The Challenges Of Cooling Historic Homes
Historic homes are not structurally built to fit in many types of modern air conditioning systems. The design and layout of most older homes make it difficult to find the right air conditioner make, model, and size to ensure adequate cooling. Furthermore, many historic homes are also not fitted with ducts. Installing a network of ducts would require a major reconstruction project that can affect the home’s aesthetic value. You also have to check the home’s insulation.
Of all the HVAC systems on the market, ductless air conditioning is the most practical solution. A ductless mini-split allows for the preservation of the historic home without sacrificing comfort and energy-efficiency.
What Are Ductless Mini-Split Systems?
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Ductless mini-split units feature zoning capabilities that allow you to assign areas of your home into zones. This way, you can customize temperature control in each zone. A ductless hvac system has two main components, namely, the indoor air handler and the outdoor condenser. A conduit line connects that passes through a three-inch hole in the wall are what connects the two units. The size of your home and the various needs of your family will also determine how many indoor air handlers are needed to make sure you receive optimum comfort.
Benefits Of Ductless Air Conditioners
Ductless heating and air conditioning are the most viable solution for historic homes. A few of the benefits of a ductless heat pump include:
Energy Efficiency
Ductwork tends to lose about 25 percent of energy. Whereas, window A/Cs do not operate as efficiently and will result in high operating prices. These issues are preventable with a ductless HVAC system. Some make and models are equipped with inverter technology. Also, they have variable speed motors that adjust, depending on the temperature in the room. Traditional HVAC units usually have compressors that repeatedly turn off and on again, which consumes more energy. Therefore, a ductless split system helps save energy with its energy-efficient design. The indoor air handler of unoccupied rooms can also be switched off when you leave the room. This further minimizes your cooling costs.
Lowered HVAC Costs
A highly energy-efficient HVAC system means reduced energy costs. Operating costs may vary depending on the model and size of your unit. However, ductless A/Cs allow you to only cool zones that are occupied and not your whole house. Ductless systems also have some of the highest SEER ratings on the market. These translate to you consuming less energy and paying less as well.
Indoor Air Quality
Ductless mini-splits help you achieve high levels of indoor air quality. Ductwork is notorious for accumulating pollen, dirt, dust, lint, and other contaminants as time passes. As the use of ducts is eliminated with a ductless system, there are no chances for any harmful particles to collect. A ductless unit also has advanced, multi-stage air filtration systems. These trap pollutants and keep them from circulating throughout your home for you to breathe in. Window air conditioners also tend to create an environment that promotes bacteria, mold, and mildew growth. This significantly impacts your home’s indoor air quality. With a ductless unit in place, this problem is eradicated.
HVAC Zoning
Ductless mini-splits allow you to create single-room or multi-zones. The latter means that you can assign different rooms or areas as zones and place an indoor air handler in each zone. This way, you can customize the cooling according to individual preferences. For instance, you can set the temperature lower in the kitchen while higher in your bedroom. This allows you to enjoy your indoor living space without compromising your personal comfort at the same time.
Low Noise Operation
Ductless units are known to have a whisper-quiet operation, whereas ducted systems generate high noise levels. This is due to the large ducts that conventional HVAC systems utilize. Whereas, the indoor units of a ductless system have small tubes that circulate the cold air. Window A/Cs also operate loudly because all components are compressed into a single unit. It also doesn’t have insulation, which causes more noise.
Easy Installation
Ductless mini-splits are relatively easier to install compared to their traditional counterparts. This is because there is no need to install ductwork in your walls or ceiling. A professional only needs to drill a three-inch hole for the conduit to pass through. Ductless unit installation typically only lasts for a couple of hours, ensuring that your daily activities are mostly uninterrupted in the process.
Environmentally Friendly
Ductless AC systems consume less energy compared to traditional cooling units or window A/Cs. Ductless units also use a more environmentally-friendly refrigerant. Utilizing a ductless air conditioner in your historic home not only makes sure you have a comfortable living space. It also helps you reduce the burden on the environment.
How Ductless A/C Affects The Historic Home’s Structure?
When you choose to have a network of ductwork installed in your historic home, then a major construction is needed. This extensive and often expensive work includes tearing down ceilings and walls and rebuilding them again.
Ductless air conditioning units do not need ductwork to operate efficiently and effectively. It only requires a small hole that is typically drilled on an exterior wall. This way, the connecting line can pass through and connect the outdoor and indoor units. The only damage done to your historic home is this small hole. Not only that, but ductless cooling systems have a compact design, so it does not need a lot of space when installed.
Are Window Cooling Units A Good Alternative To Ductless A/Cs?
Window air conditioners might seem like a good substitute to central and ductless units. However, window-types do not have the same benefits as ductless splits. A window A/C needs a giant hole through the wall or some window space. These can leave your historic home vulnerable to burglars and pests that can easily get in your house via the giant hole or open window. Window units also block natural night and operate loudly. You also need to remove and store them when the cold season arrives. Moreover, they promote mold and mildew growth and have high operating costs.
Final Thoughts
A historic home’s beauty and value need to be maintained and preserved. It can be quite difficult to cool a historic home. However, ductless ACs make cooling it a possible endeavor. A ductless system can effectively and efficiently cool your historic home, while also ensuring that its aesthetics remain intact. It is vital to make sure that your home, along with its long history, is preserved, after all. Talk to your local trusted HVAC technician today to help you understand better how a ductless mini-split unit can help keep your historic home cool.
Contact McAllister Energy For More Information On Ductless HVAC Systems
When you are looking for top-quality heating and cooling services in the area, do not hesitate to call McAllister Energy. Our NATE certified and licensed professionals offer ductless mini-split installation, boiler repair, air conditioner replacement, HVAC maintenance, among other excellent HVAC services. Rest assured that our friendly techs have the right qualifications, knowledge, tools, and experience to conduct every service correctly and on time.
McAllister Energy offers affordable HVAC service costs in the area. If you need to replace your old heating and cooling unit, we can help you find the size, make, and model to fit all your needs and budget. Your satisfaction and comfort are always our top priorities. Schedule a free, in-home estimate with McAllister Energy today.
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