12 HVAC Upgrades That Will Improve Your Home
November 21, 2024
Your HVAC system is the backbone of your home’s comfort, safety, and efficiency. But if you’ve noticed fluctuating temperatures or higher energy bills, it might be time to consider invaluable HVAC upgrades. These improvements can optimize energy use for added savings, boost indoor air quality, enhance overall performance, and more.
Aksarben is here to help homeowners in the Omaha area make the most of their HVAC system with expert recommendations and HVAC services. Call us to discuss the best upgrades for your home. In the meantime, read on to explore how to upgrade an HVAC system to improve your home.
1. Humidifier or Dehumidifier
Indoor humidity can greatly impact your home’s comfort and air quality. Installing a humidifier or dehumidifier as part of your HVAC system allows you to maintain optimal moisture levels year-round. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, preventing dryness that can lead to irritated skin or respiratory issues. Meanwhile, a dehumidifier removes excess moisture, reducing the risk of mold growth and improving overall air quality.
Both options can make your home more comfortable and help protect your furniture, flooring, and belongings from moisture damage. With the right humidity control, you’ll experience healthier, fresher air inside your home.
2. Replacing Old, Outdated HVAC Systems
If your HVAC system is over 10–15 years old, it might be time to consider a replacement. Older systems are less energy efficient, costing you more on monthly utility bills and requiring frequent repairs. You can take advantage of the latest technological advancements by exploring HVAC upgrades, like a new energy-efficient system and units with added features.
A new HVAC system can reduce energy consumption, lower your carbon footprint, and improve the overall comfort of your home. Ultimately, an upgraded HVAC system is a fantastic investment for your home.
3. Programmable Smart Thermostat
A programmable smart thermostat, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, is one of the easiest and most cost-effective HVAC upgrades you can make. Programmable thermostats let you set temperature schedules that match your lifestyle, automatically adjusting when you’re home, away, or asleep. Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, offering convenience and real-time energy tracking.
This upgrade can improve comfort by maintaining consistent indoor temperatures and help reduce energy waste. With advanced models, you can even receive energy-saving tips and alerts, making it easier to lower your utility bills while staying comfortable year-round.
4. Installing Zone Systems
Installing an HVAC zoning system allows you to independently control the temperature in different areas of your home. This means you can heat or cool specific rooms without wasting energy on unused spaces. Zoning systems are ideal for multi-level homes, larger homes, or families with varying temperature preferences.
With zoning, you can create personalized comfort zones throughout your home, ensuring each area remains at the preferred temperature. By installing an HVAC zoning system, you’re improving comfort and maximizing efficiency, potentially lowering energy costs and reducing wear on your HVAC equipment.
5. Upgrades to Your HVAC Filters
One of the simplest yet most effective HVAC upgrades you can make is upgrading your filters. Standard filters may trap large particles, but high-efficiency filters, like HEPA or electrostatic models, capture smaller allergens and pollutants, improving indoor air quality. These advanced filters help protect your HVAC system from dust and debris buildup, which can reduce efficiency and lead to costly repairs.
With regular filter upgrades, you can ensure your home’s air stays cleaner and healthier while extending the life of your HVAC equipment. It’s a small change that offers big benefits for your health and comfort.
6. Ductwork Upgrades
Your ductwork plays a crucial role in how efficiently your HVAC system operates. Over time, ducts can develop leaks, become clogged, or lose insulation, which causes conditioned air to escape before it reaches your living spaces. Upgrading your ductwork ensures air is distributed evenly throughout your home, improving comfort and reducing energy waste.
Properly sealed and installed ducts also help maintain consistent temperatures and reduce strain on your HVAC system. Ductwork upgrades can significantly enhance your system’s performance and potentially lower energy bills.
7. Upgrading Your Insulation
Upgrading your home’s insulation is a powerful way to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. Proper insulation helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures by reducing heat transfer, meaning your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to heat or cool your home. Whether you’re adding insulation to your attic, walls, or floors, this upgrade can significantly lower energy costs.
Coupled with other HVAC upgrades, improving insulation can enhance your home’s overall energy efficiency and increase the lifespan of your system.
8. Keeping Up with Annual HVAC Maintenance
Routine maintenance is one of the most critical steps you can take to keep your HVAC system running efficiently. Scheduling annual check-ups helps identify issues early, ensuring small problems don’t become costly repairs or system failures.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting the ductwork, ensures your system operates at peak efficiency. Maintenance can also extend the life of your HVAC system, reduce energy consumption, and improve indoor air quality.
Don’t forget to follow our winter maintenance tips to keep your system running smoothly during the colder months. Contact your local HVAC provider to schedule maintenance for your home.
9. Windows, Doors, and Weather Stripping
Your HVAC system works hard to maintain your home’s temperature, but leaky windows and doors can cause significant energy loss. Installing energy-efficient windows and doors and sealing any gaps with weather stripping helps prevent drafts and keep conditioned air inside.
This upgrade improves your home’s insulation while lightening the load on your HVAC system, allowing it to operate more efficiently.
10. UV Air Purifiers
Improving your home’s air quality can be crucial, and installing a UV air purifier in your HVAC system is an excellent way to do so. These purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, mold, and other harmful microorganisms as air passes through the system.
UV purifiers help reduce allergens and pollutants and prevent mold buildup inside your HVAC system, further improving efficiency.
11. Advanced Leak Detection Sensors
Leaks in your HVAC system, particularly in refrigerant lines, can cause inefficiencies, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage. Installing advanced leak detection sensors is a smart upgrade to prevent these issues. These sensors continuously monitor your system for leaks and alert you to any problems before they become costly repairs.
12. Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)
An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is a highly effective HVAC upgrade for improving indoor air quality while maintaining energy efficiency. ERVs exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while capturing and recycling heat or coolness, depending on the season. An ERV is especially useful in tightly sealed, energy-efficient homes, where indoor air can become stale.
Start Your HVAC Upgrade Journey with Aksarben
Upgrading your HVAC system is a smart investment that can improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and air quality. Whether you’re interested in a programmable thermostat, zoning systems, or advanced air purifiers, Aksarben has the expertise to guide you through the process. Our team will help you choose the right upgrades to meet your needs and ensure a seamless installation.
If you’re ready to enhance your Omaha area home’s HVAC performance, call Aksarben at 402-509-4016 to learn more or schedule an appointment online. Don’t forget to visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions about HVAC systems and upgrades. Let Aksarben help you maintain a comfortable, efficient home!