Owning a historic home is a unique experience that comes with benefits and challenges. The level of quality, charm, and craftsmanship found in historic homes simply cannot be replicated. Each home has its own story that often can be told through marks on the banister or notches on the doorway. Crown molding, original floors, and hand-crafted, built-in bookshelves are just a few of the unique features that make historic homes so desirable. However, homeowners are often blinded by the appeal of owning a piece of history and often overlook the challenges that old homes bring. In order to be safe, convenient, and up to code, many historic homes need updated plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. The experts at Allied Services, Inc. know exactly how to find and install the right HVAC system for your historic home.
Choosing the Type of HVAC System
One major consideration when fully replacing an HVAC system is maintaining the structural integrity of the home. There are many options on the market and your heating and cooling consultant will be able to choose a system that fits with the structure of your home and meets the needs of your family. Along with structural considerations, your consultant will also want to consider the aesthetics of your new system. Some modern furnaces have been made to look like vintage units so that they blend in with the overall look of a historic home. A few options for heating a historic home include:
- Mini-Duct Forced Air System: provides minimal disruption
- Modernized Fireplaces: can be updated to be more environmentally friendly
- Hot Water and Steam Radiators: have been modernized to work efficiently but fit with the historic look
- Modern Forced Air: this technology has been improved to work well in most historic homes
When to Replace Your HVAC System
Since replacing the entire system will be a major undertaking, you should consider doing it while your home is undergoing a remodel. The installation team will need access to and may interrupt the integrity of the roof, floor, and walls during the process. Your Allied Services consultant can work with you to find the best time and method to replace your HVAC system with the least amount of disruption as possible.
If you have recently purchased a historic home and you want to learn more about updating the HVAC system, contact Allied Services, Inc today at (937) 269-5059. We can answer any question you may have or help you set up an appointment with one of our professional consultants.
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