HVAC for your Historic Home
Restoring your historic home often includes buying a new furnace. The outdated existing furnace may be responsible for soaring energy bills and ineffective heating and cooling performance.
Buying a new furnace for your historic home is a great way to increase comfort, energy efficiency, and lower heating and cooling costs. Here’s what you should know when buying a new furnace for your historic home.
Things to Consider When Buying a New Furnace for Your Historic Home
There are a few things to keep in mind as when buying a new furnace for your historic home. It’s important to choose the right furnace to ensure maximum performance and improved energy costs in your historic home.
Ductwork
It’s not uncommon to find your existing furnace has been in place for decades. Considering the HVAC industry methods and standards were quite different at the time of installation, it’s easy to understand the additional need for custom changes to your existing ductwork to ensure compatibility with your new furnace.
The condition of your existing ductwork system can also affect the performance of your new furnace. Older ductwork systems are prone to leaking and other problematic issues. It’s highly recommended that you also schedule a comprehensive ductwork system inspection with your installation. This will ensure your entire HVAC system provides you with superior performance and efficiency.
Fuel Type
When you are shopping for a new furnace for your historic home, consider what type of fuel you want your furnace to use. Older furnaces generally use oil, but you may want to switch to natural gas for a more cost effective fueling for your new furnace.
Speed Options
Older furnaces commonly have a single-stage blower that only works in one speed. Modern furnaces are built with a two-stage blower, which allows you to manage the temperature of your home for increased energy efficiency.
Historic Preservation Rules
Your historic home may be governed by specific rules that are designed to maintain the home’s historic integrity. Before you begin your home improvement project, be sure to consult with municipal authorities and historic preservation committees to determine if you need their approval to perform these upgrades.
Make the Right Choice When Buying a New Furnace for Your Historic Home
Finally, as you weigh a new system, it always important to analyze your investment against your payback period to determine if a new HVAC system is right for you. This calculation is made by taking the total cost of the improvement divided b
y dollars saved per year. The average life of a furnace is 15 years, so if your payback is less than 15 years, it is a wise investment.
Modernization as well as energy and efficiency improvements for your historic home may not mean a one-size fits all solution. A more holistic approach may be needed to take into consideration the age of your home, how you live and what you desire. A professional can provide keen insights, and offer the best options or combination of solutions that can work together to fit your needs and maintain the integrity of your home.
If you are considering a new HVAC for your historic home, contact Patriot Air (609)298-5109 or visit us at www.PartriotAir.net.
