Your heating and cooling system provides temperature control for year-round comfort. However, older systems can sometimes do more harm than good. Though an outdated system may provide the heat or cool air you want, unseen issues could impact your health and routines. From simple upgrades to system switches, there are several ways you can invest in upgrading your space to make it more comfortable and environmentally friendly. Here are five reasons an HVAC upgrade is healthier for the planet and your space.
Switching from gas to electricity is one of the most significant upgrades you can make. Replacing a gas heat pump with an electric model can lower your carbon footprint and reduce emissions. Recent research has shown that this switch alone can reduce emissions between 38% and 53% over 15 years, reducing global warming potential by as much as 67%.
Upgrading from an air conditioner to an electric HVAC system can also reduce emissions. Air conditioners are responsible for nearly 4% of greenhouse emissions and can leak refrigerants that harm the environment. By switching from an outdated air conditioner to an effective HVAC, you can stay comfortable while reducing your environmental impact.
Upgrading to a ductless mini-split is an excellent option for people looking to build a new home or remodel their existing property. These systems deliver heat or air conditioning without requiring ductwork inside your walls. The lack of ducts can combat energy losses, which contribute to over 30% of air conditioning energy consumption.
Ductless mini-splits allow you to create specific zones in your home, giving you more control over your comfort. You can control each indoor unit independently, allowing for energy-efficient operation by only heating or cooling occupied spaces.
Beginning in 2026, the United States Environmental Protection Agency will require all air conditioning and heat pump systems to use refrigerants with a lower global warming potential. Some refrigerants have a significant negative impact on climate by damaging the ozone layer. Current owners of older systems do not need to invest in an upgrade, but continuing to use these refrigerants can perpetuate environmental issues. Common refrigerants like HFC-134a and CFC-12 have a global warming potential between 1,000 and 10,000 times more than carbon dioxide. Using these refrigerants will continue contributing to ozone loss, which can lead to environmental and health effects like skin cancer, cataracts and compromised immune systems.
Many modern HVAC systems come with air purification and filtration technologies. These solutions eliminate pathogens, pollutants and allergens, improving indoor air quality. Indoor air pollutants can have concentrations up to five times higher than outdoors, and with most people spending nearly 90% of their time inside, these pollutants can quickly cause adverse health effects. Upgrading your HVAC environment with an air filter or purifier can improve lung function, mitigate respiratory illness and enhance your mental well-being. Additionally, removing these pollutants from the air can prevent them from escaping into the environment and wreaking havoc on people and animals in your community.
Noise pollution can disrupt the environment and your home. This type of pollution can impact land and sea wildlife by increasing stress and causing multiple behavioral and physical issues. Animals that rely on natural sounds to avoid predators, find prey or communicate can face challenges in areas with high levels of noise pollution to the point of impacting their reproduction abilities or forcing them to move to another habitat.
Noise pollution can be just as disruptive for humans. Long periods of exposure to unwanted noise can lead to problems such as increased stress, speech interference, sleep disruption, hearing loss, high blood pressure and lost productivity. Modern HVAC systems have advanced technology and systems to operate quietly, reduce noise pollution and enhance comfort.
Consider these factors if you plan to upgrade your current HVAC system or request a new system installation.
At Strada Air Conditioning & Heating, you can find experienced professionals ready to meet your needs. We help maximize home comfort by delivering peace of mind and reliable services to address your concerns. Our team proudly offers a wide range of services, including air conditioning, heat pump and ductless AC maintenance, repairs and installations. We also provide indoor air quality services and systems to purify your indoor air for enhanced comfort and improved health.
As your local service provider throughout the Southeast, we offer 41 convenient locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Connect with our team when you are ready to upgrade your current setup. Schedule an appointment to see what we can do for you.
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
