Just like any other appliance in your home, there’s going to come a time when you’ll need to make an important decision regarding HVAC upgrades, repairs, and replacements. Potentially high-dollar decisions can feel overwhelming, so let us help you break it down and find out what you really need.
Should You Upgrade Your HVAC System?
There certainly comes a point when you’ll likely need to bite the bullet and invest in replacing your HVAC system entirely. However, before going down that path, you’ll want to ask yourself whether you can simply upgrade certain parts of the unit before having to replace the entire system.
Not sure if it’s time for an upgrade or for a complete replacement? Consider the following questions:
How Old Is Your Current Unit?
Is Your HVAC System Running More Than It Should?
Another sign that your unit may need some work is that you’ve noticed it running more often. For example, on a day where the temperature is steady, your unit shouldn’t have to run nearly as often to help the home maintain a steady temperature. If it is, then you’ll need to have it inspected.
Have You Noticed an Increase in Your Energy Costs?
Probably one of the most obvious signs that your unit needs attention is that your energy costs are beginning to climb. Now, this could be caused by several things, including leaking windows and doorways. However, if you can eliminate those as causes, then you’ll want to have your HVAC unit looked at.
Are You Noticing Loud Noises Coming from Your Unit?
Yes, some heating and cooling units will make a reasonable amount of noise. However, if you hear unusual or excessive noises, you’ll need to have your unit inspected to make sure nothing is out of place.
Have You Neglected Regular Maintenance of Your Unit?
If you haven’t been performing regularly scheduled maintenance on your HVAC unit, any out-of-the-ordinary activity requires that you call in a professional to ensure no significant damage has occurred.
5 HVAC System Upgrades For Homeowners
Whether you’ve noticed something unusual or you’re simply looking for ways to improve your current heating and air conditioning unit, you’ll want to look into these five HVAC system upgrades:
1. Upgrading the Filtration Used in Your Unit
One of the simplest upgrades you can make to your current HVAC unit is upgrading the filter quality. When replacing filters in their units, most homeowners choose the cheapest option available. However, upgrading the filter you place in your unit helps:
- Improve air quality
- Decrease the number of allergens in the air
- Collect finer particles from the air
- Filter the air you breathe of potentially harmful airborne bacteria and viruses
- Collect more dust
2. Adding an Energy Recovery Ventilator to Your Unit
An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is attached to your HVAC system’s ducts and uses fans to draw clean, fresh air into the unit to then be distributed throughout the home while also removing old stale air. An ERV can also capture some of the humidity in the air to help maintain your home’s set levels.
Benefits of an energy recovery ventilator can include:
- Better humidity control
- Improved air quality
- Energy savings
- Reduced wear and tear on your HVAC system
3. Upgrading to Whole-House Humidifier and Dehumidifier
For those that live in climates that are especially dry or humid, you may want to consider upgrading your HVAC unit to include a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier. These units allow you to easily control the level of moisture within your entire home.
Benefits of humidity control include:
- Easy adjustment of the humidity in the home
- Consistent indoor air quality
- Ability to add more moisture to the air (humidifier option)
- Prevent drying out your skin, as well as your woodwork, artwork, furniture (humidifier option)
- More efficient cooling of the home
- Avoid moisture stains on your walls, window/door frames (dehumidifier option)
4. Zoning Systems
- Cost-effective heating and cooling
- Maximum energy efficiency
- More comfortable living environment
- Less wear and tear on your HVAC system
5. Programmable Thermostat/Smart Thermostat
Another excellent HVAC upgrade you may want to consider installing is either a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat. These thermostats allow you to set and forget, enabling you to maintain an ideal home temperature, humidity, and more. Even better, many of these units now allow you to control it all from an app on your smartphone or tablet from just about anywhere, whether you’re home or not. Additional benefits of programmable and smart thermostats include:
- Tracking your energy use
- Minimizing your energy costs
- Easier scheduling to keep your unit running when it should
- Simple installation, especially with the help of a professional
Whether It’s an HVAC Upgrade, We Will Help
When it comes to the maintenance, repair, or upgrading of your HVAC system, it can be a rather overwhelming process. That’s why you should never go at it alone. Aside from some regular maintenance, all repairs, upgrades, and replacements should really be handled by a team of professionals.
The team at Home Comfort USA has been installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems in Southern California since 2013. We’re here to serve you!
Have questions or need to schedule maintenance or repair of your HVAC unit? Then contact us today to get started!
