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How to Install an HVAC System in an Old Home

Old homes are beautiful but outdated, and they require multiple upgrades to fit a modern lifestyle. For instance, you’ll need to upgrade the HVAC system to improve your home’s year-round comfort. Furthermore, upgrading the HVAC system extends its lifespan and reduces your energy costs. Fortunately, Hoff Heating & AC in O’Fallon, MO, can upgrade HVAC systems in older homes.

Challenges for Installing HVAC Systems in Older Homes

Damage Hidden Behind the Walls

Whether you’re moving into an older home or residing in your childhood home, consider the damage behind the walls. For example, a past remodel may cover up outdated duct runs. Poor ventilation may lead to trapped moisture and rotted wood in your attic. You may not know about the damage until a technician inspects your home. We can help point you in the right direction, allowing you to prepare for your new HVAC system.

Outdated Features That Need Upgrading

When a technician inspects your home, they’ll look for outdated features. This includes a small panel that can’t support a high-capacity heat pump or framing that can’t hold modern ductwork. While these challenges may slow down your project, our team knows how to work around them. Our goal is to catch these issues early and offer the best solution for your upgrade. One example is upgrading the panel or framing to ensure it’s ready for your new features.

Limited Space for Larger Equipment

Older homes may not have enough space for your ductwork. One solution is lowering the ceilings, but this leads to higher costs and more invasive construction. Moreover, large equipment has specific requirements about where it should be placed. We’ll evaluate your space and provide clear solutions and upfront pricing.

Poor Insulation and Electrical Systems Causing HVAC Problems

If your home has drafts or uneven temperatures, the culprit may be poor insulation. It’s essential to upgrade the insulation and seal air leaks. Otherwise, your HVAC system works harder than necessary to maintain your indoor temperature, leading to HVAC strain and failure. You may also need to upgrade the electrical system to handle modern appliances. For instance, some older homes must upgrade to a 200-amp service to handle modern heat pumps. Luckily, these upgrades aren’t impossible.

Lack of Pre-Existing Ductwork in Very Old Homes

Decades ago, homeowners cooled their homes with fans and open windows. They kept their homes warm with radiators and fireplaces. This means most older homes don’t have enough space for modern ductwork. If you want to install modern ductwork, you may need to lower ceilings or knock down walls. Fortunately, our technicians can work with you to find alternatives, such as small-duct high-velocity (SDHV) systems.

HVAC Options for Older Homes

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems are ideal for old or small homes that don’t have AC ducts. They provide climate control to a room without affecting the whole house. This solution is best for a room where you may use a window unit, such as an in-law suite.

Mini-split systems provide both heating and cooling. The system has an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser and compressor. The electrical and refrigerant lines pass through a 3-inch hole in the wall, connecting the components.

Modulating-Condensing Gas Boiler System

Old radiators can be found in historic homes, such as Victorian houses. The radiators use more energy than needed to heat your home. Plus, the radiators may frequently fail due to age, providing unreliability during O’Fallon’s winters.

Luckily, you can upgrade the radiators to a new gas boiler system. Modern boilers provide more consistent heat and better reliability. They’re also quiet, low-maintenance options. Condensing boilers have become popular because they use secondary heat exchangers. These exchangers capture more heat to provide an efficient solution.

Small-Duct High-Velocity (SDHV) System

A high-velocity system is ideal for small, old homes that can’t accommodate large ductwork. This way, you can install central air conditioning without demolishing walls or lowering ceilings.

The system uses two insulated ducts measuring two inches in diameter. These ducts can pass through ceilings and walls without compromising the structure.

An SDHV system turns on and off according to your thermostat settings, using less pressure and energy. Additionally, the air handle constantly runs to ensure the system isn’t straining to maintain consistent airflow.

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)

Still new to the United States, VRF systems also provide central air conditioning without compromising the existing structure. The upfront cost is higher, but VRF systems offer better energy efficiency.

The system uses an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser. It also uses small fan coil units connected by refrigerant lines instead of ductwork. VRF systems adjust the flow of the refrigerant to heat and cool various spaces together or separately. The system also uses heat recovery to warm spaces that need heating.

Consider Zoning for Your Old Home

Older homes lack floor plans that encourage airflow. Your old home may have long hallways or single-room additions. It’s harder to keep every room comfortable with just one thermostat, so you may want to consider a zoning system.

A zoning system uses separate controls to heat or cool different areas of your home. Instead of one thermostat for the whole house, you can place a thermostat on each floor. You won’t have to strain your HVAC system to maintain the temperature in each zone. It also prevents you from wasting energy on empty spaces.

Zoning is also ideal for a house with multiple occupants. One person can keep their area warmer, while another can choose a mild temperature for their space.

How to Choose an A/C for Your HVAC Installation

Set Your Budget

Start by setting a realistic budget to determine which upgrades you can afford. The cost varies per system and labor, but we’ll provide upfront pricing. Our team can also help you find a solution that fits your budget.

Determine Your Needs

Once you set your budget, it’s time to choose between a modular or central system. You also want to decide if you want central air with a thermostat in each zone or each room.

Opt for Energy Efficiency

We usually recommend energy-efficient solutions for your HVAC installation. For example, you may choose a system that only heats and cools occupied rooms. This is a great way to lower your monthly energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.

Consider Your Space

You also need to ensure you’ll have enough space for the ductwork and equipment. Our technicians will check your space during your evaluation. We’ll also provide alternative solutions for spaces that can’t accommodate certain modern features.

Schedule an HVAC Installation Today

Our family-owned business has been serving the area and nearby communities since 1983. We can tackle a range of tasks, including HVAC installation in old and small homes. You can also call us for heating and cooling repair, installation and maintenance services. Other services include heat pumps, air quality and new construction. We have an A+ rating with the BBB and high ratings on Google, Facebook and Angi.

If you’re looking to install an HVAC system in an older home, contact Hoff Heating & AC in O’Fallon today.