It’s absolutely possible to install heat pump systems in old houses or other buildings. As you probably suspected, however, the full answer is more nuanced.
Simply adding a heat pump system or mini split to an existing structure usually isn’t the best option. Whether you’ll have to put in a lot of extra work to get the temperature regulation capability you need has a lot to do with the way heat pumps operate.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
Think of heat pumps as air conditioners split in half — one half lives outside, and the other half lives inside. Rather than cooling or heating air and then pumping it through ducts, which is how traditional HVAC systems work, heat pumps extract heat from one location and move it to another.
Let’s say you want to cool your home. With a heat pump, the warm indoor air passes over a refrigerant coil, which absorbs the heat, evaporating the refrigerant and lowering the temperature of the air. The indoor unit then circulates the cooled air.
Meanwhile, the refrigerant passes to the outdoor unit, where it condenses again and diffuses the heat outdoors. The cycle works in reverse for heating a home.
What Are the Problems With Heat Pumps in Old Homes?
Homes built around traditional air conditioning systems (or no air conditioning system at all) may present certain obstacles that must be overcome. These obstacles are usually tougher to deal with in older homes.
Obstacle 1: Insulation
In general, older buildings and homes have poor insulation and are made of materials that do an unsatisfactory job of retaining heat. Before installing a heat pump, you’ll have to retrofit the structure with modern insulation.
Obstacle 2: Existing Ducts
If your old home already has an HVAC system, then it already has ductwork. You’ll have to consult with a heat pump specialist to see if the existing ducts can support the switch to a new system. Alternatively, if you want to put indoor air handlers in each room and not bother with ducts, you’ll have to remove or seal them to avoid leaks.
Obstacle 3: Space
While heat pumps require minimal alteration to existing structures compared to standard AC systems and furnaces, they still take up room. You’ll need to make sure you have the space for the indoor and outdoor units. If the home is particularly old or is part of a larger complex, space may be at a premium.
Obstacle 4: Power
Heat pumps are more efficient than traditional AC systems. If your old home never had air conditioning in the first place, however, you’ll need to investigate whether its power infrastructure can handle the extra load. Outdated wiring can be unreliable or even dangerous, so it’s a good idea to update it regardless.
Trust the Experienced Techs at Endless Energy Home Services
For expert heat pump repair and installation, Endless Energy Home Services is the only call you need to make.
You deserve year-round temperature control, and if you’re concerned that your home is too old for a heat pump, we’ll help you find a solution that works for you. Contact us today to schedule your service!
