You love your older home with its hydronic heat system. It keeps you warm and cozy in the winter, and it adds a touch of vintage charm to your house. But when summer comes, you start to sweat. Literally. You want to add air conditioning, but you don’t want to ruin the look and feel of your home with bulky ducts and vents. You also don’t want to spend a fortune on energy bills or deal with noisy and unreliable equipment. Is there a solution that can keep you cool without compromising your home’s integrity? Yes, there is. It’s called a high-velocity system.
What is a high-velocity system?
A high-velocity system is a type of heating and cooling system that uses small-diameter ducts and high-pressure air to deliver conditioned air throughout your home. The ducts are flexible and can fit in tight spaces, such as between walls, floors, and ceilings. The air outlets are also small and discreet, blending in with your décor.
The high-velocity system works by creating a suction effect that draws the air from the rooms and returns it to the air handler, where it is heated or cooled and then sent back to the rooms through the ducts. The high-velocity air creates a gentle circulation of air in the rooms, eliminating hot and cold spots and improving indoor air quality.
How does it compare to a mini-split system?
A mini-split system is another type of heating and cooling system that does not require ducts. It consists of an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor units that are connected by a single tube. The indoor units can be mounted on the wall, ceiling, or floor, depending on your preference.
A mini-split system works by transferring heat between the indoor and outdoor units. The indoor unit collects and cools down the air in the room, while the outdoor unit expels the heat outside. The indoor unit can also reverse the process and provide heating in the winter.
What are the advantages of a high-velocity system for older homes with hydronic heat?
There are many benefits of installing a high-velocity system in your older home, especially if you have hydronic heat. Some of them are:
- Compatibility: A high-velocity system can work with your existing hydronic heat system, providing you with both heating and cooling options. You can use the hydronic heat for the colder months and switch to the high-velocity system for the warmer months, or use both systems together for optimal comfort.
- Preservation: A high-velocity system does not require major renovations or alterations to your home’s structure or aesthetics. The ducts are easy to install without cutting large holes or damaging your walls, floors, or ceilings. The outlets are also small and can be placed in inconspicuous locations, such as behind furniture or curtains.
- Efficiency: A high-velocity system can save you money on your energy bills by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home. The high-pressure air can reach every corner of your home faster and more evenly than a conventional or mini-split system, reducing the run time and wear and tear of your equipment. The suction effect also helps to remove dust, allergens, and moisture from the air, improving the indoor air quality and preventing mold growth.
- Aesthetics: A high-velocity system can enhance the beauty and value of your older home by preserving its original features and character. Unlike mini-split systems, which require bulky indoor units that can clash with your interior design, a high-velocity system is virtually invisible and does not interfere with your windows, doors, or architectural elements. You can enjoy the comfort of modern heating and cooling without sacrificing the charm of your older home.
If you are interested in learning more about how a high-velocity system can benefit your older home with hydronic heat, contact us today for a free consultation and estimate. We are experts in installing and servicing high-velocity systems for all types of homes and buildings. Let us help you make your home more comfortable, efficient, and beautiful with a high-velocity system.
