Upgrading the Heating and Cooling System in Your Older Home

If you live in an older home in Cleveland, Parma, Westlake, or anywhere in Cuyahoga County, your heating and cooling system may be outdated and inefficient. Many older homes still rely on inefficient boilers, outdated furnaces, or electric baseboard heating, leading to higher energy costs and inconsistent comfort. Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency HVAC system can significantly improve energy efficiency, home comfort, and indoor air quality while reducing monthly utility bills.

At Hardin Bros HVAC, we specialize in HVAC upgrades for older homes, helping homeowners transition from outdated systems to energy-efficient furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless solutions. This guide will explore your best options for heating and cooling upgrades and how to maximize comfort and efficiency in an older home.

Challenges of Heating and Cooling Older Homes

Many homes built before the 1980s have outdated heating systems that struggle with energy efficiency and performance. Below are some of the most common heating and cooling systems still found in older homes and their limitations.

Boiler Systems

Boilers heat water and distribute it through radiators or baseboard heaters. While they provide consistent heat, many older boilers operate at only 56% to 70% efficiency, meaning a large portion of energy is wasted.

Oil or Gas Furnaces

Many homes still have older gas or oil furnaces that operate at AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings below 80%. This means up to 20% or more of the fuel is wasted. Modern high-efficiency gas furnaces can achieve AFUE ratings up to 98%, drastically reducing fuel waste and heating costs.

Electric Baseboard Heating

Older homes without ductwork often rely on electric baseboard heaters, which are among the most expensive and inefficient heating options. These systems lack zoned control, leading to inconsistent temperatures and high electricity bills.

Best HVAC Upgrades for Older Homes in Cleveland

Upgrading to a modern heating and cooling system can lower your energy bills, enhance comfort, and improve indoor air quality. Below are the best options for replacing an outdated HVAC system in an older home.

1. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Gas Furnace

For homes with natural gas service, replacing an old furnace with a high-efficiency gas furnace is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve heating performance.

Benefits of High-Efficiency Furnaces:

• AFUE ratings up to 98%, meaning almost all fuel is converted into heat
• Two-stage and variable-speed models provide more consistent temperatures
• Lower heating costs compared to older models
• Quieter operation and improved indoor air quality

2. Install a Heat Pump for Heating and Cooling

A heat pump provides both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, making it a great energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners.

Benefits of Heat Pumps:

• No need for a separate AC unit—heat pumps provide year-round comfort
• Energy-efficient heating, even in Ohio winters with cold-climate models
• Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, making it an eco-friendly choice
• Lower energy bills compared to electric baseboard heating

3. Consider Ductless Mini-Splits for Homes Without Ductwork

Older homes without ductwork can benefit from ductless mini-split heat pumps, which provide efficient heating and cooling without the need for major renovations.

Benefits of Ductless Mini-Splits:

• No need for ductwork—ideal for historic homes or homes with limited space
• Zoned temperature control, allowing you to heat or cool only the rooms you use
• Highly efficient, reducing electricity consumption
• Whisper-quiet operation, perfect for bedrooms and living spaces

4. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat for Better Control

No matter which HVAC upgrade you choose, a smart thermostat can optimize performance by learning your heating and cooling preferences and adjusting automatically to save energy.

Benefits of Smart Thermostats:

• Automatically adjusts temperature settings to reduce energy waste
• Remote access via smartphone to control settings from anywhere
• Energy usage reports help track savings and efficiency

5. Improve Insulation and Air Sealing

Even with a high-efficiency HVAC system, poor insulation and air leaks can cause energy loss. Adding insulation to attics, walls, and basements and sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork will maximize HVAC efficiency.

Maximizing Comfort and Efficiency in an Older Home

Upgrading your HVAC system isn’t just about installing a new furnace or heat pump—it’s about creating a more energy-efficient home. Here’s how to get the most from your HVAC upgrade:

• Schedule regular maintenance to keep your system running at peak efficiency
• Clean or replace air filters to maintain airflow and indoor air quality
• Ensure proper duct sealing if using a forced-air system to prevent energy loss
• Use ceiling fans in conjunction with your HVAC system to improve circulation

Rebates and Incentives for HVAC Upgrades in Cleveland

Homeowners in Cuyahoga County and the Greater Cleveland area may qualify for utility rebates and federal tax credits when upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC systems.

Potential savings include:

• Rebates on Energy Star-rated furnaces and heat pumps
• Tax credits for geothermal heat pumps and high-efficiency HVAC upgrades
• Local utility company incentives for smart thermostats and insulation improvements

At Hardin Bros HVAC, we can help you navigate available rebates and ensure you maximize your savings on an energy-efficient upgrade.

Upgrade Your Older Home’s HVAC System Today

If your heating and cooling system is outdated, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient system is one of the best investments you can make. At Hardin Bros HVAC, we provide expert installation of high-efficiency furnaces, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and smart thermostats to improve comfort and reduce energy costs.

We proudly serve Cleveland, Parma, Strongsville, Westlake, North Olmsted, and surrounding areas. Contact us today for a consultation and start enjoying better comfort and lower energy bills in your older home.

Call Hardin Bros HVAC at (216) 855-4511 or fill out our online estimate request form to schedule your consultation.