When most homeowners think about HVAC, they picture the furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump that keeps their home comfortable. But what if we told you that your home’s performance plays just as big a role as your HVAC system in keeping your energy bills low and your comfort high?
In this guide, we explain what home performance is, why it matters, and why you should focus on home performance testing and improvements before replacing your HVAC system. Doing so could save you money on your installation, reduce your energy bills, and make your home a significantly more comfortable place to live.
What Is Home Performance?
Home performance is a term that’s used to describe how all aspects of a house work together to create a safe, healthy, comfortable, and energy efficient living environment. Many different parts of your house contribute to its performance, including:
- Insulation & air sealing
- Windows & doors
- Electrical system
- Heating & cooling systems
These might not seem connected at first glance, but they all influence each other. For example, if your house has a lot of air leaks and poor insulation, even the most energy efficient HVAC system will struggle to perform.
Why Home Performance Testing Matters
Home performance testing is a crucial step in the HVAC replacement process for two primary reasons:
- Your HVAC system is only as good as your home’s performance. If your house isn’t properly sealed and insulated, your new HVAC system will have to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and an uncomfortable home.
- Many HVAC issues stem from poor home performance. A home that’s drafty and cold may not need a new heating system—it may need better insulation and air sealing. Testing helps identify the root cause of comfort and energy efficiency issues, so you invest in the right solution.
With home performance testing, you can identify the root cause of comfort and energy efficiency problems in your home and implement the best solution instead of wasting money on an unnecessary upgrade. If an HVAC system replacement is the best solution, testing gives us the best possible understanding of your home so we can size your new equipment to perform optimally.
What Testing Do You Need Before an HVAC Replacement?
We strongly recommend a home energy audit before you replace your HVAC system. An energy audit is an evaluation of your home’s overall performance. It typically includes:
- A blower door test to measure air leakage
- An infrared scan to check insulation levels
- A ductwork inspection to identify leaks
With the results of your energy audit, you can:
- Seal Air Leaks – A blower door test measures air leakage so that problem areas can be sealed, eliminating drafts and ensuring heat and AC aren’t lost to leaks.
- Improve Insulation – Without adequate insulation, heat will seep out of your house during the winter and into it during the summer, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. With an infrared scan, you can find and fix gaps in your insulation to make things easier on your HVAC system.
- Size HVAC System Properly – Your HVAC system has to be the right size for your home to perform properly. An oversized system will cost more to run, and an undersized system won’t heat/cool your house effectively. The results of your energy audit help us size your system effectively.
- Optimize Ductwork: Many homes have undersized or leaky ductwork, leading to inefficient airflow. Testing helps us determine whether ductwork needs modifications before installing a new system.
- Choose the Right HVAC System – The results of your energy audit will help us decide whether an all-electric ducted heat pump, a ductless heat pump, or a dual-fuel system makes the most sense for your home.
Our Process for Home Performance Testing & HVAC System Replacement
At VisionAiry Heating & Cooling, we don’t just swap old HVAC systems for new ones. Our goal is to provide customized solutions that fit your home’s unique needs. That’s why we take a whole-home, building-science approach that includes:
- Consultation – We start with a conversation about your home, energy goals, and comfort concerns to determine the best approach.
- Home Performance Testing Referral – If we think you need an energy audit, we’ll connect you with our trusted partner.
- System Design & Sizing – Using the test results, we design a properly sized HVAC system that maximizes energy efficiency, comfort, and system longevity.
- HVAC System Installation – Finally, we install your new heating and cooling system with precision.
If you’re considering a new HVAC system, don’t skip the crucial step of home performance testing. A well-sealed, properly insulated home makes all the difference in getting the most out of your investment.
