Considerations For Replacing The HVAC System In An Older-Construction House

28 February 2023
Categories: , Blog

Replacing the HVAC system in an older home can be daunting, but it is necessary to maintain a comfortable and safe living environment. An aging HVAC system can be inefficient, noisy, and even dangerous.

If you are considering replacing the HVAC system in your older home, here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

Sizing the HVAC System

The HVAC system's size is significant for maximum comfort and energy efficiency. A system that is too small will struggle to cool or heat the home, while an oversized system will waste energy and lead to higher utility bills. Talk to an HVAC professional to determine how big your new system should be. They can calculate load to determine how much heating and cooling your home needs.

Ductwork

The ductwork is the system of vents that sends heated or cooled air all over the house. Older-construction homes may have outdated or damaged ductwork, which can reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system. When replacing the HVAC system, it's essential to check the ductwork and, if needed, replace it. This will ensure that the new system operates efficiently and effectively.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is critical for lowering utility bills while also reducing environmental impact. When selecting a new HVAC system, look for models with high energy efficiency ratings, such as ENERGY STAR-certified units. These units are designed to use less energy while still providing optimal comfort. A system that uses less energy may cost more upfront but will pay for itself in the long run through lower utility bills.

Zoning

Zoning is a feature that allows homeowners to control the temperature in different areas of the home independently. This is especially useful for old-construction homes with varying temperatures throughout the house. Zoning can be done in several ways, such as with intelligent thermostats, motorized dampers, and different HVAC systems for different parts of the house. Talk to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional about your options to find the best solution for your home.

Air Quality

Indoor air quality is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment. Older-construction homes may have poor indoor air quality due to poor ventilation or outdated HVAC systems. Consider adding air purifiers, humidifiers, and ventilation systems to improve the air quality inside the new HVAC system. These features can help reduce the risk of allergies, respiratory issues, and other health concerns.

Maintenance

Finally, ensuring the HVAC system works well and lasts as long as possible requires regular maintenance. Consider signing up for a maintenance plan with an HVAC professional when replacing the system. A maintenance plan can include routine inspections, cleaning, and tune-ups to keep the system running smoothly.

Reach out to a heating services contractor to learn more.

About Me

I almost always have my air conditioner inspected every spring before I start using it in the summer. However, last year I decided to skip the inspection. Everything had been OK for the last couple of years, so I assumed that it would be fine this year as well. Why not save a few dollars and skip the annual check up, just this once? Of course, this was the year that my air conditioner decided to break down. It ran for a few days, but it never really seemed to get cool enough to bring the indoor temperature down. Then it started making a loud noise, right before shutting off completely. By that time, the AC repair company was swamped like it always is when the weather is warm, and I had to wait days for an appointment. Next year, I will definitely be getting that yearly inspection first.