Whether you’ve lived in your home for many years or are the new homeowner of an old house, you may be looking to upgrade your air systems for the coming seasons. Such modernizations can go a long ways if you’re looking to transform an old house into a home. While a working heating unit is crucial for your family’s comfort and safety, whether it’s a traditional furnace or modernized ductless system, you may also be looking for a new HVAC unit. Depending upon where you live, an air conditioner can be important for improving your quality of life. Here, we will look at a few options for HVAC upgrades, especially in older homes.
Consider a ductless mini-split system.
Many older homes are equipped with an in-wall air conditioner, which, aside from a central air system, has long been the most traditional unit. You still may see these styles in bedrooms, kitchens, or the living area in many older homes. As many homeowners are aware, however, these units can be noisy and, depending upon their age, may require frequent maintenance from an expert technician. A great way to truly modernize your home’s HVAC is to consider a ductless system, which is slowly becoming an industry standard in air conditioner technology within new homes. Also, a ductless system is an addition to your home or part of your house that doesn’t have traditional AC that can increase its overall value.
As described, this new style unit does away with the ductwork air system familiar to so many homeowners. Ductless mini-split systems have an easy installation process, meaning you won’t have to bust through your home’s walls. With a ductless AC, the main condensing unit is put outside your older home, along with small holes in your outside wall for the refrigerant lines. The contractor then covers the outside condenser unit to match your home’s exterior color and the unit can effortlessly provide the ductless air from the heating system in up to eight individual areas of your house’s interior.
Ductless Mini-Splits and Energy Efficiency
Aside from the mandatory year-round maintenance associate with a traditional HVAC system, such as changing the filters and cleaning the vents to avoid clogs or dust, allergens and pollen, or leaks, a ductless unit is also known for its incredible energy efficiency. Truth be told, regardless of how well new ducts in a traditional AC system are sealed, leaks lead to lost cold air, requiring more energy used, and added to your utility bill. As many HVAC contractors are aware, traditional ductwork can account for more than 30 percent of a homeowner’s total heating and cooling energy bill. Since ductless mini-split systems run off of a ductless design, the savings in both money and energy are substantial.
“Smart” Thermostats
If you’re certain that you want to keep your traditional system, be it traditional heating, HVAC system, or current central air conditioning system, then perhaps an ideal solution is investing in another new technology: a “smart” thermostat. In recent years, this programmable thermostat model has become very popular with new homeowners, as it is controlled by an app on your tablet or mobile device. Depending upon the model of thermostat you choose, the unit can even “learn” your preferences for a comfortable temperature, saving on your utility bill in the long run by automatically making adjustments for energy efficiency. These “smart” thermostats are practical, as the installation cost is still less than putting in a brand new HVAC system or new air conditioner. The best part, however, is that with the control is still located indoors, the design allows you to preserve the visual integrity of your older home without any additional installation of an outdoor compressor or other outdoor unit.
