Factors to Consider When Installing New HVAC in an Old Home
Gentrification is on the upswing: forgotten neighborhoods are reviving and young couples are putting down their phones to pick up hammers and restore beauty in dilapidated homes. The spring and summer real estate market will also begin to pick up as the weather gets nicer (hopefully). If this applies to you, let’s talk air conditioning.
Installing a new air conditioner in an older home poses some unique challenges. Antique homes normally don’t have convenient places for an HVAC system, which could turn your summer project into a sweatbox. Here are some things to think about before jumping into air conditioner commitment.
Pick the right contractor
Signing on an honest, fair contractor is key to staying on budget and getting the job done right the first time. The contractor is responsible for determining the size of your unit, explaining your options and installing the unit. I Want SMART’s expert contractors are a certified, dynamic group of technicians that has extensive education in the field. They will walk you through the process and give you common sense solutions that come from years in the industry.
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Explore your options
Creating room for bulky ductwork means you might have to compromise on traditional elements of the house that made you fall in love with it in the first place (like crown molding, wainscoting or wood floors). Ask your contractor about HVAC systems that would fulfill your basic needs. They are out there: a ductless-split system could cool and heat those areas. Instead of conventional systems that require ducting throughout the house, much smaller refrigeration lines are routed through your house and connected to individual cassettes in each room. It would require creative cutting and patching on other surfaces of your home, but it would be an economical way to cool your home while maintaining its integrity.
Make sure it’s the right fit
Choosing the right sized unit is essential. A unit that’s too big or small could cause loud noises, frequent breakdowns, and inconsistent temperatures in each room of the house. No, bigger is not always better: a bigger unit will not overcompensate for a unit that fits your house perfectly. Oversized units cycle on and off more often, which uses more energy and ends up costing more in maintenance.
Make sure your contractor is certified and knows industry standard calculations for your home. No two houses are alike, and although the style might be similar to a house down the street, you have no idea what lies underneath the floorboards or in the attic.
Know the power of your house
Anytime energy is mentioned, you should hear electricity. Your old house could only be equipped with enough energy to turn on some minor lights and appliances. Take a minute to consider your home’s electrical panel and if it needs an update to accommodate for the energy your new HVAC system will use. If it does need a service upgrade, an electrician needs to replace it before the HVAC goes in. Visit our HVAC FAQs to answer more of your questions.
