Older homes often have unique charms and architectural styles that make them appealing. However, old structures can be vulnerable to a number of HVAC problems. This can make heating and cooling your living spaces effectively a challenge. Here are some of the most common HVAC problems you might face in your older home in Frisco, TX.
Leaky Ductwork
The chances of having leaking ductwork are higher in older homes than in newer ones. If your ductwork leaks, you will notice uneven cooling in your home and an increase in utility bills. That’s because the air your HVAC system produces derails from the path it should take, making your home uncomfortable.
Older homes also face the challenge of insufficient insulation because they often have a thin insulation layer in the attic and walls. That makes it hard to keep cool air inside during the summer months and warm air inside in the winter. Insufficient insulation in older homes forces the HVAC system to run inefficiently, causing high energy bills.
Inefficient Operation
Older homes most likely have old and inefficient HVAC systems. Even if the HVAC system in your old house seems to function well, it might be wise to replace it with a newer and more energy-efficient system. The newer HVAC models can maintain high levels of indoor home comfort efficiently, so you may not have to pay significantly high electricity bills.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Your indoor air quality directly impacts your home’s comfort levels. Poor air quality usually consists of pollutants like pet dander, household chemicals, dust, and pollen. An older home will likely encounter indoor air quality issues because it has gaps throughout and may lack effective solutions to eliminate contaminants.
It’s common for older homes to smell musty, especially if they have old HVAC systems that aren’t as efficient as the modern models. An aging HVAC system is often less likely to keep humid air outside and cool air inside. When outdoor air enters your house, it affects the humidity levels inside and introduces air contaminants, causing respiratory issues and allergies.
Poor Airflow
Some of the materials in older homes’ ductwork degrade over the years, and so do the air ducts. Usually, air ducts have an average lifespan of about 15 to 20 years, though they can require professional cleaning and maintenance to maintain proper airflow. Additionally, dirt particles and other debris accumulate in the air ducts over time, providing an ideal environment for contaminants and biological growth.
Living in an older home might expose you to poor airflow issues because of aging or dirty air ducts. It’s advisable to consider an HVAC replacement in your old home to solve this issue. You need professional installation to prevent poor airflow issues in the future.
Uneven Cooling
Inconsistent cooling in your home can be frustrating, a common HVAC problem in older homes. An effective HVAC system should provide your whole house with enough conditioned air and distribute it evenly. If your older home experiences uneven cooling, hire an experienced HVAC professional for inspection and get solutions like replacing an aging system.
Outdated Thermostats
Older homes usually have obsolete thermostats that are the opposite of modern ones. Old thermostats often have basic controls and can cause wear and tear to your HVAC system, frequent cycling, and poor indoor comfort. If your HVAC system frequently cycles or cannot attain the set temperatures, you may need to replace the obsolete thermostat with a newer model.
You may need to upgrade to a modern thermostat technology with different features that allow for better control of HVAC settings. Modern thermostats enable your system to respond to your daily patterns like sleep times, heating and cooling preferences, and internal and external temperatures.
Talk to the experts for effective solutions if you encounter the above HVAC problems in your older home. The pros will help choose and professionally install the new HVAC system if you need a replacement. Call All Service Heating & Air or fill out our online contact form for more information on our HVAC maintenance plan.
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