You may feel there aren’t many HVAC options for old houses, but you actually have quite a few choices on the table. Older homes with no ductwork or poor ductwork can still benefit from standard installations like ductless mini-splits and boilers.
At ARS®/Rescue Rooter®, we want to make sure you’re enjoying steady heating and cooling while staying safe. Older homes can be a challenge since they lack the modern infrastructure and tidier ductwork of newer homes, but we can help. Our guide will look into the safest HVAC options, how they work, and the benefits of hiring experienced technicians.
Is It Worth Installing an HVAC System in an Old Home?
While it may seem like a lot of unnecessary trouble to fit an HVAC into an older home, it’s well worth the effort. Old homes tend to have a hard time regulating temperature due to drafty doors, leaky ductwork, or no ductwork at all.
Trying to stay cool in the summer with a portable fan or bundle up in the winter is much tougher in the long term than installing a reliable heating and cooling system. If you need a place to get started, check out our guide on choosing the right HVAC size for your home.
5 Safe HVAC Options for Old Houses: Best Use Cases
Some HVAC systems are better suited to chilly or temperate climates, while others may be more useful if you live in a large family. We install different types of HVAC systems to help landlords or homeowners find the best fit for their older home.
1. Ductless Mini-Splits
Easily one of the best options for older homes is ductless mini-splits due to their versatility and smaller size. Not only can a professional technician easily fit these systems into different rooms, but they don’t need pre-existing ductwork.
2. Centralized Air Conditioning (With Ductwork)
If you live in a climate with extreme temperature changes and have pre-existing ductwork, you might want to consider adding central air to an old house. These HVAC models use a central location for heating or cooling, then use ductwork to distribute this air throughout the home.
3. Small-Duct Systems
If you’re not interested in a centralized air conditioning system, you can try a small-duct system (also known as a mini-duct). Manufacturers usually design these systems to accommodate the more limited features of old houses.
These small-duct systems aren’t as large as central air conditioning, nor are they as unreliable as a window air conditioner. They have similar features to ductless mini-splits, too, such as the ability to heat or cool specific parts of the home.
4. Boilers
It’s no surprise that boilers fit older homes well since these heating systems have been around for centuries. You can choose between gas, oil, or electric boilers, all of which have a reasonably long lifespan of at least a decade.
If your home’s pipes are still in good condition, a boiler will do a fine job of distributing consistent warmth. Many homes in chilly or dynamic climates fare well with boilers as their main source of heat, though a very cold environment may require a furnace.
5. Heat Pumps
Heat pumps work by taking in outside air, heating it, and then circulating the heated air throughout the home. Their efficiency is one of the reasons they’re so popular—able to create an impressive amount of heat with relatively little energy.
Each HVAC comes with pros and cons depending on your lifestyle, climate, and home layout. If you need a second pair of eyes on your setup, schedule an appointment with our team for an inspection.
Why DIY Solutions Won’t Work for Older Homes
Can you install an HVAC in an old house? We don’t recommend it. While DIY solutions are great for minor tune-ups, like changing dirty filters or clearing off debris from an outdoor unit, they don’t replace major installations.
Older homes struggle with HVAC and plumbing issues over time due to degraded materials and evolving living standards. Below are a few reasons why a professional eye will save you a major headache once it’s time to upgrade.
Unreliable Installation
DIY installation is unreliable, risking a breakdown in the middle of a heat wave or not working in the first place. A professional technician has the hands-on experience and necessary permits to safely install your new HVAC system.
Safety Hazards
Not only are DIY installations unstable, but they’re also extremely unsafe. Failing to install an HVAC system correctly increases your risk of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.
Higher Expenses
A poorly done job is expensive. A badly installed HVAC unit may increase your energy bills through poor performance or break down out of nowhere, leaving you in a worse spot down the road.
The Benefits of Hiring Experienced Technicians
Learning how to add an HVAC to an old house involves a little more work due to old pipes or a lack of ductwork. Experienced technicians can navigate all the HVAC installation challenges in older homes to set up a system you can trust for years.
In-Depth Inspection
One of the most common HVAC mistakes people make is overlooking the importance of an inspection. A professional can help you with crucial details like picking the right size for your home or spotting potential moisture issues that could get worse later.
Warranties
A reliable warranty is more than peace of mind (though that’s a major benefit). It also helps you save money in the future if your HVAC fails prematurely due to a manufacturing error or poor installation.
Financing Options and Deals
Need help budgeting the cost to install an HVAC system in an old home? Financing options are a useful resource that lets you divide this installation into multiple payments. You can also take advantage of seasonal deals and coupons to shave down the final cost.
Safe Installation
Getting a new HVAC system is a major investment, so we want you to feel completely confident in your decision. Not only do our technicians bring several years of experience in the field, but all of our installations come with our Exceptional Service Guarantee.
Install a New HVAC System With ARS
Our nationwide network has been helping homeowners and landlords find the best installation for their needs for several years. You have many HVAC options for old houses on the table, so a consultation will help you start narrowing down your ideal features and budget needs.
If you want to know how much it is to install an HVAC in an old house, call us for a free quote.
