Many people choose to live in older homes because of the aesthetic charm, history or memories they carry. Still, these older buildings present a few comfort-related challenges that you might not experience if you lived in a newer home. Here are five HVAC problems those living in older homes in High Point, NC, often face:
Aging HVAC Equipment
Probably the most pressing HVAC-related problem that you’ll find in an older home is that the HVAC equipment is well past its prime. Central air conditioning systems can function reliably for about 10 to 15 years, while the typical lifespan of a gas-powered furnace is 15 to 20 years. If your home is older than that and the previous owner hadn’t replaced these systems, getting new ones should be a major priority.
Old HVAC Thermostats
A decades-old home will probably have at least one old manual analog thermostat in it. Analog thermostats are at an extreme disadvantage against programmable and smart thermostats when it comes to maximizing HVAC system efficiency.
If you have a programmable thermostat, you’ll be able to choose exactly when you want your HVAC system to turn the temperature up or down. You’ll be able to calibrate the temperature that prevails in your home with total precision. Features like recovery mode and Wi-Fi connectivity on smart thermostats will give you the power to automate your system in line with your preferences.
Manual thermostats don’t have these features. This means they’ll almost certainly waste energy and make your utility bills higher than necessary.
Low Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Dust is bound to settle in an old home that has remained uninhabited for a while. All sorts of other airborne pollutants may have found their way into the home as well. Coupled with the fact that old homes usually have out-of-date HVAC systems, this can create a pretty serious IAQ problem that may require some work to resolve.
After replacing and updating the home’s old HVAC system, we recommend buying specialized IAQ devices like air purifiers and air scrubbers to tackle this problem. Opening the windows and airing things out for a while also wouldn’t hurt.
Poor Airflow
Poor airflow can cause a number of problems, including an overheated system, frozen coils, and hot and cold spots in your home. A blocked return vent, clogged air filter, faulty ductwork and problems with the blower can all result in inadequate airflow.
Ultimately, though, you’ll need to have a strong and reliable HVAC system in your home. That means making sure that your ductwork is clean and has no leaks and that your whole HVAC system functions as close to optimally as possible.
Electrical Issues
Lastly, if you plan to live in an old home, we strongly advise you to closely examine its entire electrical setup. This includes everything from the fuse box and circuit breaker to the individual wires that connect all devices to the system.
Your HVAC system will draw power from your home’s electrical system. It’s important to make sure that the wires are in good shape and the circuit breaker can handle your HVAC system. Since you should probably replace your electrical panel after about 20 or 30 years of service, you should ask professionals to look at that as well.
If you decide to live in a classic home in High Point, NC, you should be ready to face a few specific issues. However, with enough knowledge and professional assistance, there’s no reason you shouldn’t have a wonderful experience. Call Johns Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Water Purification and Electrical and allow our team of trained service technicians to perform all the HVAC services you might need to maximize comfort and efficiency.