Older homes certainly have their charms, but they also come with unique challenges. One such challenge is that vintage houses can be downright drafty. That’s a big problem come winter, when temperatures can dip into the 30s.
You may think that installing a new furnace in an old house is a great way to solve your heating woes. Although a new furnace will heat your home better than an ancient unit, it might not fix that chill in the air entirely. Learn why that is below, then call us for furnace installation services in Auburn, CA.
Perks of Installing a New Furnace in an Old House
If your heating system is 15-20 years old (or even older) and still chugging along, you might not see a need to replace it. However, that furnace won’t last forever. It may be better to replace it now before it breaks down for good.
Why install a new furnace in your old Auburn, CA, home? Modern furnaces offer benefits that older units can’t beat. They include:
- Improved energy efficiency, which could lower your heating bills by hundreds of dollars every year.
- Safety features that prevent deadly carbon monoxide and other fumes from entering your home’s air.
- Whisper-quiet operation, so you won’t hear a peep when your furnace runs.
- Variable-speed airflow for consistent heating throughout your entire home.
- The ability to connect the furnace with a smart thermostat enables you to control your heating system from anywhere.
Why Installing a New Furnace Might Not Be Your Magic-Bullet Heating Solution
Installing a new furnace in an old house sounds like a great idea, and it can be but understand that it might not fix your home’s draftiness entirely. One reason why is that older homes tend to leak a lot of air, especially through the windows.
If your home still has its original single-paned windows, you could be losing up to 30% of your heat through the glass. Consider restoring or replacing them before installing a new furnace.
Windows aren’t the only place where warm air can escape. Over time, as your home’s foundation shifts, the house moves and settles along with the earth. That may cause cracks to form in the ceilings, walls, and floors through which warm air can escape. Air can also leak through:
- Fireplaces and chimneys
- Vents
- Baseboards
- Entry points for piping and cabling
- Light fixtures
- Outlets
- Door frames
It’s best to hire an expert to perform an energy audit before installing a new furnace in an old house. The technician will use a special tool to find air leakage throughout your home and provide advice on stopping energy wastage in its tracks.
Your old home also may not have ductwork that’s ideal for a new furnace, or maybe it doesn’t have any ductwork at all. The ductwork in vintage homes is often too small to support powerful modern furnaces. You may need to have new ductwork installed or consider an alternative heating system that requires no ductwork, like a ductless heat pump.
Lastly, older homes can be terribly insulated. Some have zero insulation in the walls and attic, which translates to massive energy loss. If your exterior walls feel warm and your interior walls cold, it’s a sign that your home lacks adequate insulation. Replacing your furnace won’t help much until you address the problem.
What To Expect During New Furnace Installation in Auburn, CA
At Christensen Heating & Cooling, we’re experts at installing furnaces in older homes. When you call us for furnace installation, we will:
- Discuss your heating needs, and help you pick the right type and model of furnace for your home.
- Prepare the site for furnace installation. This includes disconnecting the electric or gas supply to the furnace and removing the old furnace.
- Install the new furnace, then connect it to the ductwork and ventilation system.
- Connect the condensate drain, which is responsible for preventing the furnace from backing up with water.
- Calibrate the furnace to work with your thermostat. We can also install a new smart thermostat if you prefer.
- Perform a final test to ensure the furnace works properly.
Considering Installing a New Furnace in an Old House? Call Our Pros in Auburn, CA
Installing a new furnace in an old house can be a smart move, but to get the most out of your investment, it’s smart to address issues like poor insulation and energy leakage first. If you’d like to schedule furnace installation or an energy audit, contact Christensen Heating & Cooling in Auburn, CA, today. We’re experts at resolving common HVAC problems, so call today!