Air conditioning is a modern appliance that many can't live without. Regularly scheduled air conditioning repair and maintenance, as well as being conservative with how much you use your AC unit, optimizes performance and leads to lower utility bills. However, sometimes you just want more performance. This article will discuss methods to upgrade your AC unit so that you can get more than the most out of it.

HVAC Zones

In some homes, you can run the air conditioner as efficiently as possible and still have significant temperature changes between rooms. This is where HVAC zones come in. HVAC zones hooked up to a smart thermostat by your AC company can allow you to control each room individually. If a couple wants their room to be cold in the evening, but their children like a warmer temperature, you can avoid arguments and make both parties happy. What's more, by upgrading your thermostat to a smart thermostat, you can save $180 per year./p>

HEPA Filters

If you've worked with an air conditioning repair service in the past, you may have heard them use the term MERV, which stands for minimum efficiency reporting values. The higher the MERV rating, the better your HVAC unit is at filtering air particles like dust. Most AC companies will tell you that you need a rating between 5-10. If you are at the lower end of that range, or at a 10 but have breathing-related issues that you want to keep in check, a HEPA filter is an upgrade you should consider. According to the EPA, HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of dust, pollen, and bacteria from the air, ensuring you have high-quality airflow throughout your home.

Building Ductwork

Sometimes when you think you need AC repairs, it's actually your home's ductwork that needs maintenance. Ducts are the hidden system of pipes, vents, and filters that run through your home and carry the AC and heat from one place to the next. Over time, ducts can fill with dust, mildew, or be knocked loose and create air leaks. The air leaks lead to your HVAC system being inefficient. This may cause uneven heating and cooling around the home. Talk to your air conditioning company about checking your ducts to make sure they're clean and even. You can also install filters in the ducts to help with air quality, too.

Upgrading your HVAC system may be a smart idea even if you don't need a repair. If you feel like you've tapped out your unit's efficiency and still want more, consider making a few upgrades before outright replacing it. Speak with your local air conditioning repair service about what upgrades you can make to take your heating and cooling to the next level.