HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is an umbrella term that encompasses all sorts of interrelated home heating and cooling equipment. Here are a few things to consider before making a new HVAC purchase:
Upfront costs should be balanced against long-term efficiency and other benefits. A reputable HVAC specialist at HVAC Round Rock can help you run the numbers.
As energy prices increase, more buyers are looking for homes with environmentally conscious features. Energy efficient upgrades are not only cost-effective, but can also improve your home’s resale value.
Energy efficiency is the ability of a technology, such as a building, appliance or industrial process to perform the same service with less energy. This can be measured by its COP (coefficient of performance) for heating and cooling systems, or its EER (energy efficiency ratio) for appliances. Energy efficient technologies are able to reduce the amount of primary energy needed, reducing both purchase and operational costs.
Many of these energy efficient improvements are simple and inexpensive, such as a home energy audit or sealing air leaks. However, some, such as replacement of an antiquated HVAC system or new windows, can be costly. It’s important to understand the recoup value of these investments and how much you can expect to save on your energy bills, in order to make an informed decision.
While the recoup value of some energy-efficient improvements may not be as high as other renovations, such as a kitchen remodel, their long-term financial benefits more than offset initial investment. For instance, replacing an old furnace with a new, energy-efficient model can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 71%.
Another way to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by installing insulated walls, attics and floors. Adding insulation helps prevent heat from entering your home during the summer and keeps conditioned air from escaping during the winter. Insulation can help reduce your energy bills by up to 20%.
You can also increase your home’s energy efficiency by removing any unnecessary electric consumption. For example, unplug any electronics that aren’t in use and consider a power-saver mode for devices that consume power even when turned off. Install programmable thermostats to maximize efficiency and reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Energy-efficient improvements like a home energy score report, programmable thermostats and improved ductwork are attractive to eco-conscious buyers and can contribute to a higher resale value for your home. When deciding which upgrades to pursue, it’s important to work with a professional energy assessor to determine what the most cost-effective and long-term return on investment will be.
Boost Your Home’s Value
There are many things that go into accurately pricing your home when it comes time to put it on the market. Buyers look for curb appeal, updated appliances, and technology features that help them save money on utilities. HVAC upgrades are often overlooked, but they can significantly boost your home’s value if done properly.
If you decide to sell your home in the future, a new HVAC system will likely increase its value. Newer systems are more energy efficient than older models, and they have a better Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This makes them more appealing to buyers who are concerned about high utility bills or who want to reduce their carbon footprints.
In addition to energy efficiency, new HVAC systems can also improve indoor air quality by removing allergens and pollutants. This is important for potential buyers who may be sensitive to these issues or who have family members with allergies and asthma. A well-maintained HVAC system will likely make a good impression on prospective buyers, as it is less prone to breakdowns and malfunctions.
As you prepare your home for the market, a professional can inspect your HVAC system and recommend any necessary repairs. Having these repairs done will likely help you avoid costly repairs during the inspection process and possibly prevent potential problems with your home’s appraisal.
When determining your home’s value, appraisers will also consider the age and condition of your HVAC system. Older systems are typically more expensive to operate and prone to breakdowns than newer ones. This could affect your home’s overall appraisal, which can lead to a lower offer or a longer time on the market.
A new HVAC system can add a significant amount of value to your home, and it is often repaid during the resale process. However, not every upgrade will significantly impact resale value, so it is important to choose wisely when making upgrades. For a more reliable estimate of your home’s value, contact an experienced real estate agent to conduct a thorough assessment. They can help you choose the best renovations to enhance your comfort and increase resale value.
Reduce Your Utility Bills
HVAC systems are responsible for a significant portion of energy consumption in homes and commercial spaces. Therefore, it’s important to minimize their impact on your energy bills through proper maintenance.
Energy bills will rise during extreme hot and cold weather, even with the most efficient HVAC system on the market. However, you can cut your energy bills by implementing other energy-saving measures that will not only help save money on your utility bills but also reduce your environmental footprint.
The first step in minimizing your HVAC energy usage is to understand your energy consumption patterns and how they vary with the seasons. Once you have a grasp of your energy usage, you can work with an expert dealer to make the best possible choices for your home or business.
A common cause of rising energy bills is an outdated HVAC system. Outdated equipment uses more energy to achieve the same level of comfort, so it’s important to upgrade to newer, more efficient equipment. A system with a higher SEER or AFUE rating will use less energy and save you money in the long run.
Air ducts and ventilation systems are like the lungs of your home, continuously circulating treated air throughout the building. Unfortunately, everyday activities and the environment can contaminate this air with dust, dander, mold, chemicals and more. As this contaminated air recirculates, it can increase the workload of your HVAC system.
You can cut your energy costs by having your ductwork cleaned regularly. Clean ducts will increase your HVAC system’s efficiency and prevent the build-up of contaminants, resulting in reduced energy consumption and improved indoor air quality.
Another great way to cut your energy bills is to install a zoned HVAC system. This allows you to control different areas of your home independently, avoiding the need to heat or cool rooms that are not in use. This can reduce your utility bills by up to 30 percent.
Maintain Comfort
HVAC systems are critical to residential structures like single-family homes and apartments as well as commercial and industrial buildings for regulating temperatures, improving air quality, and increasing comfort. These systems can be a huge financial investment, so it is important to protect these investments through effective HVAC maintenance and use. We are proud to provide guidance on efficient HVAC usage strategies that maximize your comfort and minimize your impact on the environment.
One of the most effective ways to keep your HVAC system running efficiently is through routine service visits. During these visits, our NATE-certified technicians clean and fine-tune the system to ensure everything is in working order. This prevents small problems from becoming major issues that can cause costly repairs or system breakdowns.
Keeping up with regular maintenance can also prolong the lifespan of your system. Thermostats, fans, coils, compressors, and ductwork all require routine care and attention. For example, filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly to avoid clogging and reduce strain on the system. Thermostats should be calibrated to reflect the temperature preferences of occupants and to optimize energy efficiency. Coolant levels, electrical connections, and drainage systems should also be checked and cleaned on a regular basis.
Another way to improve the performance of your HVAC system is through better building design. This includes using better insulation to limit heat loss and implementing zoning systems to allow for the heating or cooling of specific areas of the building based on occupancy. These changes can help to reduce energy waste and create a more comfortable space for all occupants.
A final way to increase the efficiency of your HVAC system is through regular maintenance and airflow diagnostics. Airflow monitoring equipment such as Vane Anemometers, Hot-Wire Anemometers, and Manometers can all be used to assess the flow of air in an HVAC system and identify areas where the system may be restricting or blocking air. This can be beneficial in reducing energy costs, ensuring comfort, and prolonging the life of your HVAC system.
Investing in the proper maintenance of your HVAC system is essential to maximizing comfort and minimizing energy usage. At Brody Pennell, we can help you understand the delicate balance between maintaining your comfort and managing your energy usage. Contact us today to learn more about our HVAC services and how we can help you maintain your property while lowering your energy bills and contributing to environmental sustainability.