Connecticut residents are no strangers to older homes. According to Census data, 20% of all homes in the state were built before 1939.
Due to the average age of residences, it’s very common for people to upgrade their HVAC systems. Older equipment is much less energy efficient, so when it’s ready for replacement, most people are eager to install a modern unit.
Homeowners have a variety of choices, from traditional HVAC systems to heat pumps. But what is the best HVAC system for an old house in Connecticut? Below, we explain why ducted and ductless heat pumps are usually the best option.
Why Heat Pumps Are the Most Efficient Heating System for Old Houses
Electric heat pumps are a popular alternative to older forced-air furnaces and boilers. They are much more energy efficient than units that burn fossil fuels, so many people install them to reduce energy costs.
The Rocky Mountain Institute found that on an annual basis, heat pumps are 2.2 to 4.5 times more efficient than EPA ENERGY STAR gas furnaces.
The biggest practical advantage they have over other heating units is that they can also be used as AC for old houses. Not only do you save money, but you get more functionality, too.
Additionally, heat pump installations qualify for a variety of incentives and rebates:
- Energize Connecticut℠ offers a rebate to all Connecticut households that utilize Eversource, UI, CNG, or SCG utilities.
- Income-eligible households can receive up to a 100% rebate from Energize CT.
- Income-eligible residents of New Haven can also receive financial assistance that stacks with Energize CT rebates.
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps
Ducted heat pumps send refrigerant to a central air handler in the basement. From there, it blows heated or cooled air through ductwork and out of the vents inside the home.
Ductless mini-splits, on the other hand, send refrigerant directly to an air handler that’s mounted on the wall in living areas. From there, it blows air directly into the room.
This makes them one of the best heating systems for old houses and the ideal HVAC solution when there’s no room for ducting. Ductless mini-splits provide several other unique benefits:
- Multi-Zone Systems: You can install multiple indoor air handlers in different rooms around your home. This gives you independent temperature control, which can help you save money. You can turn down the heat or AC in rooms that aren’t in use as often.
- Less Energy Loss: ENERGY STAR says that 10-30% of energy is lost through ductwork surfaces. This number is higher in older homes that have leaky ductwork. Without ducts, mini-splits suffer from far less energy loss.
- Flexible Installations: Ductless mini-splits are great for retrofit applications. The main unit is installed outdoors, and the refrigerant lines are installed through the side of the home. You can decide where you’d like to add indoor units, and you often have the flexibility to add more zones down the road.
Other HVAC Options for Old Houses in CT
You can still replace your existing HVAC system with a high-efficiency boiler or furnace, although the energy savings won’t be as substantial as with a heat pump.
Additionally, furnaces and boiler installations do not qualify for the City of New Haven’s income-eligible incentives, whereas heat pumps do.
No matter which type of HVAC unit you select, you should still improve your home’s energy efficiency with air sealing and insulation. It’s very common for older homes to have drafts and outdated insulation materials, so these upgrades will help to maximize the efficiency of your new unit.
Get Started With an HVAC Upgrade Today
Your first step towards upgrading your HVAC is to schedule a Home Energy Solutions℠ assessment with New England Smart Energy Group. We’re a one-stop-shop contractor that can walk you through everything, from the initial Home Energy Solutions visit to the installation and rebate process.
We’ve been serving Connecticut for over 15 years and understand the ins and outs of the Energize CT program, so we’ll make sure that you pay as little as possible for your upgrades.
