By Andrew Wray

While many homeowners gasp at the price tag of a new HVAC system, advanced planning can prevent money from floating out of their wallets.

If your HVAC system is over 10 years old and struggles to keep you comfortable this summer, it may be time to plan for a replacement. Planning proactively can help you save money: you can seek multiple bids and schedule the project when contractors might run promotions. Homeowners should take a few steps to get the most out of their new system.

First, properly seal any air leaks in your home. Search your home, high and low. The most important leaks to seal are in your attic and basement or crawlspace. Framing and places where plumbing, electrical wiring, or ducts poke through the ceiling also need to be checked. Sealing air leaks will help keep your conditioned air inside.

Next, ensure your home is properly insulated. This step should be taken after sealing air leaks. If part of your HVAC ductwork is located in the attic space, it is especially important to seal it and bury it in insulation. By adding insulation properly, your HVAC system will have an easier time maintaining the temperature in your house, reducing your energy use and increasing your savings.

Now that you’re ready, make sure a proper heat-load calculation is done for your new equipment. By properly air-sealing and insulating your home, you may need smaller equipment to heat and cool it, keeping you comfortable. A smaller, 

correctly sized, and more energy-efficient system will reduce your electricity use, which will help save you money years into the future. An HVAC contractor should do a heat-load (also known as a Manual J) calculation to determine the properly sized equipment for your house. 

A bigger system isn’t necessarily better. Systems that are larger than needed will short-cycle, reducing the life of the HVAC system. They may also not remove moisture as intended.

By planning ahead, you can ensure your home is ready for a new system that can keep you cozy no matter what Mother Nature may be plotting. Contact your electric cooperative for support and tips on improving your energy use. Don’t sweat high costs to keep you comfortable in your home.

Andrew Wray is an energy advisor at Hendricks Power Cooperative in Avon, Indiana.