Older Austin Homes are at Risk for these 5 HVAC Problems

exterior of two story home

HVAC in Austin: Tips for Older Homes

Older homes have character, charm, and a history rich with stories, but they could be hiding secrets that will eventually make a hot Texas day or cold winter night unbearable. 

But there’s no need to move! Just be aware of these potential HVAC problems so you can take steps to repair or correct them as needed.

1. Older or Aging HVAC Units

First, know that the average lifespan of an HVAC unit is 8-15 years. As the unit becomes older, it’s vital to schedule regular inspections, but know that as it ages, even regular HVAC maintenance won’t be enough to keep it working properly or efficiently. 

You may end up spending money on repairs that would be better served by purchasing a new energy-efficient unit. If you’ve already noticed that your house isn’t being adequately cooled or heated – and your energy bills have increased – it might be time to replace your AC unit.

2. Poor Installation

If you purchased an older house, it’s customary to have the HVAC unit inspected to make sure it’s operationally sound before you move in. But you should also consider an inspection that will let you know if the system was sized correctly for your home. A system that’s too small won’t cool and heat to your liking and one that’s too large could be a drain on your budget.

Or, if the home has undergone renovations since the HVAC system was installed, it might not be formatted correctly to maximize your AC’s power. Multiple ducts could now lead to the same room, or skip over one altogether. 

3. Ductwork Problems

If the ductwork was not installed correctly, that could also affect the airflow in your home. Plus, it’s possible that older materials are impacting the efficacy of the system. Plus, if you haven’t had professional duct cleaning in a while, they could be backed up with dust, debris, and pet hair that are obstructing the airflow.

Older ductwork may also be prone to leaks among the joints, which can lead to air escaping and getting trapped in your walls and ceilings. When the air isn’t directed properly, you end up paying high energy bills at the same time you’re suffering from inadequate cooling and heating of your liveable space. 

4. Poor Air Quality

All homes are prone to dirt, mold, and bacteria in their air, but older homes are especially susceptible to air pollutants. Not only are they more likely to have mildew and debris in the duct work, but older HVAC units or an improperly sized system can mean higher humidity levels in your home, and humidity can potentially cause mold and mildew to grow and travel through the ductwork. 

If your HVAC system was designed or built long ago, it’s a good idea to schedule an indoor air quality evaluation to learn what exactly is in your home’s air and what you can do to purify it. 

5. Older Thermostats

Your thermostat may still be in working order, but what if you could better control the way it cools and heats your home? With the many newer thermostats introduced over the last few years, you can use your phone to program them to turn the unit on or off even when you’re away from home. 

You probably already knew you could save money by adjusting the thermostat when you’re not in your house. More modern thermostats just make it easier to program them for that away time.

HVAC Installation and HVAC Repair in Austin

If you find you’re not as comfortable as you used to be in your home, it could be that your HVAC system needs to be repaired or replaced. Daniel’s knows the Austin market and has successfully solved the area’s cooling and heating problems for years. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent work environment for our employees, and that’s why we attract the most skilled and experienced technicians. 

Whether you need HVAC repair or are planning to replace your existing system, you can rely on Daniel’s for superior service. We also are available for emergency calls 24/7. Contact us to learn more about our award-winning team.