Renovating a historic home can be exciting and stressful. Older homes can be beautiful works of art when restored properly, but they also come with a different set of HVAC issues than modern homes do. From insulation to ductwork, there’s a lot to consult with your heating contractor  about. Here are a few tips to address some of the most common problems with the renovations. 

3 Tips for Installing HVAC in a Historic Home

1. Plan for Humidity Control

You’re putting a lot of work into your historic home. From plaster to wallpaper and wood paneling, there are many parts of older homes that are sensitive to humidity. To preserve your work, talk to your heating contractor about installing a humidifier, or dehumidifier. 

2. Consider Ductwork Solutions Carefully 

Many historic homes do not have ductwork built into the house, so installing central air or heat can be tough. It’s not attractive to have steel ducts running through your ceilings. Many people choose to use ductless mini-split systems to reduce the amount of visible equipment. Another option is installing fake ceiling beams to hide the ductwork. Fan coil units can be another solution. Look for a heating contractor who has experience working with older homes.  

3. Watch Out for Radon & Asbestos

Radon and asbestos can both be issues when you’re doing large scale renovations. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that creeps into your house from the soil through your basement. It’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless, and a leading cause of cancer. Invest in a radon testing kit before having HVAC work done in the basement. Asbestos is a toxic mineral that was used in many homes before 1980, in everything from shingles to paint to insulation. While your heating contractor is likely aware of both of these dangers, test for both before having any work done. 

Air Control Company in Lexington, KY, specializes in residential heating and cooling services and can help you with HVAC solutions for your historic home. Speak to one of their expert HVAC contractors about furnace repair, air conditioning installation, and heat pumps. Find the right solutions to make your dream home comfortable and cozy. To set up your free estimate, call 859-253-1734, or visit them online today.