There was a time when owners of older or historic homes that lacked conventional ductwork were extremely limited in heating and cooling options.
They either managed with a collection of electric heaters and window air conditioners or tackled huge remodeling projects. The installation of ductwork required tearing down walls and ceilings. In many older homes, the walls don’t provide adequate width to accommodate bulky ductwork. In recent years, a new innovation has offered a much easier and more satisfying solution. High-velocity HVAC was designed specifically to retrofit into older homes. This type of system utilizes mini-ducts. The ductwork is only two-inches in diameter. It’s flexible enough to snake through existing walls and around plumbing pipes, outlets and studs. The ducts connect to circular-shaped vents that allow freedom in location and are available in a wide variety of styles. A compact component is installed in the attic or a closet and works by sending heated or cooled air at a very high rate of speed into the various rooms. It creates a slight suction and through a principle called aspiration can quickly raise or lower the temperature. When this type of system was introduced, it was quite noisy. However, most modern high-velocity models insulate the ducts to not only prevent energy losses but also reduce sound levels. Shorter run times further helps to minimize operational costs. High velocity systems implement without creating a big mess, provide whole-home comfort and are helpful at reducing excess humidity in the summer. The higher-end options include wifi connectivity, allowing adjustments to temperature control through an app on the smartphone.