Older homes in Columbus, GA have both character and charm, but keeping them comfortable can be difficult. Modern homes are well-insulated and have highly efficient HVAC systems, but many older homes feature outdated air conditioning and heating systems. Here are some HVAC problems much more common in older homes.
1. Poor Indoor Air Quality
People who live in older homes often open the windows in rooms that they seldom use to prevent those rooms from developing musty smells. Residents have to do this because some older homes don’t have modern indoor air circulation methods that newer properties have. As a result of this, the air in older homes tends to become stagnant when doors remain closed and windows stay shut for prolonged periods.
The air quality in older homes can also be poor because small air gaps around doors and windows allow pollen and other allergens to enter. Installing a whole-home air purification system can prevent this from causing allergic reactions and breathing problems. These systems kill germs, viruses, bacteria and other pathogens, and they filter out up to 95% of the particles that can cause eye, throat and skin irritation.
2. Poor Insulation
Synthetic insulating materials like fiberglass and spray-foam make modern homes extremely energy efficient, but older residences tend not to have these. The seals around the doors and windows of an older house are rarely airtight, which means hot or cool air from the outside can get in and HVAC systems have to work harder to keep things cool or warm. This is why utility bills are often higher in an older home.
It may not be possible to spray material into the walls of an older home, but sealing air gaps and insulating attics are simple steps that homeowners can take to lower their energy costs. The HVAC systems of older homes should also receive servicing regularly as they cycle on and off more frequently than the systems in newer properties. Technicians can check coolant levels, remove dirt and pollen from the evaporator coil and replace the air filter during an HVAC service, which will help improve both the system’s efficiency as well as the home’s indoor air quality.
3. Degraded Ductwork
When architects design modern homes, they think carefully about the layout available for the HVAC system. The walls in a modern house have space that allows for long and straight ductwork, which helps ensure that air flows smoothly and efficiently. Ductwork is rarely long and straight in older homes, though, making it difficult to install new HVAC systems in these properties.
As time passes, dust and dirt can accumulate in the twists and turns of an older home’s HVAC ductwork. This can lead to musty smells and poor indoor air quality, and it can also cause HVAC ductwork to degrade more quickly.
You can avoid these problems by having HVAC ductwork professionally cleaned from time to time. The machines that certified HVAC technicians use to clean ductwork remove chemicals, dust mites and pet dander, and they have rotating brushes that dislodge dirt and debris from every nook and cranny.
HVAC problems like these can take the fun out of living in an older home, but it does not take much work to keep a house built decades ago just as comfortable as a new property. All you really need to do is find a reliable company to maintain and service your older home’s heating and air conditioning system.
At Sensigreen, we’re dedicated to providing an unmatched client experience, and all of our technicians have North American Technician Excellence certification. If you’re looking for a reliable company to provide HVAC installation, maintenance or repair services in Columbus, GA, call Sensigreen today.
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