Is Upgrading Your Seattle HVAC System Worth It in 2024?

A reliable and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial for year-round comfort here in the Pacific Northwest.

But when you’re ready to replace your heating and cooling equipment, do you go with the same model or upgrade to a higher efficiency?

The short answer? It depends.

Upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system offers several benefits that we’ll go over, but it’s crucial to weigh the upfront costs versus potential savings carefully. Your Seattle home’s heating and cooling costs are roughly half your energy bill—HVAC equipment is a significant investment!

For over 30 years, Ballard Natural Gas Service has kept Puget Sound homes and businesses comfortable and safe. We are family-owned, offering great prices, practical eco-friendly solutions, excellent warranties, and quality equipment.

Now, let’s take a look at upgrading your system.

Replacing Your Washington HVAC Equipment

The HVAC equipment you purchase today will likely heat and cool your home for the next 10 to 20 years. That’s one reason why investing in a reliable, high-efficiency system makes financial sense—even if you pay more upfront.

Here are some factors to consider with new equipment:

• Age and efficiency of your current system
  Older systems (over 10 years old) are generally less efficient than newer models. Seattle’s mild winters might mask this inefficiency, but summers can be surprisingly hot and humid, pushing older systems to work harder and costing you more.
  
  Upgrading to high-efficiency equipment—especially if your current system has a furnace with an AFUE rating below 85 or an AC with a SEER rating below 14—could significantly reduce your energy bills, especially during those peak summer months.

• Frequent repairs
  If your system is constantly breaking down, the cost of repairs may outweigh the potential savings of keeping it. Consider upgrading as a proactive measure, especially before the next heat wave hits.

• Your home’s size and insulation
  Larger homes with poor insulation will benefit most from a high-efficiency system, as they typically use more energy for heating and cooling.
  
  A well-insulated home in Metro Seattle can still see significant savings from a high-efficiency upgrade, as it will maintain comfortable temperatures more efficiently year-round.
  
  Properly insulated homes may see smaller savings, but the additional features of a high-efficiency system, like improved air quality and noise reduction, might still be appealing, especially if you suffer from allergies or value peace and quiet.

• HVAC Efficiency
  Consider our Washington climate: While summers can be hot and humid, we rarely experience extreme temperatures. This means you might not necessarily need the highest-rated system for maximum efficiency.
  
  However, features like variable-speed compressors and multi-stage heating can provide more precise temperature control and quieter operation—which can be especially soothing during those hot summer nights when keeping windows open isn’t an option.

• Better air quality
  Washington experiences its fair share of pollen and dust, especially during spring and summer. Many high-efficiency systems have advanced filtration systems that can remove these allergens and other pollutants from your Seattle home’s air, improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and potentially reducing allergy triggers.

• Tax credits and incentives
  Take advantage of federal and local incentives: the Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits for installing high-efficiency HVAC systems, and Seattle City Light provides local incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. 

Ready to Talk to a Seattle HVAC Expert?

Upgrading your HVAC system is a significant decision that can pay off in improved comfort and lower energy use. Let our comfort specialists at Ballard Natural Gas Service recommend the best solution for your Seattle, WA, home. Call today at 206.784.8101 or request service online for a free quote!