Although energy efficiency continues to be a focus of home renovation, HVAC professionals are sometimes hesitant to work on older homes. The potential costs and complexities of replacing outdated HVAC systems or installing a solution where one doesn’t exist can make them nervous.
However, installing all-electric, all-climate heat pumps in homes built decades ago, even a century ago, is an everyday occurrence in the northeastern U.S.
Heating and cooling systems
A sizable portion of Jay Moody Heating & Air Conditioning consists of installing and servicing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, especially heat pumps, in older homes in central Massachusetts.
Updating older homes with heat pump solutions is more feasible than many think — it’s a matter of overcoming common barriers and being the right, experienced HVAC professional for the job.
Common barriers when heating and cooling an older home
In Massachusetts, it’s common to have one or more 275-gallon tanks of oil in the basement to heat homes
Barriers to renovating older homes are surmountable. Commonly, older homes lack adequate filtration and insulation and are equipped with older electrical panels that might need upgrading or replacing.
In Massachusetts, it’s common to have one or more 275-gallon tanks of oil in the basement to heat homes. However, whether an older home is heated with oil or gas, outside air infiltration occurs because these structures generally lack a tight building envelope. More recently built homes have these systems to prevent outside air and water from penetrating the structure. Similarly, many older homes are insufficiently insulated.
Size of the structure and other electrical loads
As a first step, owners of older homes should get an energy audit and find out what can be done to eliminate infiltration, such as having air sealing performed and having more insulation blown into their houses. Once weatherization is complete, installing an all-electric heat pump system becomes more feasible.
Another important requirement would be an appropriately sized electrical panel. Older homes might have 100 amps of service, for example, when it will need 200 amps for the new heat pump, depending on the size of the structure and other electrical loads such as electric stoves/ovens, water heaters, and electric vehicles. In some cases, an electrical panel upgrade may be required.
Attributes homeowners look for in an HVAC company
HVAC companies that specialize in heat pumps should ensure their HVAC technicians are shared and ongoing training
When upgrading an older home with a heat pump system, it’s a best practice for homeowners to get multiple quotes from experienced contractors in their service area. To stand out and offer more value during this process, my business conducts monthly heat pump workshops that help educate customers.
Additionally, I recommend that any experienced, reputable HVAC company should post online reviews, have a professional website and online presence, and show relevant work examples to help familiarize homeowners with their work. HVAC companies that specialize in heat pumps should ensure their HVAC technicians are experienced and undergo ongoing training. In fact, the Jay Moody team is part of the Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractor® program, which provides in-depth training on heat pump solutions.
Homeowner’s comfort preferences
During the in-home consultation, the salesperson should discuss the homeowner’s comfort preferences, HVAC concerns, and short- and long-term plans for the home and its HVAC system. The contractor should conduct an in-house Manual J to calculate the heating and cooling loads of the home, ensuring proper HVAC equipment sizing for efficient and comfortable performance.
Lastly, the HVAC salesperson should make suggestions for keeping the aesthetics of an older home intact. For instance, my team would not use mini-splits in certain rooms in a Victorian home because they might detract from the style. Instead, they would likely suggest a ducted heat pump system with air handlers and stylish vents.
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| HVAC salesperson should make suggestions for keeping the aesthetics of an older home intact. |
Heat pumps offer the right fit for homes of all ages
In the Northeast, many of the homes are older – whether that means built in the 1960s, the 1860s, or the 1760s. There’s little reason that any HVAC contractor should shy away from installing heat pump systems in older homes. Further, contractors can learn how to teach homeowners about heat pumps, train their teams, and recommend the right system for the character of the house.
Refurbishing these beautiful houses is a challenge well worth tackling to create homes as energy-efficient and comfortable as they are charming.
