Real-world examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems that actually cut bills

Best examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems in 2024–2025

If you want concrete examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems, start with what’s actually being installed in large numbers right now. Across the U.S., the most common high-performance setups are:

• Variable-speed air-source heat pumps replacing old central AC + gas furnace combos
• Ductless mini-split heat pumps in homes without ducts or for additions
• Geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps in new builds or major retrofits
• High-efficiency condensing gas furnaces paired with smart thermostats
• Packaged rooftop heat pump units in small commercial buildings
• VRF (variable refrigerant flow) systems in multifamily and offices

Each example of an energy-efficient HVAC system below is something you can point to on a quote, compare in a spreadsheet, and actually install. Let’s break down how they work, what they save, and where they make sense.

Example of a high-efficiency air-source heat pump for a typical suburban home

One of the best examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems right now is the cold-climate, variable-speed air-source heat pump used in a standard 2,000–2,400 sq ft U.S. home.

How it’s set up
A common 2024 configuration looks like this:

• 2–4 ton inverter-driven heat pump (18–22 SEER2 cooling, 9–10 HSPF2 heating)
• Matched indoor air handler or coil
• Existing ductwork, sealed and slightly upgraded
• Smart thermostat with occupancy and weather-aware scheduling

Real-world performance
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, today’s heat pumps can cut electricity use for heating by about 50% compared with electric resistance heat like baseboard heaters or electric furnaces (DOE). When replacing an older 10 SEER central AC and an 80% AFUE gas furnace, homeowners often see:

• 20–40% lower annual HVAC energy costs
• More even temperatures because of variable-speed operation
• Quieter operation indoors and outdoors

Where this example shines
This is one of the best examples of a whole-home, energy-efficient HVAC system for:

• Mild to moderately cold climates (think mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, much of the South and Midwest)
• Homes already using central ducts
• Owners planning to stay at least 5–10 years

With federal tax credits and many state incentives, payback can be 5–8 years depending on local energy prices.

Examples of ductless mini-split systems for apartments and older homes

If your home has no ducts or you’re dealing with a finished attic, garage conversion, or addition, ductless mini-split heat pumps are standout examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems.

Typical mini-split setup
A practical example of an efficient mini-split system might include:

• One outdoor inverter heat pump unit
• Two to four indoor wall-mounted or ceiling cassette units
• Individual remote or smart controls for each zone

Modern mini-splits often hit SEER2 ratings in the mid-20s and can maintain heating capacity down to 0°F or lower, depending on the model.

Real examples of savings and comfort
The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) has documented projects where ductless systems cut heating energy use by 30–60% in oil- and propane-heated homes. In practice, homeowners notice:

• Big drops in oil or propane deliveries
• Cooling added to spaces that never had it
• Room-by-room temperature control (and the ability to shut off unused rooms)

Where mini-splits make sense
These examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems are especially strong in:

• Older homes with no existing ductwork
• Small apartments and condos
• Additions, attic conversions, and sunrooms

If you’re trying to electrify gradually, a mini-split in the main living area can be a smart first step while leaving a legacy system as backup.

Geothermal heat pumps as premium examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems

When people ask for the best examples of ultra-efficient HVAC technology, geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps always come up. They use the stable ground temperature a few feet below the surface as a heat source in winter and a heat sink in summer.

What a typical geothermal setup looks like
A real-world residential system usually includes:

• A ground loop (vertical boreholes or horizontal trenches)
• A high-efficiency indoor heat pump unit (often in a basement or mechanical room)
• Distribution via ducts, radiant floors, or both

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has long noted that properly installed geothermal systems can be up to 45% more efficient than air-source heat pumps and up to 72% more efficient than standard electric resistance heating (EPA).

Why geothermal is a standout example
These examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems deliver:

• Very low operating costs, especially in extreme climates
• Long equipment life (ground loops often last 50+ years)
• Quiet operation with no outdoor compressor near windows or decks

The catch: upfront costs are significantly higher. But with federal tax credits (30% in the U.S. through at least 2032) and sometimes utility rebates, payback can land in the 8–12 year range for many homes.

High-efficiency gas furnace plus smart thermostat as a pragmatic example

Not every home is ready to go all-electric. In gas-dominated regions, a 95–98% AFUE condensing furnace paired with a smart thermostat is still a strong example of an energy-efficient HVAC system, especially when your old furnace is 20+ years old.

What this system includes
A practical 2024 upgrade might look like:

• 96% AFUE condensing furnace with a variable-speed blower
• 16–18 SEER2 central AC (or a heat pump used for cooling only)
• Smart thermostat with learning features and geofencing

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that upgrading from an older 60–70% AFUE furnace to a 95%+ model can cut gas use for heating by 20–30% or more, depending on home insulation and duct losses (DOE).

Why this is still a good example of efficiency
This example of an energy-efficient HVAC system is best when:

• Electricity prices are very high relative to gas in your region
• You want to reduce energy use and emissions now, but a full electrification plan is years away
• You’re pairing it with envelope upgrades (insulation, air sealing) to maximize gains

Add a smart thermostat and you typically see another 5–10% reduction in heating and cooling energy by cutting waste when you’re away or asleep.

Smart, connected HVAC as modern examples of energy-efficient control

Hardware is only half the story. Some of the most underrated examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems are ordinary systems made smarter through connected controls.

What “smart HVAC” looks like in practice
Examples include:

• A variable-speed heat pump integrated with a smart thermostat that uses local weather data
• Zoning dampers controlled by room sensors, rather than just a single hallway thermostat
• Wi‑Fi–connected mini-splits managed through a central app with scheduling and occupancy detection

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that smart thermostats can save about 8% on heating and cooling bills on average (ENERGY STAR). In homes with erratic schedules, savings can be higher because the system automatically adjusts when you leave.

Why these are powerful examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems
You’re not necessarily replacing major equipment. Instead, you’re:

• Tightening control over setpoints and schedules
• Reducing overheating and overcooling
• Getting data and alerts when something’s off (like a clogged filter or failing component)

For renters or those not ready for a full system replacement, smart controls alone are one of the easiest examples of energy-efficient HVAC upgrades with fast payback.

VRF and rooftop units: commercial examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems

So far we’ve focused on homes, but there are strong commercial examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems too, especially in small offices, retail, and multifamily buildings.

VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems
VRF uses a central outdoor unit connected to many indoor units, each with independent control. The system modulates refrigerant flow to match each zone’s needs.

Real examples include:

• A three-story office with a single VRF heat pump system serving 20–30 indoor units
• Mixed-use buildings where ground-floor retail and upper-floor apartments share a common outdoor unit but have independent indoor controls

Because VRF can simultaneously heat some zones and cool others (by moving heat internally), these systems are significantly more efficient than traditional constant-speed rooftop units in many commercial applications.

High-efficiency packaged rooftop heat pumps
On small commercial buildings, upgrading from an older constant-speed rooftop unit to a high-efficiency, variable-speed heat pump rooftop unit can cut HVAC energy use by 20–40%, especially when paired with demand-controlled ventilation.

These are strong examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems when you want:

• Lower operating costs and better comfort in offices or retail
• Zone-level control without dozens of separate systems
• A path to electrification for commercial buildings that previously relied on gas heat

How to choose among these examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems

Looking at all these real examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems, the natural question is: which one fits your situation? A few practical filters help narrow it down.

1. Your climate

• Cold climates (upper Midwest, New England): Cold-climate air-source heat pumps or geothermal systems are the best examples here. Look for models listed in cold-climate heat pump programs and check performance at 5°F or lower.
• Mixed climates (Midwest, mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest): Variable-speed air-source heat pumps are usually the sweet spot.
• Hot, humid climates (Southeast): High-SEER2 heat pumps or mini-splits with good dehumidification performance are strong examples.

2. Existing infrastructure

• If you have good ducts, a central heat pump or high-efficiency furnace is often the easiest example to implement.
• If you have no ducts, mini-splits or VRF-based systems shine.
• For new construction or deep retrofits, geothermal becomes more attractive because you can integrate it from the start.

3. Energy prices and policy
Local electricity and gas prices, plus incentives, can make one example of an energy-efficient HVAC system far more attractive than another. Check:

• Federal tax credits and rebates
• State or utility incentives for heat pumps and high-efficiency furnaces
• Time-of-use electricity rates that reward smart scheduling

FAQs about examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems

What are the best examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems for an older home?
For older, leaky homes without ducts, ductless mini-split heat pumps are usually the best examples. They avoid the cost and disruption of adding ducts, provide both heating and cooling, and allow room-by-room control. If the home already has ducts in reasonable condition, a variable-speed air-source heat pump is another strong example.

Can you give an example of a simple, affordable HVAC efficiency upgrade?
A very practical example of a low-cost upgrade is pairing your existing furnace or central AC with a certified smart thermostat. You’re not replacing the core system, but you gain better scheduling, remote control, and occupancy-based setbacks. This example of an efficiency upgrade often pays back in 1–3 years through reduced energy use.

Are geothermal systems always the best examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems?
Geothermal systems are among the most efficient examples of HVAC technology, but they’re not always the best fit. High upfront cost, limited space for ground loops, and drilling constraints can be deal-breakers. In many cases, a high-efficiency air-source heat pump provides most of the savings at a lower initial cost.

What examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems work well in apartments?
In apartments and condos, ductless mini-split systems and smart thermostats are usually the most realistic examples. Mini-splits can be installed with minimal disruption and provide zoned comfort, while smart thermostats can improve the performance of existing central systems where residents have individual control.

How do I know if an example of an energy-efficient HVAC system is actually efficient?
Look for third-party certifications and ratings like ENERGY STAR, high SEER2 (for cooling), HSPF2 (for heat pumps in heating mode), and AFUE (for furnaces). Cross-check manufacturer claims with sources such as the U.S. Department of Energy or ENERGY STAR’s product lists. Real examples of efficient systems will have published performance data, not just marketing language.

The bottom line: there’s no single “best” option for everyone, but there are plenty of proven, real-world examples of energy-efficient HVAC systems that can cut your energy use, lower your bills, and make your home more comfortable. The right choice depends on your climate, building, and budget—but the technology to do better than a 20-year-old furnace and AC combo is already here, and it’s not hypothetical.