The air in your home is controlled by the HVAC system, which includes the air conditioner and heater. If you’ve stayed up to date with repair and maintenance, it’s likely your system is efficient. However, your unit could also be dated or contain low-quality parts that reduce performance. Replacing your system or adding a few upgrades or modifications could dramatically improve your heating and cooling experiences.
Springtime is the right time for South Carolinians to consider replacing their HVAC system. While it’s a major purchase, nobody wants to wake up to a broken air conditioner on a hot summer day.
Mitch Dyess, president of Dyess Air, said, “With the supply chain situation, availability of equipment is scarce, so it is more important than ever to be proactive than reactive.”
Dave Miller, owner of Superior Services concurred. “Proactive maintenance on your systems is crucial this year. Most wait for their air conditioner to break before they get it looked at. With supply chain issues plaguing the industry, it is absolutely essential to proactively maintain your system to avoid unnecessary delays for out-of-stock parts; an inspection and service could save you weeks of frustration during the heat of the summer.”
How can you tell if it’s time to replace your AC?
Age. Like your car, repairs and maintenance are crucial to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly, yet even the most well-maintained vehicles and HVAC systems will eventually need to be retired. If your air conditioner is between 10 and 15 years old, then most industry professionals will recommend that you replace the unit without even coming to inspect it. Many times, the repair on an old unit will do nothing more than postpone the inevitable and cost you more in the long run.
Increased energy costs. If your energy bill is increasing, it may be a sign that your AC isn’t running as efficiently as it used to. Having the unit inspected is a good idea that can also serve to isolate any other issues that might be occurring. Also, check the SEER number (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Today’s minimum SEER is 14 and changing to a 15 SEER by 2023, but if your AC was manufactured before 2006, chances are it’s only a 10. By upgrading, you’ll gain at least four to five SEER points, and each number you go up increases energy efficiency by five to nine percent. That puts money in your pocket in the form of energy savings.
Odd noises or smells. Generally speaking, heating and cooling systems should be silent members of your household. An AC that either smells strange or has begun to make weird noises is one that simply isn’t working properly. Schedule maintenance to see what the problem is, or if you know your unit is of a certain age, go ahead and replace it.
Inconsistent cooling. Most Lowcountry residents know what it’s like to blast the AC on the hottest day of the year, yet never being able to fully cool certain rooms. It could be a lack of air sealing and insulation that’s the culprit, or poor duct work, but it could also be that your AC is either the wrong size for your home or no longer working properly. Either way, servicing or replacing the unit will fix the problem. An efficient A/C unit will effectively cool your entire home without as much effort.
Consider these things first
An HVAC system works best with a good supporting system in place: a properly programmed thermostat, airtight ductwork, and sufficient insulation. Ensure that these items are in place before you purchase a new system, as they may be the source of your problems. Have an expert perform a home energy audit for you to make sure your ductwork and insulation are sufficient; some companies, like Dyess Air will perform this service for free.
Choose your system. If your HVAC pro indicates it’s time for you to upgrade your system, your options will be largely determined by the fact that you are living in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where the most efficient units are usually heat pump systems.
It may be reasonable to replace only the indoor unit or the outdoor unit separately, rather than putting in an entirely new system. However, keep in mind that replacing components isn’t always the best idea, especially if your system is several years old. Simply, the old parts and the new parts may not be compatible or work together efficiently. Plus, you’ll save a lot on labor costs if you replace the entire system at once.
No matter what type of unit you choose, look for Energy Star models, which are about 10 to 15 percent more efficient than standard models.
Size it properly. Bigger is not always better. Getting a more efficient system is a great idea, but don’t be tempted to get something larger than you need for your square footage. A system designed for a bigger house and installed in a smaller house won’t run well and can actually make your house less comfortable because it will cycle on and off too frequently and will not provide the humidity removal that is needed.
Remember, too, that the HVAC system also acts to dehumidify your home. An oversized system will cool the house too quickly and shut off too soon, leaving you with too much humidity indoors. Colder surfaces and moister air are a combination for condensation and mold, which can spread to drywall or joists and leave you with a repair cost you hadn’t planned for.
Leave it to the professionals. Improper installation can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency by as much as 30 percent, which means that you could cancel out any savings you were looking forward to in your upgrade to a newer, more efficient model.
“The most important day in the life of your new system is the day it is installed. You only have one shot to get it right,” Dyess said. This is a job for the pros, so hire a licensed, insured HVAC contractor with good references to do the work for you.
Ways to Upgrade Your Existing AC
A HEPA Filter. A HEPA filter produces hospital-level air filtration, capturing 99.97 percent of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. If your system can’t be converted to HEPA, consider installing a whole-home air filter.
Ductwork. Air ducts can loosen or disconnect, creating leaks that diminish air flow and waste money. “Most homes in the Lowcountry, especially Hilton Head Island, are about 40 to 50 years old and are still utilizing the original duct system,” Dyess said. Upgrading ductwork will improve airflow and distribution. In-duct air purifiers will trap airborne particles before they enter your indoor air.
Upgrade to zones. A zoned system allows multiple sections of the house to be set at different settings, creating complementary settings on multiple levels for adequate indoor comfort within each room of your home.
Programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats communicate precisely with the HVAC unit and have a range of custom settings and features enabling you to use your system in new ways. A high-tech thermostat will also boost the value of your home.
