1. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats aren’t just convenient—they maximize efficiency.
They help your system run only when needed by:
- Learning your daily schedule
- Reducing runtime when you're away
- Adjusting automatically based on weather
- Providing energy reports and alerts
Most homeowners recover the cost of a smart thermostat within the first season through reduced heating and cooling bills.
2. Add a High-Efficiency Air Filter or Filter Cabinet
Older systems often struggle with airflow. A dirty or restrictive filter can force the blower motor to work harder, increasing wear on the entire system.
Upgrading to:
- A pleated high-efficiency filter, or
- A media filter cabinet
…can improve airflow, reduce dust, and extend system life. It also improves indoor air quality—critical during Utah’s dry, dusty season.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork
Up to 30% of conditioned air can be lost through leaky, uninsulated ducts.
Signs your ducts may be costing you money:
- Rooms that never reach the right temperature
- Whistling or rattling sounds
- Excess dust around vents
- High utility bills despite mild temperatures
We seal ducts with professional-grade mastic, insulate exposed sections, and rebalance airflow for even comfort throughout the home.
4. Install a Variable-Speed Blower Motor
If your older system has a single-speed blower, upgrading to a
variable-speed motor is one of the biggest energy savers available.
Benefits include:
- Quieter operation
- Better humidity control
- More consistent airflow
- Lower energy consumption
- Reduced wear and tear
Variable-speed motors only use the power required—like a dimmer switch instead of an on/off light.
5. Add Zoning to Improve Comfort and Efficiency
Zoning divides your home into separate comfort areas, allowing you to heat or cool only the spaces that need it.
Ideal for:
- Multi-level homes
- Homes with large windows
- Homes with rooms that are always too hot or cold
Zoning reduces runtime, cuts energy waste, and provides personalized comfort.
6. Replace Old Thermostat Wiring or Controls
Many older HVAC systems run on outdated low-voltage controls. Upgrading your control board or wiring can unlock higher-efficiency thermostat features and system performance improvements.
This is especially beneficial if:
- You're upgrading to a smart thermostat
- You have inconsistent cycling
- Your system turns off unexpectedly
Better controls = better efficiency.
7. Install an HRV or ERV for Improved Ventilation
Utah homes are becoming better insulated—which is great for efficiency, but not great for airflow. HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators) and ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators) exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air without losing heat or cooling.
Benefits:
- Improved indoor air quality
- Reduced energy loss
- Balanced humidity
- Less load on HVAC equipment
Perfect for winter when windows stay closed for months.
8. Clean or Upgrade Your Outdoor Condenser Coils
Dirty or aging coils force your AC to run longer and harder. A professional coil cleaning improves heat transfer and reduces energy use immediately.
If your system is 10–15 years old, upgrading your coil or condenser fan can significantly boost efficiency—without replacing the entire unit.
9. Install a Whole-Home Humidifier
Humidity plays a huge role in comfort and efficiency during winter. Dry Utah air makes your home
feel colder, causing you to turn the heat higher.
A whole-home humidifier:
- Makes lower temperatures feel warmer
- Reduces static and dryness
- Protects wood floors and furniture
- Helps your furnace run less often
It’s one of the simplest ways to improve comfort at a lower cost.
10. Consider a High-Efficiency Blower or ECM Motor Upgrade
If your older furnace still works but struggles under heavy use, upgrading to an ECM motor (Electronically Commutated Motor) can improve efficiency by up to 30–50%.
These motors:
- Adjust speed smoothly
- Reduce electricity usage
- Improve airflow
- Run quieter
- Extend the life of aging furnaces
This is a smaller upgrade with a big impact.
Real Example From Logan, UT
A homeowner in Smithfield contacted us because their 15-year-old system was still running but their bills kept rising. After inspecting their equipment, we installed a smart thermostat, sealed the ducts, upgraded the blower motor, and cleaned the condenser coil.
Result?
✅ 28% reduction in monthly energy costs
✅ Better airflow upstairs
✅ No more temperature swings
✅ Extended system life without full replacement
Smart upgrades truly pay off.
Should You Upgrade or Replace?
If your system is:
- Over 12–15 years old
- Requires frequent repairs
- Loud or inefficient
- Struggling to heat or cool evenly
…it might be time to start planning for a replacement. But in many cases, a handful of strategic upgrades can give your older system several more efficient years.
If you’re unsure, we’ll give you an honest evaluation—no pressure, no gimmicks.
