Because historic homes can be drafty, homeowners often concentrate remodeling work on upgrades that boost energy efficiency immediately after moving in. To find a new furnace for your historic home, consider the suggestions outlined below.

Furnace Choice Considerations When Heating a Historic Home

Current Infrastructure 

Although the design of modern buildings accommodates intricate ductwork, that might not be the case with your historic dwelling. To install a new furnace, consider whether major construction modifications must be made to snake ducts through its infrastructure. If ducts are not a possibility, consider installing a mini-split heat pump, which doesn’t require ductwork. Instead, heat moves through a small hole drilled into an exterior wall to connect an indoor unit to outdoor components.

Fuel Options

Oil and natural gas are common fuel sources for new furnaces. Consider your home’s current setup when shopping for upgrades. If there are natural gas lines on the property, an HVAC contractor will check equipment for corrosion. To prevent gas leaks, you may need to update the lines.

If you choose an oil furnace, you’ll need a safe place to store fuel. An HVAC technician can also install electric- or gas-heating elements in the fireplace to meet demands for heat.

Preservation Rules

Before you invest in a new furnace, contact your community’s historical society. Representatives can tell you if your home has historical status or is on the National Register of Historic Places. If your home is historically significant, there may be rules in place regarding the types of modifications you can make to its facade and infrastructure.

For help choosing a new furnace for your home, contact the professionals at Hufford Heating & Air Conditioning in Milford, OH. Serving the Cincinnati area for over seven decades, this family-owned company carries top-of-the-line heating and air conditioning units by Carrier®. Their technicians install new equipment and provide repairs when needed. Browse their products online, and dial (513) 683-2040 to schedule a service appointment.