Since the housing market crash in 2008, homeowners have been leery of selling their homes to buy newer models and are staying with houses built in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. While there are some benefits to living in an older home, especially one that is paid off, problems with a home’s heating and cooling can crop up as the system ages. If your home is more than 15 years old, there are some common HVAC issues you may want to watch for.
1. Rising Heating and Cooling Bills
If you are noticing a steady rise in your utility bills, your aging HVAC system may be to blame. Over time, the unit might begin to operate with less efficiency. Older thermostat controls that do not allow you to program when and how your system runs can also lead to wasted heating and cooling, as well as a rise in your energy bills. If you notice a change in what you pay for electricity, you might want to have your HVAC system inspected and upgraded.
2. A Lack of Insulation
Technology and advances in the construction sector have resulted in homes that are well insulated from the start. While you might have some insulation in your attic or behind a few interior walls, it may not be enough to allow your heating and cooling system to run efficiently. As a result, treated air might be escaping all over your house. If you notice increased draftiness on cold or windy days, this can mean your furnace can no longer compensate for the lack of insulation and that the issue needs to be addressed soon.
If you believe your home requires more insulation, it can be a surprisingly quick fix. Caulking, foam, and fiberglass insulation are all relatively affordable and can be simple to install.
3. Uneven Heating or Cooling
Your home’s size in relation to your furnace can affect how evenly rooms are cooled or heated. From furnace filter size to the unit’s power output, more than one factor can cause uneven temperatures inside your home. If your furnace is the same age as your older home, it is a good idea to have it inspected, maintained and, if necessary, completely replaced. Rooms that are furthest from your HVAC unit are likely to be affected the most, especially if your old furnace must labor to move air into them.
4. Reduced Air Quality
As your older home ages, so does its air duct system. Over time, the ducts may separate where you cannot see it happen or become clogged with dirt, hair, and other debris that has entered the ducts over time. While your system’s filters work to catch much of the contaminants and pollen that enters your home, the air quality may drop as well. Techs from an experienced HVAC company, such as Wagner Heating and Cooling, can inspect and clean your older home’s ductwork and improve the quality of the air you breathe.
Older homes can have a great deal of charm, personality, and family history to them. However, their age might affect how efficiently their heating cooling works, so if you own an older home, it is wise to have your system checked soon to ensure it is working its best and keeping your family comfortable.
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