Six Common HVAC Issues in Older Homes (And How Royal Palm Beach Homeowners Can Fix Them)
If you live in an older home in Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, West Palm Beach, or Loxahatchee, there’s a good chance your HVAC system has been working hard for decades — and it may be showing signs of wear.
At Pro-Tech Air, we specialize in helping homeowners identify and resolve HVAC issues before they become expensive emergencies. Here are six of the most common heating and cooling issues we see in older homes across Palm Beach County — and what you can do about them.
1. Poor Indoor Air Quality
Older homes often have outdated ductwork and older filters — which means more dust, pollen, pet dander, and allergens in the air.
The biggest culprit? Dirty filters.
Neglecting them can:
Trigger allergies and asthma
Cause dry skin, fatigue, or respiratory irritation
Reduce your system’s airflow and efficiency
Tip: Change filters every 1–3 months, or more frequently if you have pets. Consider upgrading to high-efficiency or HEPA filters for better air quality.
2. Restricted Airflow
If your older home feels stuffy or certain rooms are hard to cool, you may have a restricted airflow problem.
Common causes include:
Dusty vents or clogged ducts
Blocked return vents behind furniture
A failing blower motor or damaged fan
Solution: Clean your vents and ducts regularly, and if airflow issues persist, call Pro-Tech Air to inspect your motor or duct system for obstructions or damage.
3. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant lines in older AC systems may corrode or crack over time, leading to a slow leak.
Warning signs include:
Warm air from vents
High energy bills
A hissing sound near the unit
Moisture or “water” leaks around your indoor unit
Important: Refrigerant leaks reduce efficiency, cause long-term damage, and are harmful to the environment. Our certified technicians can detect, repair, and safely recharge your system.
4. Outdated Equipment
Most HVAC systems last 10 to 15 years. Beyond that, parts wear out, efficiency drops, and repairs become more frequent.
Older thermostats can also cause:
Poor temperature control
Short cycling (frequent on/off behavior)
Excessive energy use
Upgrade tip: Ask us about installing a programmable or smart thermostat — it gives you full control, reduces energy waste, and can often be controlled from your phone.
5. Leaky Air Ducts
In older homes, ductwork often wasn’t sealed properly or has deteriorated over time. Leaks in ducts can:
Waste up to 30% of conditioned air
Cause uneven room temperatures
Spike your electric bill
Solution: We offer professional duct inspections and sealing services in Royal Palm Beach to restore performance and comfort — without tearing into walls.
6. Zoning Limitations
Older homes typically have a single thermostat to control the whole house. But modern families don’t use every room all the time — and heating or cooling unused spaces is a waste of money.
Fix it: We can install ductless mini-split systems or smart zoning upgrades to give you independent control over rooms like:
Master bedrooms
Guest suites
Home offices
Converted garages or sunrooms
Zoned systems help you stay comfortable and save money by cooling only where you need it.
Own an Older Home? Let Pro-Tech Air Help
Ed and the team at Pro-Tech Air have been helping families across Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Palm Springs, and Palm Beach Gardens solve HVAC problems for years.
We specialize in:
Modernizing outdated HVAC systems
Improving air quality and energy efficiency
Extending the life of older equipment through smart maintenance and upgrades
Whether your system just needs a tune-up, a thermostat upgrade, or a full replacement, we’ll help you find the most affordable and effective solution.
📞 Call Pro-Tech Air today for expert HVAC service tailored to the needs of older Florida homes — done right the first time.
