3 Reasons To Upgrade Your HVAC System

Deciding to upgrade your HVAC system is a big decision. A new HVAC system is a large investment, and one that impacts not only your wallet, but also your home comfort and energy bills for the next decade.

I’ve been upgrading and replacing HVAC systems in Southwest Virginia for 15 years, and I know how much it can improve a home. Not just the comfort, but the energy bills, the indoor air quality, and the value of the home. In this article, I’ll go over a few of the key reasons you’ll want to upgrade your HVAC system.

If you want to speak to an expert here at Complete Comfort, just give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We can answer any questions you may have about your home comfort, and set you up with an appointment for an estimate on a new system.

Improve Comfort

Whenever you upgrade your HVAC system, the most noticeable improvement should be the comfort in your home. If you have an older heating or cooling system, chances are it’s lost efficiency over time, and the comfort in your home may not be all that it should be.

Upgrading to a new system provides more consistent and precise temperatures throughout your home. Newer systems operate more quietly, and some come with advanced features such as zoning capabilities, a smart thermostat, and humidity control. Whether it’s a high-efficiency heat pump, a variable-speed air conditioner, or an updated furnace, today’s HVAC units are designed to keep your home comfortable, while staying energy efficient.

In our part of Virginia, where the seasons can swing from cold and snowy winters to hot, humid summers, having a reliable HVAC system that can deal with the weather is important.

Better Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose to upgrade their HVAC system is energy savings. They have an older system that isn’t providing the same comfort it used to years ago, and it’s running the energy bills up higher than they should be. HVAC systems manufactured even just 10-15 years ago are less efficient than the models available today. It’s not always easy to tell when you should replace your system, but age is a good gauge. This means that your system that isn’t keeping the space very comfortable, is also using more energy than a new system which would provide better heating and cooling.

In 2023, the requirements changed for cooling systems, and in our part of Virigina, it’s now required to have a minimum 15 SEER rating. Even outside of these requirements, newer systems are usually built with efficiency in mind,

Variable-speed motors, smart sensors, and inverter technology are some of the reasons that systems use less energy while delivering better comfort.

Many of our customers in Southwest Virginia see a significant drop in their utility bills after upgrading, especially when switching from older electric furnaces or baseboard heating to high-efficiency heat pumps. These are some of our favorite systems to install. Some of the newer ductless and dual-fuel systems can reduce energy costs by 10-30% or more over time.

If your system is over a decade old, it may be costing you more money than you realize. Lots of homeowners think they are saving money by using the old system. Instead, they’re more likely costing themselves by wasting energy, and potentially dealing with breakdowns, when they are going to have to upgrade in the future anyway.

Expiring Tax Credits

Another strong incentive to upgrade now is the availability of tax credits and rebates that help reduce the cost of a new HVAC system. Unfortunately, the tax credits are expiring in 2026, due to the “One Big Beautiful Bill”. Luckily they are still available through the end of 2025. Through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, homeowners can qualify for tax credits on heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners.

These credits can provide:

Up to $2,000 for high-efficiency heat pumps
Up to $600 for high-efficiency furnaces
Up to $600 for high-efficiency air conditioners
Up to $1,200 for other energy-efficient HVAC improvements

Local utility rebates from companies like Appalachian Power are unaffected by the new legislation. Those should still be available as long as you are within their dates of eligibility.

If you have questions about the best way to save when you upgrade your heating and cooling, we can help. We’re happy to help you understand which systems qualify for tax credits, and match you to the best system that fits your home’s needs.

Installing A New HVAC System In Your Virginia Home

At Complete Comfort, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners throughout Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee upgrade their HVAC systems with confidence. Whether you’re in Chilhowie, Marion, Abingdon, or any of the surrounding towns, we take the time to evaluate your home, listen to your needs, and recommend a solution that fits your comfort goals and your budget.

We offer a variety of high-efficiency systems, including:

Ducted and ductless heat pumps
Dual-fuel HVAC systems
Traditional furnaces and air conditioners
Whole home generators

From start to finish, we’ll walk you through the process—from choosing the right system to installation, financing options, and helping you file for any tax credits or rebates.

If your current HVAC system is outdated, struggling to keep up, or costing you more than it should, it may be time to upgrade. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222 or contact us online to schedule your free estimate. Let’s make your home more comfortable and energy efficient for years to come.

Saving Energy With An Upgraded AC System

Air conditioning systems are one of the most impactful components of your home energy consumption. They run all summer long, and play a huge role in the cost of your energy bills. Air conditioning systems last for years, and often can become run down, and less energy efficient. Upgrading to a more energy-efficient AC system can save you money, reduce energy consumption, and increase your comfort.

I have been working with air conditioning systems for over a decade, and know how much an upgraded AC with proper energy efficiency can help out a home. Not only will a new air conditioner help to improve the comfort in a home, but it will also promote energy savings. So many people think they are saving money by continuing to use an old AC system, but the truth is, they could be costing themselves more in the long run.

This article explores the signs that indicate a need for a new AC system, the benefits of installing a new one, and the positive environmental impact of choosing energy-efficient HVAC equipment.

Signs You Need A New AC System

Knowing the signs of when it’s time to replace your old air conditioning unit can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. Here are a few of the most common signs:

Your Energy Bills Are Too High

If you notice a consistent increase in your energy bills during the months when your AC is in use, it could indicate that your system is losing efficiency. Obviously, when your system is running more often, your bills will increase, but there are instances when it is increasing too much. Older AC units often work harder to produce the same level of cooling as they did in the past, because they are losing energy efficiency. This is a sign your AC may need to be replaced.

Your Home Isn’t Cool Enough

If your home isn’t staying cool it’s a clear sign that your AC system may be failing. You may have rooms or spots in the house that don’t get cool enough. Now this doesn’t definitely mean your AC is failing. You could have duct issues, or airflow problems that could be fixed. There could also be issues with the AC.

We recommend having a professional take a look at your system to determine if you need service, or a replacement air conditioner.

Your System Breaks Down Often

Frequent repairs are a red flag in any appliance, especially air conditioners. If you find yourself calling for repairs more than once a year, it’s time to consider whether replacing your system might be more economical than continuing to repair an old one. Just like sinking money into a car that keeps breaking down, it may be a better idea to replace the old system, because it may save money in the long run.

Installing A New AC System Saves Energy

Newer AC systems tend to be more energy efficient than older models, which translates to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact. As of 2023, air conditioners are required to have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of at least 14 in the northern states, and 15 in the southern states. Many new models reach a SEER of 20 or more. The higher the SEER ratings, the better energy efficiency and more savings you should expect from your AC.

High Efficiency Air Conditioners Qualify For Rebates

To encourage energy conservation, many utility companies and government programs offer rebates and incentives for homeowners who install high-efficiency air conditioners. These programs can significantly offset the initial cost of a new AC system. Checking with local energy providers or looking for ENERGY STAR certified products is a good way to find out what rebates might be available.

In the Virginia area, there are rebates available through Appalachian Power. We can help you sort out what rebates your new system qualifies for, and make sure you get the best equipment with the best deal possible.

Helping The Environment With Energy Efficient HVAC Equipment

By upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system, you are contributing to a larger global effort to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact. The Inflation Reduction Act was created in part to encourage businesses and individuals to make efforts towards energy conservation.

Efficient systems use less energy, which decreases the amount of fossil fuels burned in power plants, reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Another big contributor is that many modern air conditioners use refrigerants that are less harmful to the environment. Older AC systems use R-22, which has since stopped production in the United States.

Upgrading Your AC In Bristol, VA

If you are looking to upgrade your AC system in Bristol, VA, look no further! Complete Comfort is the expert when it comes to air conditioner replacement, upgrades, repair and service. We will assess your home comfort situation, and recommend a cooling solution that best fits your home. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222!

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Tag: air conditioner