Furnaces
The Best Heating and Cooling Systems for Older Homes
By HVAC.com•January 31, 2025Older homes are loved by many for the charm, character, and unique architectural details that newer houses often lack. However, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature in an older home can be challenging without the right HVAC solution.
HVAC.com explores the best heating and cooling systems for older homes, along with their benefits, installation considerations, and how to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Challenges of Heating and Cooling Older Homes
There are some unique challenges associated with older homes that need to be taken under consideration when choosing a new heating and cooling system:
- Lack of Ductwork: Many older homes were built before central HVAC systems became standard, meaning they lack the necessary ductwork for traditional heating and cooling systems.
- Ductwork in Poor Condition: If ductwork does exist, it may be leaky, inefficient, or deteriorated. Replacing it when adding a new central HVAC system can be quite expensive.
- Poor Insulation: Outdated insulation or the absence of insulation in walls, floors, and attics can make it harder to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
- Outdated Windows and Doors: Older windows and doors can allow drafts, making it difficult to regulate indoor temperatures.
- Space Constraints: Some older homes lack the space needed to accommodate large HVAC equipment or duct systems.
Top Heating and Cooling System Options for Old Houses
Keeping the above considerations in mind, here are the top options when it comes to the best heating and cooling systems for older homes. However, older homes are quite unique and so are their heating and cooling needs – not every option may be the right fit for your residence.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems are one of the most efficient and practical solutions for heating and cooling older homes. They offer zoned climate control without requiring extensive renovations. Here’s why they stand out:
- No Need for Ductwork: Mini-splits operate without ducts, using individual indoor air handlers connected to an outdoor unit. There’s no need to install a new duct system or replace aging ducts to accommodate this type of HVAC system.
- Efficient Heating and Cooling: Many mini-splits use a heat pump, so they can provide both heating and cooling from one system.
- Zoned Comfort Control: Homeowners can set different temperatures in various rooms to maximize comfort and energy savings.
- Energy Efficiency: Since mini-splits don’t rely on ductwork, they eliminate energy losses associated with central HVAC systems.
Installing a ductless mini-split system requires mounting indoor units on walls or ceilings, with minimal structural modifications. A professional HVAC contractor can determine the best placement for optimal airflow and efficiency. Ductless mini-splits can be installed throughout the home, or in a single area where comfort control is a challenge.
High-Velocity HVAC Systems
High-velocity HVAC systems are another excellent choice for older homes, particularly those with limited space for traditional ductwork. These systems use small, flexible tubing to distribute conditioned air efficiently.
- Compact Ductwork: Unlike conventional HVAC systems, high-velocity systems use small, flexible ducts that can be easily threaded through walls, ceilings, and floors. They require less space than standard ducts.
- Powerful Air Distribution: These systems deliver air at a high speed for even temperature distribution throughout the home.
- Efficient Heating and Cooling: High-velocity systems use a heat pump to provide year-round comfort.
- Preserves Historic Architecture: Because the ductwork is smaller and more flexible, high-velocity systems can be installed with minimal disruption to a home’s original design.
High-velocity HVAC systems require specialized installation by a professional. The small ducts are often run through existing walls, making them an ideal solution for homes where traditional ductwork would be impractical.
Boilers for Older Homes
For homes with existing radiator or baseboard radiant heating systems, modern high-efficiency boilers offer a reliable and effective heating solution.
- Uses Existing Infrastructure: Many older homes were built with radiator or baseboard heating systems that are still in good condition and compatible with a new boiler.
- Consistent, Radiant Heat: Unlike forced-air systems, boilers provide even, radiant heat that doesn’t dry out the air.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern condensing boilers are much more efficient than older models, reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
- Quiet Operation: Boilers operate quietly compared to traditional furnaces or air conditioning systems.
- Long Lifespan: High-quality boilers can last 20-30 years with proper maintenance.
If your home already has a boiler system, upgrading to a modern high-efficiency unit is a straightforward process. However, if you’re switching from a different heating method, installing a boiler system requires piping and radiator installation, which can add to the cost and cause more disruptions to your home in the process.