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Denver has many types of housing, including some of its older properties preserved as museums, inns, and private residences. Though the undeniable charm of older houses is something many people find desirable, it can be tough to fit these properties with modern HVAC equipment. In fact, installing a new furnace in an old house can be considerably more difficult than installing the same equipment in a modern residence.
As the top furnace installation experts in Denver, Colorado, JC Mechanical knows the ins and outs of all HVAC equipment, including the challenge of installing these appliances in older homes. Here, the team shares what you should know if your old house needs a new heating system.
Know When To Replace a Furnace
A homeowner might not need to replace their furnace if it still works without needing more than routine filter changes and yearly tune-ups. Still, age plays a factor in how well a heating system functions. Most systems have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, but it will take a furnace operating under the very best circumstances for it to last beyond this timeframe.
Most property owners should consider replacing their furnaces after 12 to 15 years. The closer the equipment gets to the end of its lifespan, the less efficient it tends to become. And you might need to consider installing a new furnace in an old house if you notice these warning signs of an inefficient heating unit:
- A constant need for repairs
- Short cycling (turning on and off frequently)
- Unusual or very loud noises
- Low indoor air quality, regardless of clean air filters
- Lack of warmth
People often seek furnace repairs instead of replacement for cost purposes. However, these repair expenses might not be as cost-effective if the need for repairs is constant and your equipment is out of warranty. In that case, it’s better to install a new furnace in your older home and save long-term.
Know The Furnace Fuel Types To Consider
Older residences typically rely on oil for their heating systems due to the fuel source’s popularity and availability some decades ago. However, you may want to consider installing a new furnace with a different fuel source, like gas, for a more efficient, less costly option.
Natural gas furnaces are less expensive than the oil-based variety. They also run better because, instead of a chimney, some gas furnaces vent fumes from their sides. They draw in outside air for combustion, leading to greater energy efficiency.
If you’re considering a gas furnace for your home, be mindful of its AFUE rating. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency percentage tells you about the system’s efficiency. The minimum AFUE rating is 80%, but you can purchase a system with a rating over 90% for a high-efficiency heating unit for your older home.
Depending on how much work you intend to put into your older house, you might also consider an upgraded electric furnace. Electricity is widely available, but a decades-old property might need an upgraded electrical panel to accommodate modern heating systems. For a gas unit, you might also need to install a gas line.
Know How To Approach Home Infrastructure and Ductwork
Older homes’ furnaces tend to be less energy efficient than modern systems, leading to high energy costs and less temperature control. You could improve this situation by ensuring your house has the proper infrastructure for a new, upgraded HVAC system. For instance, installing a new furnace in an old house might require you to install ductwork to allow the heater to disperse warm air throughout the building.
Will a duct work in the location? That’s another question for a qualified HVAC company to answer before they advise you on which furnace system to install. Everything has to work well together to provide the best results.
Know How To Combat Drafty Window Problems
Sometimes, the owners of older homes want new furnaces because their current ones cannot effectively warm the house. Though that could be the case, another possibility is that the house has drafty windows or doors.
You’re more likely to have heat loss through windows without appropriate weatherproofing. The problem also persists in older homes with replacement windows over ten years old or ill-maintained original single-pane windows. You can ensure your house stays warm after installing a new furnace by sealing your replacement windows or restoring your original windows to minimize leakage.
Know More About Your Property’s Air Leakage Issues
Air leaks can also happen in other areas of the house over time. Your new furnace might not work efficiently or warm your living spaces properly without an energy audit first to uncover possible air leaks.
In older houses, air leaks occur from many areas besides windows, such as:
- Chimneys
- Door frames
- Baseboards
- Fireplaces
- Roof and foundation
- Spaces around pipes
A professional energy audit involves taking thermographic scans of each room to check for possible gaps where heat transfer can occur. A lack of sufficient insulation can also be a problem. Building codes require insulation as of 1965, so most homes predating that regulation will need insulation installation to protect the building against heat loss.
The energy audit can also detect the need for more insulation. However, you might notice it yourself if your home’s exterior walls feel warm or if your interior walls are too cold.
Contact JC Mechanical for Your Furnace Replacement
Is it past time to get a new heating system with excellent energy efficiency and temperature control in Denver, Colorado? Trust JC Mechanical to handle the job with care and precision, whether we’re installing a new furnace in an old house or a furnace with a heat pump in a newer property. Our family-owned business will approach the project with integrity, high safety standards, and a commitment to getting each detail right.
So, call 720-740-6083 today to schedule JC Mechanical. Plus, we’re available 24/7, so you’ll never have to wait long if your HVAC systems go on the blink.
Author Bio:
Jimmie Ciccone
Owner of JC Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning. A small family-owned company with over 30 years of experience dedicated to providing the best service possible to our customers. They guarantee 100% customer satisfaction, and if you aren’t satisfied, then you don’t pay them a dime.