In this article…
- Can A New HVAC System Actually Save You Money?
- When It’s Time To Replace Your HVAC System
- When It’s Not Worth Replacing Your HVAC System
- Is It Time To Replace My HVAC System?
Is your HVAC system not heating or cooling your home as well as it used to? Has it started making strange noises when it’s turned on? Are you spending more and more on repairs over the years? It may be time to replace your entire HVAC system.
However, like any upgrade on your home, an HVAC system replacement is no small investment.
One of the biggest reasons homeowners decide to replace their system is because it’s not running efficiently and costing them more and more in energy bills each year.
So, if you’re considering replacing your HVAC unit, you want to know how much it can save you in the long run.
At Wright Home Services, we’ve helped thousands of San Antonio homeowners find the right HVAC solution for their homes since 1979.
We’re here to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for your heating and cooling needs, whether it’s a simple repair or a full replacement.
What we’re not here to do is try to sell you the most expensive, complex system and indoor air quality packages if you truly don’t need or want them.
To better aid your decision to replace your HVAC system, we want you to understand exactly how much a new system can save on your energy bills in the future.
This article will use real, national data to prove just how much a new AC system can save you on energy bills, when it’s time to replace your system, and how to know when it will (and won’t) be worth it.
Can A New HVAC System Actually Save You Money?
Upgrading your old HVAC system to a new, energy-efficient HVAC is an investment upfront, but it leads to long-term savings on utility bills.
By investing in high-performance HVAC equipment, you can reduce your energy consumption and costs significantly, and there’s data that proves it.
According to ENERGY STAR, the leading organization of energy-efficient home solutions, your heating and cooling typically account for about half of your home’s energy usage.
Appliances that are ENERGY STAR-certified means they have passed a series of tests to ensure the equipment provides energy-efficient solutions backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. While these models can be more expensive than other standard models, they provide lifelong energy savings.
Replacing old HVAC systems with ENERGY STAR-certified models can yield annual energy bill savings of 10-30%, or up to $140 on average.
If you can’t find an ENERGY STAR-certified HVAC system, upgrading to a higher-efficiency system will also yield yearly energy savings.
A higher efficiency heating and cooling equipment can reduce energy use by up to 50% for electric systems and 10% for gas furnace systems, however, energy savings can fluctuate depending on your location.
You can also improve energy savings on your new HVAC system by pairing it with a smart thermostat.
ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats can provide additional savings of approximately $100 a year by optimizing temperature settings based on your home and preferences.
Smart thermostats are a great investment not only for improving the efficiency of your system but also for ease of use, allowing you to control your thermostat from afar and easily program it to the perfect heating and cooling schedule.
Read more about the benefits of a smart thermostat and if it is worth it for you!
Overall, replacing your old HVAC system with an upgraded, energy-efficient system is more expensive upfront, but it provides you with years of highly efficient, energy-saving comfort in your home.
When It’s Time To Replace Your HVAC System
Now that you know about how much a new HVAC system can save you on energy bills, you still may not be convinced this is the right choice.
If you’re still on the fence about whether you should replace your system, here’s what to look for that indicates it’s time to replace your system and when it’s worth it.
1. The Age Of Your System
If your HVAC system is over 10-15 years old, it’s most likely due for a replacement.
Older systems are generally less efficient and prone to breakdowns, meaning spending the money to replace your entire system will be worth it instead of continuously spending on repairs.
2. Your Spending Money On Frequent Repairs
Constant breakdowns and required repairs on your HVAC system are a good indication it’s time for a replacement.
If your system is 10-15 years old and the cost to repair it is over $1,500, it is more worth investing that spend into a new system rather than a repair.
Frequent repairs add up (especially if they are high-cost repairs), so if you plan to live in your home for the next several years, using that money towards a new system will be more worth it.
3. Higher Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed your utility bills have slowly increased over time and know your HVAC is inefficient, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient system can help reduce costs and greatly improve the comfort of your home.
4. Inconsistent Comfort
Uneven heating or cooling or difficulty maintaining desired temperatures throughout your home may indicate the system is no longer functioning as well as it used to, signaling a full replacement is near.
If one or more of these points are true for your home, investing in a new, energy-efficient HVAC system may be worth it if you plan to live in your home for a long time.
When It’s Not Worth Replacing Your HVAC System
Sometimes, a full system replacement is not necessary and may not be worth it for you and your home.
Here are several things to consider to know whether a full HVAC system is worth it or not.
1. The System is Relatively New
If your system is under 10 years old and functioning well, a replacement is most likely not needed. Regularly maintaining your current system will help keep it running efficiently and keep your home comfortable.
2. Minor Repairs are Needed
For smaller, infrequent repairs (like replacing a capacitor or fan motor), it’s usually better to repair the existing unit. However, remember if you’re constantly spending on repairs, the system may need a full replacement.
3. You Plan to Move Soon
If you’re planning to sell your home within the next few years, it might make more sense to repair the system if needed, unless you want to replace your system to improve the home’s resale value.
4. The System Meets Your Needs
If your current system maintains comfort for you and your family and doesn’t significantly impact your energy bills, a replacement may not be necessary yet.
Overall, if you don’t plan to live in your home for much longer and won’t reap the benefits of a new HVAC system or you don’t mind utilizing your old system for the next several years, a full system replacement is most likely not worth it.
Is It Time To Replace My HVAC System?
Now that you know just how much a new HVAC system can save on utility bills and when it’s worth replacing your system, you can feel confident in your project and know you made the right decision for your home.
No matter what any HVAC company tells you, the decision to replace your HVAC system is up to you. If your current system is working just fine and you don’t want to go through the hassle of replacing it, that’s okay.
But, if your old system isn’t working as efficiently as it should and you know money is blowing out the window year after year, replacing your system may be the best option.
A new, energy-efficient HVAC system can decrease your energy bills by up to 30% and save you over $100 per year.
We understand that a full system replacement is an investment upfront. However, if you are a long-term homeowner and know your system is due for a replacement, upgrading it with a new, energy-efficient system will provide you with not only energy savings but enhanced comfort and better indoor air quality (IAQ) as well.
At Wright Home Services, we know that shopping for a new HVAC system isn’t always fun. With so many options for system models, companies in the market, and various price tags, finding the right solution can be difficult.
We’re here to provide you with all the information you need when it comes to your HVAC project, whether it’s a full system replacement or a simple tune-up.
If you’re looking to upgrade your system, finding a trustworthy company to work with is the first crucial step. But, what should you look for in a quality HVAC company and how do you find the right one for you?
Check out this article that outlines 12 things to look for in a high-quality HVAC company, including how long they’ve been in business, 5-star reviews, and more.
Then, you’ll know exactly what to look for to identify a trustworthy HVAC company and can avoid choosing a faulty company that will leave you with a lackluster outcome.
