If you own an older home, you enjoy a delectable blend of history, charm, and distinct architectural details. However, you must also deal with the challenges of maintaining an older residence, particularly in heating and cooling.
Fortunately, there are energy-efficient HVAC upgrades you can use to bridge the gap between contemporary comfort and classic craftsmanship. Exploring the common issues older homes face and evaluating HVAC upgrade options is how you can make your home more efficient without changing its character.
Common HVAC Challenges in Older Homes
Older homes, especially those built before the 1970s, frequently lack the insulation and infrastructure necessary for modern energy-efficient systems. Owners of these homes commonly encounter not having ductwork, poor insulation, single-pane windows, air leaks and drafts, and inefficient or outdated heating systems.
Lacking ductwork is common in homes built before central air systems became the standard for new construction. Unfortunately, these older homes don’t often have the infrastructure required for conventional forced-air cooling or heating. Ductwork can be installed in older homes, but the process is expensive and invasive. Sometimes, it’s simply impractical because of structural constraints.
Poor insulation is a second complication. Ceilings, floors, and walls in many older homes often have insufficient insulation, if there’s any present at all. Even when insulation is there, it might have settled, deteriorated, or been compromised over time due to moisture, hindering its effectiveness.
Single-pane windows, standard in many older homes, offer minimal heat transfer resistance; this can also contribute significantly to heating and cooling losses, particularly in extreme weather. Gaps around windows, doors, floorboards, basements, and attics let conditioned air escape and outside air come in.
Many older homes have HVAC solutions, but they’re outdated technology. Window AC units, wall-mounted radiators, and oil-burning furnaces consume lots of energy while providing inconsistent heating or cooling, especially relative to the performance of modern technology.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Solutions for Older Homes
Fortunately, there are plentiful modern HVAC solutions to improve control, comfort, and energy efficiency without putting your older home through a total gut renovation.
Mini-Split Ductless Systems
These systems are excellent choices for homes without existing ductwork. They also work in small and medium rooms or as supplemental heating or cooling. Zoned comfort lets you control temperatures in individual rooms, and you don’t need ductwork installed to use them.
Inverter technology modulates power and reduces energy use for energy-efficient operation. Many mini-split models offer dual heating and cooling functions if you want a single HVAC solution instead of different systems taking up more room.
Older homes might encounter aesthetic concerns with mini-splits; wall-mounted indoor units don’t always blend seamlessly with historic interiors, though ceiling-mounted units are available as well. The initial installation cost can get expensive for each unit, particularly if you need to cover multiple zones. Expenses can also increase due to the electrical requirements if your home’s electrical panel needs upgrades.
Heat Pumps (Air-Source and Ground-Source)
Heat pumps are highly efficient because they move heat instead of generating it. They work well for households that prioritize long-term savings and environmental impact. Their energy efficiency is particularly pronounced in moderate climates, and they result in a lower carbon footprint than oil or gas furnaces.
Dual-purpose heat pumps can heat your home during the winter and cool everyone off when it’s summer. Older homes have various layouts, and heat pumps are flexible enough to work with ductless and ducted systems.
Older homes in freezing climates might need supplemental heating to offset the reduced efficiency of heat pumps in those regions. Installation costs can also be prohibitive, especially with ground-source systems requiring drilling or digging. Optimal performance requires regular maintenance.
High-Velocity Mini-Duct Systems
Small, flexible ducts can be routed through ceilings and walls with minimal remodeling. It’s a good option if you want central air but your older home can’t accommodate traditional ductwork. These ducts are discreet and easier to retrofit without visible changes. High-velocity air reduces cold and hot spots for even air distribution. Less visible than conventional ductwork, this option is aesthetically pleasing.
Compared to a conventional system, a high-velocity mini-duct system can be louder due to its noisy operation. Installation costs can also be higher than usual due to the specialized nature; fewer professionals might be available in your market to install and service them. Specialized components can also add to the expense.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats allow remote control via smartphone app, and many can learn your household preferences and adjust automatically. By knowing your schedule, a smart thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs for energy savings. App control lets you adjust settings wherever you are in the world. These devices are also compatible with many HVAC systems and provide zone control. It’s a cost-effective upgrade that packs a practical punch.
Smart home integration and Wi-Fi technology might require upgrades to your home. The upfront costs might be higher than traditional thermostats, and professional installation is recommended for the trickier wiring that often happens in older homes.
Upgraded Central HVAC Systems (Where Ductwork Exists)
Your older home might have ductwork left over from a previous central AC system or furnace installation. If it does, upgrading to a high-efficiency AC unit, furnace, or dual-stage system might improve performance.
Modern systems don’t consume as much energy for better efficiency. The operation can be familiar to your household if the new installation uses existing thermostats and vents. Anything that evenly cools or heats all rooms can provide whole-home comfort in a home with functional ductwork already in place.
Even existing ductwork might need repairs; leaky or old ducts might reduce efficiency. Energy loss can happen through ducts, particularly portions running through unconditioned spaces. This setup can also result in less flexible zoning. The entire home would be subject to a single temperature unless additional advanced zoning is arranged.
Bonus Upgrades to Maximize HVAC Performance
HVAC efficiency is more than just the equipment. You can also enhance your home’s envelope to support improved system performance. Sealing drafts using caulking and weatherstripping around doors, windows, and other penetrations can reduce air leaks. Insulation professionals can add material to crawl spaces, basements, and attics by retrofitting older walls with spray foam or blown-in cellulose.
Storm windows, low-emissivity windows, and double-pane models can improve thermal performance without removing the historical originals you’ve grown to love. Ceiling fans can improve air circulation, letting you run your HVAC system less frequently.
Modern Climate Control While Keeping Your Home’s Charm
Older homes can enjoy upgraded HVAC and climate control without sacrificing efficiency, comfort, or their unique feel and aesthetics. Smart thermostats, heat pumps, and mini-splits are just some of the many ways this can happen. Assess the existing infrastructure of your home, emphasize energy efficiency, and partner with professionals who have experience retrofitting historic buildings.
A/C & Plumbing Doctors provides heating and cooling solutions to residents and commercial clients of Maricopa and Pinal Counties in Arizona. We handle HVAC repairs, replacements, and maintenance. Our services include ductless mini-splits, heat pumps, ductwork, package units, condensers, and central and specialty HVAC solutions. Contact A/C & Plumbing Doctors for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades for your older home.
