12 HVAC Upgrades for Your System

July 24, 2025

As the weather gets colder, you may turn up the thermostat, hoping to keep your home warm and cozy. But despite your efforts, the house still feels chilly.

The furnace is running nonstop, and you’re already dreading the hefty energy bill that will be coming. It’s hard not to wonder, “Is my HVAC system working as efficiently as it should?” Many homeowners deal with inefficient heating and cooling systems that drive up costs while failing to provide consistent comfort.

The good news? HVAC upgrades can be a game-changer. 

Investing in HVAC upgrades isn’t just about staying warm in the winter or cool in the summer—it’s about saving money, improving your home’s value, and even extending the life of your system. Depending on the upgrades, making your system more efficient can reduce energy bills by 20% or more.

If you are ready for an upgrade, request an appointment with your local HVAC company!

Top 12 Upgrades for HVAC Systems

How do you upgrade your HVAC system? The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From small changes, like installing a smart thermostat, to impactful upgrades like air scrubbers and UV light systems, we’ll walk you through the top improvements that make your home more energy-efficient, comfortable, and valuable.

1. Upgrade the Insulation

Insulation is a primary component of any structure that helps regulate its interior temperature. Even the most advanced HVAC system can struggle to maintain consistent temperatures without proper insulation, wasting energy and increasing costs.

Benefits of Improved Insulation

• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Prevents heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, reducing the load on your HVAC system

• Cost Savings: Lower monthly utility bills due to reduced energy consumption

• Increased Longevity: Reduces strain on your HVAC system, potentially extending its lifespan

• Higher Home Value: Proper insulation improves efficiency for higher values

2. Add Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat is one of the simplest and most effective home heating and cooling upgrades. It allows you to control your system’s operation while reducing waste. 

For example, you can program the thermostat to lower the heat at times when you’re typically asleep or at work and automatically warm your home before you wake up or return. This control reduces energy waste without sacrificing indoor comfort.

Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat

• Energy Savings: Automatically adjusts temperatures based on your schedule

• Convenience: Customizable schedules for consistent comfort

• Lower Costs: Avoids unnecessary heating or cooling, reducing energy bills

• Eco-Friendly: Lower carbon footprint through reduced usage

3. Consider a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat takes the concept of a programmable unit to the next level, learning your habits and providing real-time control via smartphone apps or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. These devices go beyond set schedules, using artificial intelligence to adapt to your routines and adjust the temperature based on factors like occupancy, weather, or even your location.

For example, if you leave for vacation and forget to adjust the thermostat, a smart thermostat can automatically lower the heat, saving energy without any extra effort. Plus, with remote access, you can make changes on the go.

Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

• Remote Access: Control your HVAC system from anywhere.

• Energy Insights: Track energy usage and receive suggestions for savings.

• Comfort Optimization: Allow automatic adjustments based on occupancy and weather. 

• Increased Home Value: Tech-savvy upgrades attract modern buyers.

4. Install a UV Light 

A UV light works within your HVAC system to target harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and mold, sanitizing the air. When installed inside the ductwork or near the coils, this system emits ultraviolet light that destroys the DNA of pathogens, preventing them from reproducing and spreading through your home.

This upgrade improves the air you breathe and keeps your HVAC system running more efficiently. UV lights prevent mold and microbial buildup on coils and ducts, reducing maintenance needs and improving airflow. The result is a cleaner, healthier indoor environment, lower energy bills, and a longer lifespan for your HVAC equipment.

Benefits of UV Light Systems

• Improved Air Quality: Destroys harmful microorganisms, reducing allergies and illnesses

• System Efficiency: Keeps internal components clean, enhancing performance

• Health Benefits: Provides a safer and healthier indoor environment for your family

• Durability: Prevents buildup in the system, extending its lifespan

5. Add an Air Scrubber

Air scrubbers are powerful devices that actively purify the air inside your home, removing contaminants like pollen, dust, pet dander, and even odors from cooking or smoking. Installed directly into your HVAC system, an air scrubber continuously cleans the air as it circulates, going beyond standard filtration by targeting microscopic particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Benefits of an Air Scrubber

• Health Benefits: Reduces allergens and airborne pathogens

• Odor Removal: Neutralizes smells from pets, cooking, and chemicals

• Longevity: Protects HVAC components from dust and debris buildup

• Increased Home Value: Promotes a cleaner, healthier living space, which appeals to buyers

6. Put In Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic filters use static electricity to attract and trap airborne particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. Unlike traditional filters made of fine mesh, these filters charge particles as air passes through, effectively capturing contaminants and improving indoor air quality.

One key advantage of electrostatic filters is their reusable design. You can clean them periodically instead of replacing them, making them more eco-friendly and cost-effective. Over time, reusing filters reduces waste and saves money compared to disposable filters.

Benefits of Electrostatic Filters

• Cost Savings: No need for frequent replacements

• Improved Air Quality: Capture pollen, dust, and pet dander

• Environmentally Friendly: Reduce waste compared to disposable filters 

7. Incorporate Zoning Systems

Zoning systems divide your home into separate zones, each with its own temperature controls. This HVAC upgrade eliminates the one-size-fits-all approach to heating and cooling. Instead of wasting energy on unoccupied rooms, you can focus your HVAC system's efforts where the warm and cool air is needed most.

Benefits of Zoning Systems

• Energy Efficiency: Only heat or cool rooms that are in use

• Customized Comfort: Tailors temperatures for different areas or preferences

• Cost Savings: Reduces unnecessary energy usage

8. Add a Humidifier or Dehumidifier

A humidifier adds moisture to dry air during winter, while a dehumidifier removes excess moisture in the summer. Balanced humidity levels make your home more comfortable by preventing dry skin, scratchy throats, or a sticky, muggy feeling. Proper humidity control also has health benefits, such as reducing respiratory issues and minimizing the spread of airborne viruses.

Attic ventilation can also affect indoor humidity levels, so that’s another area where you may be able to make improvements. 

Benefits of a Humidifier/Dehumidifier

• Comfort: Reduces dry air in winter and sticky air in summer

• Health Benefits: Prevents respiratory issues caused by high or low humidity levels

• Preservation: Protects wood floors, furniture, and paint from cracking or warping

9. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency HVAC Unit

High-efficiency HVAC units use advanced technology, such as variable-speed motors and improved heat exchangers, to deliver superior performance while consuming less energy. Investing in a high-efficiency unit is a smart choice for anyone exploring home heating and cooling upgrades that deliver long-term energy savings and environmental benefits.

Benefits of High-Efficiency Units

• Energy Savings: Significant reduction in utility bills

• Eco-Friendly: Lower carbon emissions

• Long-Term Savings: Pays for itself over time through reduced energy costs

• Home Value: Increase in appeal for energy efficiency and eco-friendly enhancements

10. Use HEPA Filters

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the gold standard in air filtration, capturing 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. This makes them one of the most effective options for improving indoor air quality.

HEPA filters excel at reducing allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants, making them especially beneficial for households with asthma or allergy sufferers. Their superior filtration provides peace of mind, ensuring your home meets stringent air quality standards.

Benefits of HEPA Filters

• Superior Air Quality: Reduces allergens, bacteria, and viruses

• Health Benefits: Ideal for homes with asthma or allergy sufferers

• Peace of Mind: Meets stringent air quality standards

11. Install Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon filters go beyond standard air filtration by neutralizing odors and removing potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These filters effectively tackle the smells of pets, cooking, and smoking, leaving your home fresher and more inviting.

Benefits of Activated Carbon Filters

• Odor Removal: Eliminates unpleasant smells 

• Improved Air Quality: Removes harmful gases and chemicals

• Better Comfort: Creates a fresher indoor environment

12. Utilize Air Ionizers

Air ionizers improve indoor air quality by releasing charged ions that bond with airborne particles, clumping them together and making them easier to filter out. This technology enhances your HVAC system’s filtration capabilities, capturing particles that standard filters might miss.

Benefits of Air Ionizers

• Enhanced Filtration: Captures particles standard filters might miss

• Health Benefits: Reduces allergens and airborne pollutants

• Improved Air Freshness: Removes odors and reduces static electricity

Need an HVAC Upgrade? Conway Is Here!

HVAC upgrades are among the best investments you can make in your home. From improving energy efficiency with better insulation and smart thermostats to enhancing indoor air quality with UV light systems and air scrubbers, the right upgrades can save you money, boost your indoor comfort, and increase your home’s value.

At Conway Services, we understand the challenges homeowners face when dealing with inefficient HVAC systems. Whether you’re tired of high energy bills, uneven heating, or outdated technology, we’re here to help with installation and repair services. When you work with us, you’re choosing more than just a service provider—you’re partnering with a trusted name in HVAC. 

We stand out with:

• Unparalleled Expertise: Decades of experience serving the Seattle area

• Energy-Saving Solutions: Recommendations designed to maximize your savings and efficiency

• Commitment to Quality: Top-tier equipment and professional installations

• Financing Flexibility: Multiple financing options you can choose from

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request a quote for an HVAC upgrade in Memphis. Let us show you how easy and rewarding it can be to transform your home’s comfort and efficiency.