Your home’s HVAC system keeps you comfortable and safe throughout the year. HVAC technologies are progressing at an impressive rate, as manufacturers strive to achieve even higher efficiency ratings. If you have an older system, this is an excellent time to consider replacing it. Even if your system is relatively new, there are notable improvements to save you money while making your home more comfortable.
Premium High-MERV HVAC Filters
All HVAC systems have one or more air filters that keep the system clean and improve air quality. Upgrading your filter is often one of the easiest and most affordable improvements. You should check your filter at least once a month and have it replaced as needed. Consider using a premium pleated HVAC filter that you won’t have to swap out as often. Note the minimum efficiency reporting value of the filter as well. Many homeowners use cheap MERV 4 filters despite many modern central systems supporting up to MERV 13. A MERV-13 filter will trap at least:
- 90% of particles down to 3.0 microns
- 85% of particles down to 1.0 microns
- 50% of particles down to 0.3 microns
Smart Thermostat Control
If you don’t yet have one, the first upgrade to make in 2025 is to get a programmable or smart thermostat. Programmable thermostats support scheduling that can lower cooling and heating costs by up to 10% a year. Smart thermostats add Wi-Fi and other advanced capabilities. That can include geofencing, which eliminates the need for strict schedules. Wi-Fi provides you with remote access and control. It makes features like vacation mode even more powerful. Energy monitoring and reporting can help you save even more. If your electricity company offers a demand response program, that presents another way to save. Predictive analysis is another greater feature that can alert you to diagnostic needs before a serious issue occurs. Other notable smart thermostat features include:
- Profiles
- Home automation integration
- Real-time weather monitoring
- Peak and off-peak rate awareness
Upgraded Ductwork
Many homeowners don’t think about their ducts because they’re out of sight, out of mind. That said, older and damaged ducts can decrease comfort, increase heating and cooling costs, and negatively affect indoor air quality. The Department of Energy estimates that the resulting cooling and heating losses in the average home are between 20% and 40%.
If you can’t remember the last time you booked a duct inspection, the new year is a good time to schedule one. A camera inspection will reveal any issues. If your ducts are too old or worn to repair, replacement is an option. Otherwise, repairs and sealing can lower air leakage to less than 5%. You can also improve airflow and air quality through professional duct cleaning.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Heat pumps are more advanced than ever and a great alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems. A heat pump is a particularly notable upgrade, as it transfers heat energy rather than produces it. That approach is much more efficient and cost-effective. Geothermal or ground-source heat pumps transfer heat to and from the ground. That means they remain efficient no matter how cold it gets outside. The heat pump itself can last 20 years or more, and the ground loop can last 50 years or more. There are incentives available to encourage homeowners to make the switch. That includes the point-of-sale HHREA heat pump rebate that becomes available in 2025 and is worth as much as $8,000.
Hybrid Heating and Cooling
If a geothermal heat pump isn’t in your budget, you can consider an air-source heat pump instead. The HHREA rebate applies to them as well. The big difference here is that the heat pump transfers heat to and from the outside air. That means there’s a point in cold weather at which the system is no longer efficient. A solution to this is what the industry calls hybrid heating or a dual-fuel heat pump. This is where you pair the heat pump with a furnace. The furnace serves an auxiliary role and cycles on when it’s too cold for the heat pump.
High-Efficiency Furnaces and Air Conditioners
If you prefer to stick with your traditional furnace and AC pairing, there are energy-saving options for that as well. Consider upgrading from a standard mid-efficiency furnace to a high-efficiency system. These units can use 10% to 20% less fuel. That’s possible because they have condensing systems that reclaim heat that would otherwise escape through the exhaust.
There are high-efficiency ACs as well. The most affordable ACs have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 15, which is considered good by the the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, a trade association. High-efficiency systems will have a SEER rating of at least 17 and even as high as the low 20s. That can make a dramatic difference in cooling costs over the years.
Zone Control
Zone control involves organizing an HVAC system into zones. You could, for instance, maintain cooler sleeping temperatures in the bedroom but warmer temperatures elsewhere. There are a couple of ways to achieve this. We can upgrade a central system with active duct dampers, a multi-speed air handler, and a smart thermostat with zone support. The other option is to add a mini-split system to the home. You can then have indoor units in areas where you want zone control.
Enhanced Ventilation
Many modern homes have tight building envelopes and don’t get enough ventilation. One solution is to add a mechanical ventilation system, such as a whole-house fan. There are also advanced fans, such as heat and energy recovery ventilators, which you can run in winter.
Whole-House Air Purification
While your HVAC filter provides some air filtration, it isn’t an air purifier. An in-duct air purification system can clean all the air in a home multiple times every hour. These systems often have HEPA filtration to eliminate most particulate matter. They typically have activated carbon as well to absorb odors, gases, and airborne chemicals.
Whole-House Humidity Control
Relative humidity plays an important role in home comfort. When it is too high or low, it can irritate your respiratory system. That can sap your energy and make you more prone to illness. The solution depends on the season where you experience difficulties. Dehumidifiers help to remove excess moisture in summer. Humidifiers help avoid dry air in winter.
In-Duct Ultraviolet Lamps
Another way to avoid illness is to limit germs in the home. Traditional air purification doesn’t achieve this effectively. What does is an in-duct UV lamp that emits a germicidal light. It can neutralize bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Expert HVAC Installations
Tuck & Howell, Inc. has been a trusted HVAC and plumbing contractor in the Greenville, SC area since 1969. Our company offers a service agreement through which you can lower your HVAC costs. Our licensed plumbers and NATE-certified technicians are available around the clock for emergencies. We install all manner of ductless and ducted heating and cooling technologies. Our team installs, repairs, and cleans ducts and specializes in whole-home air purification. Our plumbers perform camera inspections, maintenance, repairs, and installations. We specialize in kitchen and bathroom plumbing, water heaters, and water treatment. You can also count on us for crawlspace encapsulation and all your sheet metal needs. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment for AC installation or learn more about our products and services.
