As quaint and charming as older homes often are, they tend to come with aging heating and cooling systems. Detecting inefficiencies and malfunctions is the first step to creating better air flow. With some guidance from premier HVAC contractor Dave's Cooling Heating & Plumbing in Staunton, VA, you can learn how to pinpoint troublesome system issues.

An HVAC Contractor’s Guide to Heating & Cooling Woes in Aging Houses

1. Low Airflow

Older homes are often reliant on ducted HVAC systems that have never been replaced and rarely cleaned. Most duct networks are made to last just a few decades, so the interior lining may have already deteriorated. Additionally, years of missed cleanings will start taking a toll, allowing detritus and bacteria to expand and harden. All of these factors combine to make it much harder for air to travel efficiently into your rooms. With the help of an experienced technician, they can offer either a deep cleaning of the ducts or a strategic replacement. 

2. Underserved Rooms

In older HVAC systems, there is typically a single thermostat in the house, and it is located on the first floor for convenience. The problem with that design is that the air will typically shut off after the first floor has reached the desired temperature, often causing upper floor rooms to be too warm or too cool. To solve this problem, ask your technician about the possibility of setting up a zoned heating and cooling system so you can enhance your control.

3. Loud Noises

The older systems present in aged homes have experienced their fair share of wear and tear and general decline. Loud, awkward noises are the most common symptoms of that deterioration. You may hear a pop when furnace burners become covered in grime, a whining when bearings have been deprived of oil for too long, and banging sounds when ducts are no longer securely fastened to their moorings. Even if the HVAC unit is still working somewhat effectively, the irritating sounds can diminish your quality of life, so it’s smart to address them. 

If you live in an older home and have noticed a myriad of issues with your heating and cooling units, don’t hesitate to reach out to the HVAC contractors at Dave's Cooling Heating & Plumbing. Providing everything from furnace repair to new AC installation, the professionals will help modernize your machines. To get in touch with a friendly staff member, just call (540) 942-4357. Learn more about the company by visiting their website.