Older homes in Chesterfield, MO, probably have older HVAC systems. These air conditioners and heaters may break down often or not offer high energy efficiency ratings. These older HVAC systems also lack a host of convenience, safety and efficiency features typically seen in newer systems. Here are five HVAC issues common in older homes:
Reduced Energy Efficiency
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 40% of energy by replacing an older HVAC system with a newer model. A new model should offer a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of at least 15, but older models may have a SEER rating of 10 or less. Newer systems also come with variable-speed air handlers that enhance energy efficiency.
Most modern HVAC systems also come with a thermal expansion valve that ensures your system operates efficiently even when the charge is low. Some of these features aren’t available in older systems, which leads to an increase in your monthly utility bills. As long as you get an experienced HVAC expert to install the system, it’ll help you save energy.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Besides having an older HVAC system, an older home lacks modern home efficiency standards. The design of modern homes enhances the comfort of homeowners by ensuring that conditioned air stays in the home and extreme temperatures outside don’t affect the indoor air.
Older homes lack the advanced level of sealed windows, doors and attics. Gaps left in these areas may allow in dust, pollen and other irritants and could also interfere with a conditioned indoor space. The interference from these gaps can overwhelm an old HVAC system, affecting the quality of your indoor air.
Leaking or Lacking Ductwork
Some older homes don’t have ductwork at all. If your home lacks ductwork, you need to install conventional ductwork that takes up more space than the normal built-in ductwork in modern homes. If you don’t want these conventional ducts, you can go for ductless mini-splits, which will save you the cost of re-plastering and re-decorating your home.
After many years of use, ducts wear out or sustain damages that lead to leaks. When ducts start leaking, your home cools or warms unevenly. As a result, you’ll notice an increase in your monthly utility bills. These conditions occur when the air that should warm or cool a room escapes into the attic or other spaces through leaks.
Malfunctioning Thermostat and Lack of Zoning
An old thermostat only provides basic controls. These units are not efficient and may cause frequent cycling and inefficient air conditioning. Further, an old thermostat may break down when you need it the most.
Modern programmable or smart thermostats allow more control of your indoor temperature. These thermostats adapt to your heating and cooling preferences and the outdoor and indoor temperatures to keep you comfortable. You can also operate them remotely through your smartphone.
With a modern thermostat and modern home designs, you can designate heating and cooling zones in your home. With zoning, you warm or cool only the room you need, unlike in older systems where the system conditions air in all rooms. Zoning enhances the energy efficiency of a HVAC system by giving you more control over where you condition air.
Poor Airflow
Old ducts collect dust, pet hair, debris and other particulates. These substances circulate through your home and block the air filter. A blocked air filter restricts the flow of air in your home, forcing the HVAC system to work more to keep the air in rooms conditioned.
Worse still, the duct design and the duct technology from a decade ago are not as efficient as the modern duct design. Using a modern duct design can make a significant difference in your home’s airflow. You can also try duct cleaning services from a professional and see the difference that it makes.
An HVAC professional can help you redesign and reconfigure the HVAC system in an older home so that it operates efficiently and effectively. Call Fresh Air Heating for air conditioning, heating, maintenance and indoor air quality services.
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