An older home is so much more than just a house, isn’t it? It has a character, an ambiance that you can’t quite put into words. It’s filled with memories, the good and the maybe-not-so-good, but most importantly, it’s yours.
However, just because your home has a rich history doesn’t mean you have to live with outdated systems that affect your comfort. You deserve to keep your space perfectly cool and cozy, and a variety of modern HVAC options are designed to enhance homes just like yours.
These HVAC system solutions respect the architecture and soul of your space while leaving you so comfortable, you can kick back and reminisce about all the memories you’ve made and all the new ones still to come.
Ductless Mini-Splits
If your home was built before central air was the norm, you likely don’t have ductwork snaking through the walls. Tearing apart beautiful plaster and lath to install a conventional duct system feels like a crime. Thankfully, with ductless mini-splits, you don’t have to tear into your home’s architecture. These units are a type of air conditioning system that works without any of that invasive construction.
A slim, quiet indoor air handler gets mounted high on a wall in a room. This unit is connected by a small line to a compressor unit outside. That’s it. You can have multiple indoor units connected to one outdoor unit, giving you complete control over the temperature in different parts or zones of your home. So, if someone likes the bedroom chilly, while you want the living room warmer? No problem.
This approach preserves your home’s original structure and boosts your home’s energy efficiency. Plus, you aren’t paying to cool rooms you’re not using, which can make a real difference in your monthly electricity bill. What’s more, these HVAC units do a fantastic job filtering the air, which is a big boost for your indoor air quality.
High-Velocity Systems (Small But Mighty)
A high-velocity HVAC system uses small, flexible tubes — about the diameter of a soda can — instead of massive rectangular ducts. These mini ducts can be threaded through existing walls, ceilings, and closets with minimal disruption. You won’t have to sacrifice a closet or build a soffit just to get cool air.
The air comes out of small, subtle vents that can be placed on the ceiling or high on the wall. They can even be painted to match your decor, making them practically invisible. Despite its small size, the system pushes air with sufficient speed, creating a gentle circulation in the room that eliminates hot and cold spots. It’s a remarkably effective way to get even, comfortable air conditioning and heating throughout your entire house.
Modern Boilers and Radiators
There’s something uniquely comforting about the warmth that comes from a radiator. If your older home already has a boiler and radiator setup, you don’t have to abandon it. Today’s high-efficiency boilers are light-years ahead of the old behemoths that used to live in the basement. They are compact, quiet, and incredibly good at turning fuel into warmth.
A new boiler can give your existing heating system a new lease on life, providing some of the most comfortable heat you can get. For cooling, you can pair this amazing heating with a separate system, like a ductless or high-velocity setup. They give you the best of both worlds: toasty, radiant heat in the winter and crisp, cool air in the summer.
Heat Pumps (The All-in-One HVAC Option)
A heat pump is a clever piece of technology that works as both a heater and an air conditioner. In the summer, it pulls heat out of your home. In the winter, it reverses the process and pulls ambient heat from the outside air to warm your home. They are incredibly efficient because they move heat rather than create it from scratch.
Modern heat pumps are particularly amazing for older homes and can connect to various types of indoor units, from ductless models to a high-velocity air handler. For homes in climates that see colder winters, new models are more capable than ever of providing reliable heat even when the temperature drops.
A Smart Thermostat
No matter which of these modern air conditioners or heating systems you pick, the one piece that ties it all together is a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat learns your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting the temperature to save energy while you’re away and have it perfect for when you return. You can even control it from an app on your phone, whether you’re on the couch or on vacation. This simple upgrade provides an incredible amount of control and can noticeably lower your utility costs.
Marry Your Home’s History With Modern Comfort
So, when it’s time to outfit your old home with an HVAC system that works for you, you know who to call. Cool Willy’s Air & Plumbing is here for you. We serve Tucson, AZ, and the surrounding areas and can provide amazing heating installations and AC installations that will power your older home’s comfort for years and years. Give us a call today!