If you own an older home in Las Vegas, NV, there’s a good chance it lacks a ducted HVAC system. Years ago, builders simply didn’t include the infrastructure for them in newly built homes. As a result, it’s common for older homes to have boiler systems that feed radiators for heat. And most don’t have any central air conditioning of any kind. Instead, it’s common for older homes to rely on inefficient window air conditioners to get through the summer. For a long time, they were the only feasible option for homes without built-in ductwork. Today, however, that’s no longer the case. Here are the most common modern HVAC options for older homes.
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps
If your older home currently relies on an aging heating system and window air conditioner units, you may be looking for a replacement option. You will need a new HVAC system capable of delivering heating and cooling without requiring ductwork. In that case, a ductless mini-split HVAC system is just what you’re looking for. These systems are the default HVAC option throughout much of the U.S. They combine a single sleek outdoor unit with multiple wall-mounted air handlers to provide cooling. That means you can retrofit any old home with one without substantial modifications.
A ductless mini-split HVAC system uses some clever science to provide efficient cooling and ultra-efficient heating. In the summer, it works just like a conventional air conditioner. The only difference is that each air handler receives refrigerant from a single outdoor unit. Each air handler cools the air in the room where it’s installed. With a ductless mini-split, each air handler has independent temperature controls. This gives you more control over your comfort than you’d get with any other system. Plus, you can turn off individual air handlers when they’re not needed.
In the winter, mini-split heat pumps operate in reverse. They collect heat from the outdoor air, amplify it, and carry it inside to warm up your home. This is possible because there’s always heat energy available in the outdoor air. If the system uses a refrigerant that gets colder than the outdoor air, it can collect that heat. This also means that ductless mini-split heat pumps don’t use any electricity or fuel to generate heat. This allows them to operate at efficiency levels of up to 400%. Plus, they work best in mild winter climates, exactly like the one here in Las Vegas.
Ductless mini-split heat pumps can also cut your home’s energy bills by virtue of their design. By avoiding the use of ductwork, they also avoid the energy losses common to duct systems. Ductwork can lead to energy losses of up to 30%, according to the Department of Energy. Those losses mostly happen due to poor insulation and air leaks.
Best of all, installing ductless mini-split HVAC in an older home is a snap. All it takes is a roughly three-inch hole drilled through each wall that will have an air handler. That’s all it takes to run the electrical cables and refrigerant lines from each air handler to the outdoor unit.
If you have a heating system you don’t want to replace, you can still install a ductless mini-split system. You would just buy one that operates solely as an air conditioner. They share all the same benefits as heat pumps, making them an efficient cooling option. This also makes them cheaper, which may make them attractive as a replacement for inefficient window AC units. However, they aren’t the only cooling option you might choose for your old home.
High-Velocity HVAC Systems
Another excellent option for retrofitting an older home with modern HVAC is a high-velocity HVAC system. These systems work just like conventional ducted HVAC systems, with one major difference. They use flexible, two-inch-diameter tubing in place of traditional ductwork. To compensate, they also use higher air pressure to move enough conditioned air around your home to keep it comfortable.
With tubing that small, it’s possible to install a high-velocity HVAC system in older homes without difficulty. Installing the tubes is like installing new electrical wiring. The installer simply opens small holes to fish the tubes through without opening the whole wall. Plus, this avoids the need for large vents or return air grilles throughout your home. Instead, you only see a handful of small openings placed in strategic spots.
It’s also worth pointing out that high-velocity HVAC systems come in a variety of configurations. You can purchase models that rely on conventional gas furnaces and air conditioning units. Or you can choose a model that relies on a heat pump to heat and cool the air. This setup provides the same kinds of benefits you’d get from a mini-split HVAC system. The only major difference is that there will still be some energy losses related to the tubing. Also, this high-velocity system typically won’t offer zoned heating and cooling. This means you don’t get as much control over the temperatures in the various living spaces of your home.
Window-Mounted Heat Pumps
Although they’re just becoming more popular, window-mounted heat pumps may also offer a viable HVAC option. These use the same type of technology you’d find in a mini-split system but in a sleek, window-mounted unit. Right now, there are two main manufacturers of such systems: Midea and Gradient Technologies. However, these units are still quite costly and difficult to source.
Window-mounted heat pumps offer an interesting value proposition. They offer the prospect of ultra-efficient heating and cooling. You can install them yourself, and you don’t need to invasively modify any part of your home. If you already have window-mounted air conditioners, the similar style of these units may be appealing to you. They make it possible to upgrade your home’s heating and cooling system one room at a time. So, if you’re not quite ready to go all in on a whole-home solution, they could be a good place to start. Those Las Vegas homeowners with a limited budget may find this to be an optimal option.
Your Local Older Home HVAC Specialist
For over 25 years, Polar Air & Heating, Inc. has offered quality HVAC solutions for Las Vegas residents. This includes specializing in ductless mini-split systems. We offer complete HVAC services, ranging from repairs and maintenance to full system installations. We provide around-the-clock emergency services in case you need us during off-hours. Plus, we offer commercial HVAC and indoor air quality services, too. We’re also a Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer and carry the latest systems from multiple other vendors.
Also, our team of HVAC technicians is NATE-certified, so they’re the best the industry has to offer. We even offer financing options to well-qualified buyers to help you cover the cost of a new HVAC. We have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, too. If you need a new HVAC system for your older home in the Las Vegas area, contact Polar Air & Heating, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable staff members.
