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Advance Heating and Cooling Blog

Welcome to our blog at Advance Heating and Cooling! We are excited to share our expertise in the world of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) with you.

 

 

As a trusted provider of HVAC services, we understand the importance of maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year. Our team of skilled professionals provides top-quality installation, repair, and maintenance services to ensure that your HVAC system operates at its best. 

 

In our blogs, we will cover a wide range of topics related to HVAC systems, including tips for improving energy efficiency, common HVAC issues and how to address them, the latest trends in HVAC technology, and more. We are committed to providing you with helpful information that will assist you in making informed decisions about owning or purchasing an HVAC system

 

Our technicians live in the world of HVAC. We’ve sold and serviced hundreds of furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps and we’ve learned a lot of useful information along the way. This blog is our way to pass that knowledge on to you at no charge. If you have an idea for a topic you would like to see us talk about, send us an email.  

 

Our main goal is to help you maintain a comfortable indoor environment and save money on your energy bills. We highly believe that an informed customer is a satisfied customer, and we work hard to give you the knowledge you need to make smart decisions about your HVAC systems. 

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge with you.

HVAC System Retrofitting for Older Homes

Woman learning against wall in traditional house.

 

Older homes don’t lack in charm and history. Where they do fall short, however, is being energy efficient.  

 

Did you know that: 

 

Typical duct system in a home can lose between 20% to 30% of the air that moves through it due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts? 

 

About 48% of energy usage in an average home, and much of this energy can be wasted due to inefficient systems? 

 

On average, homeowners spend around $400 to $600 per year on HVAC repairs, and these costs can be even higher for older systems?  

 

These are staggering numbers. Especially in the face of a global climate crisis. 

 

Many homes, especially those with historic or vintage significance, face challenges with outdated HVAC systems. In today’s blog post, we will explore the benefits of retrofitting older homes for more advanced HVAC systems.  

There are several benefits that come from upgrading outdated HVAC systems, such as improved energy efficiency, enhanced comfort, and a positive impact on the environment

 

We understand how this task can seem daunting and overwhelming at best. We are here to support you through this process. Our highly-skilled team is one phone call or email away, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you’re considering retrofitting your older home with advanced HVAC systems.  

 

 

Understanding the Need for Retrofitting 

Older homes’ HVAC systems face many limitations. These limitations contribute to inefficient energy usage, inconsistent temperature control, and inadequate indoor air quality. Homeowners might experience a multitude of issues because of this, such as uneven heating or cooling, noisy operation, and high utility bills. 

 

Outdated HVAC systems affect energy efficiency and comfort. Older systems often lack modern features such as variable-speed fans, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient components. This results in higher energy consumption, increased operating costs, and less precise control over indoor temperatures. 

 

There are many positive outcomes that HVAC system retrofitting can bring. Some of them include: 

 

  • Energy Efficiency: Retrofitting can lead to substantial energy savings by using modern, high-efficiency equipment. This can result in lower monthly utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint. 
  • Enhanced Comfort: Homeowners are provided with better control over indoor temperatures, improved airflow, and consistent comfort throughout the house. 
  • Improved Indoor Air Quality: Updated HVAC systems can include advanced filtration and ventilation options that lead to cleaner and healthier indoor air. 
  • Increased Property Value: Homes with upgraded HVAC systems often have higher resale values, as potential buyers are attracted to energy-efficient and well-maintained properties. 
  • Environmental Impact: Retrofitting benefits the environment by reducing energy consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving natural resources. 
  • Long-Term Savings: While the initial investment for retrofitting might be higher, the long-term savings on energy bills and repairs can outweigh the upfront costs. 

 

 

Benefits of Retrofitting 

There are many benefits of retrofitting an older home. Some include: 

 

  • Improved Energy Efficiency and Lower Utility Bills: Upgrading HVAC systems in older homes can make them more energy-efficient. Modern HVAC equipment is designed with advanced technology to save energy, such as high SEER air conditioning units and efficient furnaces, leading to lower monthly utility bills for homeowners. 
  • Enhanced Indoor Comfort and Air Quality: Retrofitting enhances the comfort and air quality of older homes by bringing in advanced HVAC systems. These systems offer steadier airflow, quieter operation, and personalized temperature control with features like variable-speed fans, while improved filtration and ventilation options create a healthier indoor environment by reducing allergens, dust, and pollutants. 
  • Increased Property Value: Retrofitting HVAC systems can boost the value of older homes as buyers seek energy-efficient and modern properties. Upgraded HVAC systems make homes more appealing in the real estate market, possibly resulting in higher resale values.  
  • Positive Impact on the Environment: Retrofitting older homes' HVAC systems brings environmental benefits by reducing energy consumption, lowering the need for fossil fuels, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. When homeowners adopt energy-efficient practices through retrofitting, it collectively contributes to a larger positive environmental impact.  

 

 

Retrofitting Options for Older Homes 

Now that you understand the need for retrofitting and we’ve further explored the many benefits of doing so, let’s look at some options available to you.  

 

Elderly woman looking out window with coffee and iPad.

 

Upgrading HVAC Equipment 

 

New Energy-Efficient Furnace or Boiler Installation 

By installing a modern, energy-efficient furnace or boiler, the heating efficiency of an older home can be greatly improved. These advanced systems are designed to use fuel more effectively, resulting in better energy utilization and lower heating costs. One key indicator of efficiency is the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating, which represents how much fuel is converted into usable heat. Higher AFUE ratings signify less wasted energy and better overall performance, making such upgrades an effective solution for older homes seeking enhanced heating efficiency. 

 

High SEER Air Conditioning Units 

Upgrading to high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) air conditioning units offers notable benefits, particularly in hot months. These units are designed to cool homes more efficiently, using less energy to achieve the desired indoor temperature. Their advanced technology and higher SEER ratings indicate improved cooling performance, translating to reduced energy consumption, lower utility bills, and a more comfortable living environment, especially when temperatures soar. 

 

Ductwork and Ventilation Improvements 

Addressing outdated ductwork through retrofitting or replacement can have significant benefits for a home's HVAC system. This process involves fixing air leaks, enhancing airflow, and achieving a more balanced distribution of heated or cooled air throughout the house. By improving ductwork, homeowners can enjoy consistent temperatures in all rooms and potentially reduce energy waste, ultimately leading to a more comfortable and energy-efficient living environment. 

 

Integrating zone control systems into HVAC upgrades provides homeowners with tailored heating and cooling solutions. With these systems, temperatures in different parts of the home can be adjusted separately, enhancing personalized comfort. This not only accommodates individual preferences but also contributes to energy savings by directing heating or cooling only where needed, making it an efficient and customizable solution for optimizing home comfort. We’ve written an entire blog post on this topic, so be sure to read it here.

 

Smart Thermostats and Controls 

The benefit of installing programmable thermostats is that they can adapt to your daily schedule by changing temperatures. This helps save energy by avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling when you're not home. These smart thermostats can also work with older heating and cooling systems, making it easier to control them remotely and potentially saving you money while improving how well the system works. 

 

Indoor Air Quality Enhancements 

Installing air purifiers and ventilators can significantly enhance indoor air quality by effectively removing allergens, dust, and pollutants. These enhancements create a healthier living environment by reducing the presence of irritants that can affect respiratory health.  

 

For instance, older homes often harbor allergens like dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander, along with pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Retrofitting with air purifiers and ventilators can help reduce these contaminants, making the air cleaner and promoting better respiratory well-being for everyone living in the home. 

 

 

Financial Considerations 

 

Couple smiling, looking at paper and taking notes with laptop in front of them in living room.

 

Initial Costs Vs. Long-Term Savings

Retrofitting HVAC systems involves comparing the upfront costs to the long-term gains. Although retrofitting requires an initial investment, the benefits over time like lower energy bills, decreased maintenance costs, and increased home value can outweigh the initial spending.  

 

By investing in retrofitting, homeowners can gradually recover their expenses through energy savings over the years. This can be seen in specific examples or case studies that highlight how retrofitting has helped homeowners enjoy significant savings on energy bills in the long run. 

 

Potential Rebates, Incentives, and Tax Benefits 

Exploring the financial incentives for retrofitting HVAC systems reveals several ways homeowners can save money. These include rebates from utility companies, government incentives, and tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades. Accessing these benefits can substantially reduce the retrofitting costs, making the decision to upgrade more financially attractive. To access these incentives, homeowners can typically visit official websites, contact utility providers, or consult tax professionals to ensure they take full advantage of available savings.

 

Alternative Financing Options  

When it comes to financing, homeowners have several options to ease concerns about the upfront cost of retrofitting. These include tapping into home equity through loans or lines of credit, which typically come with lower interest rates. Specialized energy-efficiency loans can also be considered, offering favourable terms and lower interest rates specifically for home improvements. Additionally, there are lease or financing programs available through HVAC companies or third-party organizations, enabling homeowners to spread out the retrofitting costs over time, making the process more affordable. 

 

 

Final Thoughts 

At Advance Heating and Cooling, we have one goal — to empower our customers to make energy-efficient choices for their homes and workplaces through optimized HVAC systems. Energy consumption is both a global imperative and a community effort. Every effort matters in reducing carbon emissions and in turn, lowering living costs. 

 

We understand how the task of retrofitting an older home can seem daunting and overwhelming at best. We are here to support you through this process. Our highly-skilled team is one phone call or email away, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you’re considering retrofitting your older home with advanced HVAC systems.  

 

 

 

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Author

Vincent Afrouzi
Name: Vincent Afrouzi
Posts: 53
Last Post: April 25, 2024