AC and Furnace Upgrades: The Best Options for HVAC ROI

If you want to get the most for your money, carefully consider your future HVAC needs. By understanding your current HVAC system’s energy use and identifying the most efficient ways to lower your energy consumption, you can make the right HVAC upgrades that benefit the planet and your budget!

Read on to learn from the experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning which heater and air conditioning upgrades offer the best energy savings.

Calculating HVAC Upgrades Return on Investment

You’re committed to saving energy, but where to start? First consider your existing system’s monthly energy use in kilowatt hours, averaged across all seasons.

To determine the ROI of an HVAC upgrade, you’ll need to estimate the following:

  • Current monthly energy use in kilowatt hours
  • Cost per kilowatt hour
  • Estimated cost of potential HVAC upgrades
  • Estimated energy saved per month with new upgrades, in kilowatt hours

Then, it’s math. How long will it take for the cost of kilowatts saved to recoup your initial upgrade investment?

Upgrade costs = Kilowatt hours saved x cost per kilowatt hour x (months)

Understanding your estimated ROI for small upgrades, and knowing when to replace your furnace or air conditioner, can help you make informed decisions about your HVAC system. Continue reading to learn all about it.

Determining the Best HVAC Upgrades for Your Home

If you rely on your HVAC system to stay comfortable year-round, you might wonder whether your heat or AC costs more. Investing in an upgrade to support the costliest HVAC function, or the one your home uses more often, will ensure more energy and financial savings.

On average, heating your home requires four times more energy than cooling your home. Of course, homeowners in warmer climates may have different experiences, but heating is more energy-intensive. If you live in a colder climate, a furnace upgrade cost is likely worth it. For example, a variable speed blower may offer more energy savings than other options like those described below.

Remember: Regular maintenance positively impacts your system's energy efficiency, which makes annual service appointments a smart investment.

How to Upgrade an HVAC System

The best HVAC upgrades offer immediate energy savings and make your home more comfortable. Comfort is one of the less appreciated benefits of upgrading your HVAC system and one you’ll appreciate year-round!

Explore HVAC Upgrade Tax Credits 

Power companies, municipalities, state and federal government programs offer rebates and tax credits for HVAC upgrades, making these improvements more accessible for households. Programs available through Energy Star offer financial incentives in the form of tax rebates; look for similar programs in your state, or contact your energy provider for additional local options.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are the best gas or electric furnace upgrades for any homeowner. These handy devices allow you to program your heating and cooling on a flexible schedule to reduce waste when you aren't home. Even on the go, you'll be able to adjust temperature settings from your phone. Many smart thermostats also provide a monthly usage report to help you make changes to save money.

Using a smart thermostat can save you between 10 and 15% on your annual energy expenses.

So, how much is a smart thermostat? Most devices are around $80-100, depending on the features you're looking for. Don't forget to check with your energy provider. Some companies will install a smart thermostat in your home for free.

Install Smart Vents 

These handy devices replace the air vents in your home and connect to a smart thermostat. Smart vents take the energy-saving intelligence of your thermostat to every room in your home. Based on your settings, these vents will open or close to direct air to occupied spaces and away from rooms not in use.

Smart vent manufacturers claim a 20-30% energy savings for their systems. A 5-10% savings might be a more reasonable expectation, but you will undoubtedly be more comfortable in your home.

Install a Variable Speed Blower

This furnace fan upgrade offers up to 60% less energy than traditional single-speed blowers. As the name might imply, a variable speed blower runs at different speeds based on the current temperature. A standard blower runs at full speed or not at all, while a variable speed blower starts at a lower rate for 10-15 minutes. If more heat is needed, it may turn to full power.

Variable speed blowers use considerably less energy than traditional blowers. On automatic fan mode, it uses less electricity than a 100-watt light bulb. These blowers also reduce general wear and tear on the motor and fan.

How to Know When to Upgrade HVAC Equipment 

If you're wondering whether to repair or replace your air conditioning or heating system, call One Hour. We can help you make the right decision for your home.

Some possible signs you need a new HVAC system include:

  • Your AC unit is more than 10 years old.
  • Your heating system or boiler is more than 15 years old.
  • You’re fixing your furnace or AC unit more than once a year.

Upgrade Your HVAC System with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

Trust our experienced technicians to offer friendly advice and HVAC services on time and at a fair price. Call (800) 893-3523 or request an appointment to learn about upgrading or replacing your HVAC system.