Historic homes weren’t structurally built with modern HVAC systems in mind. Although they are appropriately maintained, older homes usually have a layout that makes finding the right air conditioning system a challenge. It can be hard to determine which type or what size of unit will work best to air condition your historic home. Also, the lack of ductwork only makes it harder. You can opt to have a network of ducts installed, but it would require a major reconstruction project. The insulation will have to be considered, as well. Unfortunately, doing so can affect the home’s aesthetic value.
Of all the heating and cooling equipment ton the market today, a ductless air conditioning unit is the most feasible solution. It allows you to preserve the beauty and value of your historic home. At the same time, you receive the home comfort you need without burning a hole in your pocket as well.
Ductless split systems allow you to have individual temperature control in various zones or rooms in your home. It has two primary parts, namely, the outdoor condenser or compressor and the indoor evaporator or air handler. A conduit, which includes a condensate drain, refrigerant tube, power cable, and suction pipe, links the indoor and outdoor units. There can also be one or more indoor units in your home. This depends on how many zones there are in your home to meet the occupants’ needs.
Ductless mini-splits offer many benefits, and, consequently, this is why they are the preferred cooling system for historic homes. The advantages are listed below:
Ductless mini-splits offer some of the quickest and easiest HVAC installations. It does not need invasive and extensive construction work. An HVAC technician only needs to drill a small hole, usually through an exterior wall. This is in contrast to installing a central air conditioner wherein you need to have a network of ducts installed for it to work as it should. This would require you to tear down and reconstruct walls and ceilings, a major construction project that will take a lot of money and time to finish.
HVAC ductwork can lose up to 30 percent of energy, according to the Departement Of Energy. Whereas a window AC tends to be inefficient and be expensive to operate. These issues can be prevented when you install a ductless unit.
Ductless systems have inverter-based technology. This allows the fan to automatically speed up or slow down depending on the needs of the zone that the indoor unit is in. On the other hand, traditional HVAC compressors repeatedly switch on and off. This is highly inefficient as more power is used to start up the compressor.
Therefore, you become more energy- and cost-effective with a ductless system. A ductless system also allows you individual cooling so you can switch off the units on unoccupied zones. This feature isn’t possible with a central unit, making a ductless system more energy-efficient.
Having an energy-efficient system means you become more cost-effective, as well. The operating costs depend on the size and model of the unit you have. However, since ductless units let you switch off the indoor air handlers in unoccupied rooms, you consume less energy and pay less. Ductless mini-splits also have some of the highest SEER ratings, so you can guarantee that all make and models are highly efficient.
Over time, HVAC ductwork will accumulate dirt, lint, dust, and other debris. These are then released and circulated throughout your home. A window air conditioner also creates a damp environment that encourages the growth of mold and mildew. All of these affect the indoor air quality of your home. With a ductless system, these problems are eliminated. It also ensures that you breathe in cleaner air as a split unit is equipped with a multi-stage air filtration system. This traps tiny particles and prevents them from being distributed to your home.
One of the best features a mini-split has is that it lets you create zones. These are the rooms or spaces that are placed in one group per temperature preferences. Each zone can accommodate different temperature settings. This means that you can set your bedroom to have a warmer temperature while your kitchen has a cooler one. Zones allow you to customize your home comfort according to each of the occupants’ needs, ensuring that you enjoy your home living environment to the fullest.
Mini-split units are some of the quietest air conditioning systems on the market. It has an average noise level of 32 decibels, making them the perfect unit for your unit home if you want a system that has a whisper-quiet operation. Ducted systems use the ductwork to distribute air, and this can create a lot of noise. Window A/Cs are also loud because all of its components are crammed in one unit.
Ductless units use a more environmentally-friendly refrigerant compared. They also do not consume as much power as traditional air conditioning systems or window ACs do. Therefore, when you use a ductless split, you place less burden on the environment as you decrease your carbon footprint.
A ductless system will hardly affect a historic home’s structure. Any construction work required is only the bare minimum. After all, it only needs a three-inch hole that an HVAC technician will drill through a wall. Unlike a conventional HVAC system, there is no need to install ductwork. You do not need to tear down the walls and ceilings of your historic home and build them back up again. This extensive and often costly construction work can impact the aesthetic value of a historic home. Ductless ACs have a compact design that doesn’t obstruct your historic home’s interior design as well.
Window air conditioners might look like another viable solution for your historic home. However, they are far from it for various reasons. Unlike a ductless split that only needs a small hole, a window AC is installed through a giant hole in the wall or part of your window space. The latter can leave your home vulnerable to thieves and pests. The open window or hole in the wall gives them an entryway to your house while keeping natural light out of your home. It can be a hassle as you need to remove and store it when not in use during winter. As mentioned above, window ACs can be loud, and it can promote mold, bacteria, and mildew growth as well. Furthermore, they may cost less initially but they are extremely inefficient and have high operating costs.
The preservation of historic homes means that their value and beauty are retained and maintained. Ensuring that a historic home receives adequate cooling while maintaining its aesthetic value can be a challenge. However, it is possible with a ductless air conditioning system. If you are looking to install a ductless mini-split to keep your historic home cool and comfortable effectively, call your local trusted HVAC technician today.
When you need excellent cooling and heating services in the area, get in touch with Tower Energy. Rest assured that we have licensed and NATE certified technicians who can conduct mini-split installations, heating system repairs, HVAC maintenance, and more. Each of our friendly techs has the right tools, extensive skills, and years of experience to make sure that all work is done correctly.
Tower Energy offers the most competitive heating and cooling service prices in the area. We can recommend the best-fitting solutions to all your HVAC repair or installation needs that are within your budget. We guarantee customer satisfaction, and we always prioritize your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and more. Book an appointment with Tower Energy today for a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation.
Contact us now or call us at (860) 677-7347 to find out more.
