Energy-Efficient HVAC Upgrades for Older Homes in Camas, WA

Older homes in Camas and Vancouver are full of character, but behind the charm can lurk some costly inefficiencies. Drafty windows, thin insulation, and old ductwork make it hard to keep homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 

With the potential 30% increase in energy costs over the next decade and longer heat waves each year, it won’t be long until you have monthly utility bills that are hard to swallow.

That’s why investing in an energy-efficient HVAC system in Camas, WA, is so crucial.

What Makes an HVAC System Energy-Efficient in Older Homes?

Whether you're dealing with a creaky furnace or a decades-old AC system, there are plenty of smart ways to modernize your setup without gutting your home.

Below, we’re going to check out some of the best ways to improve your HVAC system and score real Camas and Vancouver HVAC energy savings.

1. Start with an HVAC Energy Assessment

Before you call in to replace your unit or start tearing out ductwork, get a complete look at how your HVAC system is performing. With a professional energy assessment, you can identify weak links like clogged filters, air leaks, undersized ductwork, or inefficient equipment.

In older homes, the issues are often layered.

We often see outdated thermostats, sagging insulation, and blocked vents. A proper assessment can pinpoint where your system isn’t so efficient, so we can provide a clearer roadmap for upgrades.

More importantly, having an assessment can help you avoid unnecessary spending. Why swap out a furnace if sealing your ducts or upgrading insulation will give you the same return? It's a quick way to prioritize where you’ll get the most bang for your buck.

2. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency HVAC System

If your HVAC unit is 15 years or older, you’re probably burning more energy than you need to. Upgrade to a high-efficiency HVAC system and replace that outdated furnace or AC with an ENERGY STAR®-rated model.

For an AC, look for a high SEER rating, and for a furnace, look for a high AFUE rating. These scores directly correlate with how much energy your system wastes or saves throughout the year.

Yes, it's an investment. But between utility rebates, lower monthly bills, and better performance, you'll start seeing returns fast. 

And if your system suddenly stops working during a heatwave, knowing what qualifies as an AC emergency and when to call for 24-hour repair can save you from discomfort and damage.

3. Consider a Ductless Heat Pump System

One of the biggest problems with older homes is that there aren’t any ducts. If there are, they’re likely so old and leaky they might as well not exist. That’s why ductless heat pump systems are so great. 

These mini-split units offer both heating and cooling, with impressive efficiency and no need to rip into walls. They're especially great for homes with multiple floors or rooms that always seem too hot or cold.

As a bonus, they offer zoned heating and cooling, so you’re not blasting the entire house just to cool down one bedroom. It’s an ideal solution if you don’t want to go for a full renovation.

4. Upgrade Old Ductwork or Seal Leaky Ducts

If your home has decades-old ductwork, you could be losing as much as 30% of your conditioned air before it even reaches the rooms you’re trying to cool or heat.

Leaky ducts = wasted energy. Period.

Hiring a pro to inspect and seal your ducts can drastically improve airflow and system performance. In some cases, replacing sections of ductwork that are too small or poorly routed can also make a huge difference.

These kinds of older home HVAC solutions often get overlooked, but they’re just as important for getting the most out of upgrading a system.

5. Install a Smart Thermostat

One of the most impactful HVAC energy-saving tips we have is getting a smart thermostat. Unlike traditional thermostats, these learn your habits, adjust automatically, and give you access to your system remotely via smartphone.

With geofencing and energy reporting, you can dial in the perfect temperature for every second of the day without wasting electricity. 

Pair a smart thermostat with a high-efficiency unit, and you can reduce energy bills from your HVAC even more!

6. Add Zoning Systems for Targeted Comfort

Older homes often have temperature inconsistencies.

If you live in an older home, you might have a hot upstairs room, a cold basement, and one room that seems to fluctuate heavily based on whatever is happening outside. 

Zoning systems solve this issue by giving you control over different areas of your home independently, allowing your HVAC system to work smarter, not harder, by only conditioning the rooms in use. 

Whether you use dampers in a ducted system or multiple mini-splits doesn’t matter. Zoning can drastically cut down on wasted energy and make your house more comfortable. We highly recommend it for homes with big floor plans or irregular layouts.

7. Insulate & Weatherize to Support Your HVAC

Sometimes, the most effective improvements start with the structure of your home itself.

Insulation and weatherproofing can have a major impact on how well your HVAC system works. The worse your insulation, the longer and harder your HVAC has to work just to keep up.

Focus on:

• Attic insulation – Heat rises, and if your attic isn’t properly sealed, you’re losing energy fast.

• Weather stripping – Add it around doors and windows to block drafts.

• Window caulking – Sealing gaps helps maintain indoor temperature without extra AC use.

Ready for an Energy-Efficient HVAC Upgrade in Camas or Vancouver?

At Miller’s Heating & Air, we specialize in helping homeowners retrofit older properties with energy-smart solutions. Whether you need new ductwork, zoning installation, or a complete system overhaul, we bring decades of experience to every job.

We also offer free consultations and energy audits for older homes. If you're ready to explore HVAC upgrades in Camas, WA or the surrounding areas for serious HVAC energy savings, we’re the local HVAC technician team to call.