way that a new HVAC system could save you money is through reduced maintenance and repair costs. Rather than spending hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars to repair an old unit, you can replace your HVAC system entirely and avoid costly repairs for many years. A new HVAC system should also come with an excellent warranty on parts (and, in some cases, labor) so that you can enjoy even greater peace of mind with your purchase.
How to Make the Most of Your New HVAC Unit’s Energy Efficiency
If you’re considering a new HVAC system to save money, there are a few things you should know to optimize energy efficiency (and maximize your savings in the process).
Start by making sure to select the highest SEER available for your new HVAC unit; SEER ratings refer specifically to how energy efficient the system is. The higher, the better — and the more you’ll save.
From there, take measures to improve efficiency throughout your home. For example, if your ductwork isn’t already insulated, consider having this done by a trusted HVAC professional. Insulating your air ducts is a great way to cut back on energy loss as treated air moving through your home’s ductwork and vents. This, in turn, can help your HVAC unit work less while keeping your home as comfortable as possible. You may also want to consider adding insulation in other areas of your home — as well as checking for and sealing gaps around windows and doors.
Last but not least, be prepared to take proper care of your new HVAC unit. At the very least, you should be scheduling an annual HVAC inspection and tune-up to keep your system running as smoothly as possible. This will improve efficiency and cut down on the likelihood of running into costly repairs. A reputable HVAC professional near you likely offers service plans to suit your needs.
The Bottom Line: Repair or Replace?
In general, an HVAC system is worth replacing if it’s nearing that 10-year mark and causing you more trouble than it’s worth. Likewise, if you plan on being in your home for a while, it makes more financial sense to spend some money on a system that will work and save you money for many years to come. From there, you can enjoy a more comfortable home and some energy savings in the process!
