7 HVAC Issues Common in Older Homes in Sumpter, SC
Older homes in Sumpter, SC, have a unique history and charm, making them attractive to many buyers. However, it’s important to remember that their heating and cooling systems might also be old; heat pumps often last between a decade and 15 years, and furnaces can last up to three decades. If you want to buy an older home or currently live in one, here are seven common HVAC problems you are likely to encounter.
1. Leaking Duct System
Older homes often shift with weather or due to natural ground movement, causing small cracks in walls and tile floors. The shifting can signify a shift in the ductwork too, and warped ducts become susceptible to leaks. An older home is likely to lose excess warm air through leaking ducts, forcing your HVAC system to work harder than usual.
As your ductwork ages, normal wear and tear can lead to the sealant weakening on your ductwork’s joints and elbows, allowing air to leak out. This isn’t always noticeable, as the air can escape behind ceilings and walls, leading to higher energy bills in older homes. The solution would be to call an HVAC professional to inspect your ductwork for repairs or replacement.
2. Outdated Thermostats
Most thermostats in older homes are old themselves and made with obsolete technology. They may lack basic controls and can speed up the wear and tear on your HVAC system. Old thermostats can also cause inefficient heating and cooling and frequent cycling.
You can prevent frequent cycling and premature HVAC breakdowns by upgrading to a programmable thermostat. A modern thermostat changes how the HVAC system responds to temperature conditions and cooling and heating preferences. Programmable thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures in your home and can help extend your HVAC’s lifespan.
3. Poor Indoor Air Quality
Older homes usually have gaps that allow irritants and indoor air pollutants inside. HVAC systems cannot filter all impurities. Most modern homes ensure proper sealing of windows and doors to limit outdoor pollutants from getting inside the house. Talk to the pros for solutions to improve indoor air quality in your older home, such as installing purifiers or changing air filters.
4. Restricted Airflow
Older homes experience restricted airflow due to dirty or old air ducts. Regular air duct cleaning and maintenance can help to prevent the issue of restricted airflow in old homes. Restricted airflow prevents adequate heating and cooling in older homes, but calling an expert for cleaning or air duct replacement can fix the issue.
5. Aging HVAC Unit
Most HVAC systems have a lifespan of about 15 years. If your home’s heating and cooling system cycles on and off more frequently, it’s likely to operate longer than usual. You are likely to pay more on utility bills than you should if your HVAC system is aging and frequently cycling.
Lack of seasonal HVAC maintenance can shorten the system’s lifespan and affect your home’s comfort. If the HVAC system in your older home doesn’t keep you comfortable or produces loud and unusual noises, it may be time to replace it. Hire a licensed HVAC technician to assess your current system and if needed, recommend an ideal replacement HVAC system to suit your heating and cooling needs.
6. Lack of Zoning
Besides outdated thermostats, most old homes have a single thermostat to control your entire home’s temperatures. Lack of zoning is a common HVAC problem in older homes, making it difficult to heat some rooms while leaving others. You can hire an expert to install a series of ductwork dampers to even out heating and cooling.
7. Reduction in Energy Efficiency
Older homes have outdated HVAC systems, which aren’t energy efficient. If you pay high utility bills while other factors remain constant, the heating and cooling system could be consuming more energy than it should. Old HVAC systems require frequent repairs and are less efficient, so investing in a new and efficient system is advisable.
Talk to a technician if you notice any of these HVAC issues in your old home. Our expert will inspect your heating and cooling system and recommend a good replacement option. At Air Solutions Heating and Cooling, we offer reliable controls and thermostats to improve your HVAC’s efficiency and performance, so call us today!
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