6 HVAC Issues That Plague Older Homes in Brentwood, TN
Many Brentwood, TN, homeowners cherish their houses for their distinct history and style. While older homes might have a lot of charm, they can also have unique problems. The following are six HVAC issues known to bedevil older homes:
No Zoning
Older houses are more likely to have only one thermostat. That thermostat is what manages the temperature for every part of the home. The result can be very inconsistent temperatures throughout the residence.
If you switch to a more contemporary HVAC design, you can create different zones in your home with each having its own controls. Consider upgrading to a ductless system that features more than one indoor air handling unit. This is advantageous for multi-level homes if you want to cool the bedrooms on a sleeping floor without chilling your kitchen or living room downstairs.
Weak Airflow
If your older home has air ducts, you might not think about them all that often. They’re typically out of sight, so it’s easy to forget they’re even there. Despite that, your air ducts have an important job in moving conditioned air through your home so every room is cooled or heated as desired.
Airflow might get restricted due to contaminants building up over time. Dust, bacteria, allergens and various microorganisms can add up over time. Regular inspections and cleanings by industry professionals can help restore and maintain proper airflow.
Older HVAC Technology
Have you bought your older home without knowing the age of the HVAC system? Most only last 15 years on average. You can possibly predict how much time yours has left by going over the records the previous owners left you, but you might be in the dark if they didn’t leave you such documentation.
HVAC replacement isn’t an expense that anyone looks forward to, but it can also be an investment that saves you money on repairs and maintenance for many years. Newer models usually include a serious bump up in efficiency, too. You can keep your home comfortable without using as much electricity.
Filthy Indoor Air Quality
Modern homes are built according to efficiency standards that let fresh air in while stagnant air can escape, but older homes were often constructed with very different methods. If you and your family seem susceptible to respiratory ailments, headaches and congestion, then you might be suffering from poor indoor air quality. That can result from unconditioned air that helps pollutants and humidity enter your home.
Humid air makes an HVAC system work even more to make your home comfortable, and that can increase your utility bills. Switching older doors and windows to energy-efficient upgrades can help out a lot. Also, make a regular habit of professional HVAC inspections and service calls to keep your system efficient.
Older HVAC Thermostats
Aging thermostats can result in frequent ycles that wear down your HVAC system faster than it should. They’re also likely to have only simple controls. That adds to heating and cooling inefficiency.
Modern technology gives you digital control over your temperature settings. Program it with the right settings, and you’ll improve your energy efficiency. You’ll also likely extend the life of your system so you can go longer before having to replace it.
Ductwork Leaks
In addition to the previously mentioned issue of restricted airflow inside ductwork, your older home might also have leaks in the system that let air escape. Older ducts can have their sealing lose effectiveness over time. This is a common issue at elbows and joints in the ductwork installation.
If that happens, you’re wasting money on heating and cooling. Some of it is winding up in your ceilings and behind walls instead of entering occupied rooms. A professional inspection can find the issues and fix them.
These are six reasons your older home might have HVAC issues plaguing it. Fortunately, we can help you identify and address these problems. Contact us at Solace Heating and Air for AC repair services that help your home become more efficient.
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