Heat pumps are growing in popularity among homeowners across the globe, to the point that they recently overtook furnaces as the preferred home heating solution. However, since heat pumps are a more modern type of HVAC system, owners of houses built several decades ago may wonder, “Can heat pumps be installed in old houses?”
As trusted heat pump installation experts in Texas, our team at BVS Home Experts explains what your home must have in order to accommodate a heat pump.
Understanding How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps are similar to air conditioners, except they have heating capabilities. Although types and setups vary, most heat pumps are air source, utilizing an indoor and outdoor unit to distribute heated air into the house when the weather is cold or out of the house when it’s hot.
The heat pump’s outdoor unit contains refrigerant liquid in tubes. New heat pumps and air conditioners use eco-friendly refrigerants, unlike old models that used refrigerants like Freon, which harm the ozone layer.
To heat your home, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and turns into a gas that travels along the compressor. The compressor adds pressure to the refrigerant, increasing its temperature and passing it to the condenser. The refrigerant releases the heat into the indoor air of your home, then converts back into liquid form in the evaporator before returning to the compressor as a gas and starting the process anew.
What Could Prevent You From Installing a Heat Pump in an Old House?
Now that you have a better idea of how heat pumps work, you’re probably wondering, “Can heat pumps be installed in old houses?” Generally speaking, a heat pump can work in an older home, but it’s not as simple as ordering a heat pump to replace your existing central heating or cooling system and calling it a day.
Poor Insulation
Often the greatest limiting factor when considering a heat pump for an older home is insufficient insulation levels. Housebuilders often made homes with masonry like stone or brick, which are terrible at retaining heat, especially during winter. This couples poorly with an air source heat pump because the heat pump already provides limited heating in areas with very cold climates.
Incompatible Infrastructure
Another pitfall of older houses is their existing infrastructure. If the property currently uses an iron radiator, it probably won’t work with a heat pump due to the need for a more powerful heating system. Air source heat pumps are slow to transfer air through a house, so a small heat pump might not be able to adequately warm parts of the house.
How To Make a Heat Pump Work in an Old House
Although some aspects can get in the way of installing a heat pump, old homes can still reap the benefits of a new heat pump so long as homeowners account for a few essential factors before installation.
Find a Heat Pump That Fits
Heat pumps come in several different sizes, so it’s important to install one that will fit your property. If your home has ample room outside, a monobloc pump with a single large unit may be the perfect fit for outdoor unit installation. However, the more popular split heat pump arrangement might work better if your yard is small.
Upgrading the Ductwork
The ducts within your home are essential to your HVAC setup since they facilitate air distribution throughout the house. If you install a heat pump in an old house, you may need to seal, repair, or insulate the ducts to enhance the efficiency of your new unit.
Combining It With Another Heating System
Due to the poor insulating capabilities of older homes, a separate heating system, like a furnace or radiator, may be necessary to achieve the most comfort when temperatures drop below freezing. For example, a single large radiator or several smaller radiators can ease the transfer and release of colder air from your home so the heat pump can work more effectively.
If your current radiator has steel panels, consider switching to an aluminum model since they conduct heat better.
Getting the Most Out of Your New Heat Pump
Let’s say you weighed your options and decided to install a heat pump for your old home. What can you do to guarantee that it lasts while providing the desirable results? You can get the most use out of your heat pump by following a few key steps.
Keep Up With Routine Maintenance
Establishing an annual maintenance checkup for your heat pump is the surest way to extend its lifespan. By having your local HVAC contractor inspect and address potential issues before they arise, you’ll continue to enjoy the comforts and benefits of a new heat pump for as long as possible.
Install New Insulation
Just because old houses have bad insulation doesn’t mean they must stay that way. Hiring a professional to tend to any cracks or other sources of leaky insulation in your home will help the heat pump raise and maintain warm temperatures, providing added comfort.
Use Underfloor Heating
Heat pumps pair wonderfully with underfloor heating, especially as an alternative to a radiator. This is because the pipes and ductwork running under your floors have a large surface area, which releases heat evenly and efficiently. Separate the underfloor heat pipes by about 100 millimeters from each other to best enhance your heat pump’s performance.
Let BVS Home Experts Install Your New Heat Pump
As a family-owned and -operated business, BVS understands the importance of prompt, reliable service for multiple HVAC needs. We often hear, “Can heat pumps be installed in old houses?” from customers, so we know what it takes to make the transition work.
With over 30 years of industry experience, our highly skilled and qualified technicians come fully equipped with the tools and knowledge to fulfill your requests. Whether you need to size an HVAC system, replace an air compressor, or receive a system-wide diagnostic, we’re here for you.
Contact BVS at (281) 391-1510 to schedule an inspection, maintenance, or installation appointment today!
