You probably don’t think about your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system unless it stops working, requiring repairs. With a floundering economy, you might not be thinking about investing in a new HVAC system. However, upgrading your heating and cooling equipment has many benefits, like reducing your energy bills and thus saving you money. We at Bel-Aire Heating & Cooling have compiled several ways that upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient heating and cooling system can help you save some cash.
Energy Efficiency
With time, your HVAC equipment tends to decline in efficiency. An inefficient system uses up more energy to cool or warm your house. This leads to huge energy bills. Investing in a new, modern HVAC system may be expensive, but it can save you money in the future.
Newer air conditioners are designated a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER]. The higher the SEER value, the higher the system’s efficiency. An upgraded air conditioning system with a high SEER rating can help keep your energy bills reasonable.
Another advantage of upgraded systems is the ability to establish zones. With a zoned system, you can keep some areas cooler or warmer than others. This is great if you have rooms that are not used regularly. Why waste energy heating the guest bedroom that is only used a few times a year?
If you are in the Grand Rapids and West Michigan area and looking to upgrade your heating and cooling system, look no further. Bel-Aire Heating & Cooling offers the best solutions in the market.
Fewer Repairs
As your air conditioner ages, it is bound to fail no matter how well you maintain it. The repairs may not seem expensive at first. But these bills add up and could cost you more in the long when compared to upgrading your whole unit. Like other home appliances, a good sign that it’s time to replace your heating and cooling system is if you incur frequent repairs and higher energy bills.
Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats can increase your home’s comfort while using less energy. The smart thermostats can be programmed to raise and lower your home’s temperature depending on your needs. You can lower the temperature in winter while you are at work and have it bring your home to a comfortable temperature before you return. They are easy to use and can often be programmed with mobile devices or a remote. Modern thermostats also tend to be more reliable.
Improved Indoor Comfort
We tend to be making changes to our homes to improve their comfort. HVAC systems that do not work efficiently reduce this comfort. You end up using more money to get comfortable in your own space.
Older heating and cooling systems usually have single-speed fans, which only have the ON/OFF switch. High fan speeds are great for very hot or cold days. Unfortunately, they may not work as well when the outside temperature is more moderate.
Many newer units feature variable speed fans. This type of unit better regulates the amount of air, whether heated or cooled, blown into your home. It can automatically crank up or down according to your needs, making your home more comfortable. When your home’s temperature reaches the preset temperature, the controlled speeds help maintain the temperature for longer.
Improved Health
The health of your family is a top priority. With an old HVAC system, sometimes mold builds up within the unit and air ducts. This poses a health risk to you and your family. Mold and other particulates in the air can aggravate symptoms of diseases like asthma. Older systems are also prone to refrigerant leaks. Upgrading your HVAC system ensures the dangers presented by an old worn-out system become non-existent.
If you have health concerns for your family, why not call us for an indoor air quality test? If you’re unhappy with the results, you may want to look into our whole home air purification and filtration systems, including UV germicidal lights. We also offer duct repair and replacement services to keep your air clean and moving efficiently.
Rebates and Incentives
Saving money is an important goal when upgrading to a modern air conditioner. We usually fear upgrading our systems, thinking it will be too expensive. Depending on the model, the federal, state, and local governments may provide tax rebates and other incentives that you can take advantage of. When upgrading to an energy-efficient model, be sure to keep all of your paperwork and follow through on these money-saving programs.
Depending on your system, HVAC companies may offer financing programs. We offer convenient financing plans that let you start saving on energy bills now and pay for the system over time. One of the options is the Michigan Saves program. This non-profit bank is dedicated to making homes more energy efficient in our area.
Install the Right Size and Type of System
When it comes to HVAC equipment, having the correct type and size unit impacts your comfort and energy use. Under- or over-sized equipment wastes energy and affects your comfort. Your old system may no longer meet the needs of your home. This is true if you had additions or other extensive remodeling done. Even maturing landscaping can change the demand placed on your air conditioning and heating system.
When it’s time to upgrade, a professional should make the necessary calculations to ensure the system installed in your home is the correct type and size. Our highly rated experts will inspect your home to know the best HVAC system you can invest in, ensuring you save money.
Invest in Proper Installation
Proper HVAC system installation will make or break how well it works. When upgrading to a new air conditioning and heating system, rely on a professional company. An improperly installed system may not work correctly or efficiently. It could also void the warranty. A poorly installed HVAC system may be costly when repairing. When choosing a company, get one with years of experience and highly rated experts who ensure you get your money’s worth.
Signs It Is Time to Upgrade
People usually wonder when the right time to upgrade their unit is. Some signs that tell you it’s time to replace your unit include:
- Funny noises and smells
- Increased energy bills
- Hot and cold spots in your home
- More dust and dirt around your home
- Repairs cost more than half of a new system
If your air conditioner is ten years or older or you are experiencing the above symptoms, the wise option is to replace it. More recent systems are designed to be more efficient and are certified to ensure they cut emissions and use less energy.
Bel-Aire Heating & Cooling, in West Michigan and Grand Rapids, is your best partner to help you upgrade your heating and cooling system. With over 60 years of experience in heating and cooling services, we offer a vast pool of services, including HVAC systems installation, repair and maintenance, and 24/7 emergency services. Call us for the best heating and cooling solutions in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.
