Why Older Homes Struggle to Stay Cool
Living in a charming older home has undeniable appeal. From the detailed trim work and solid wood construction to the vintage tile, high ceilings, and distinct architectural character, these homes offer a level of craftsmanship and personality that’s often missing in newer builds. But along with that character comes a familiar summertime challenge for many Southern California homeowners: older homes are notoriously difficult to keep cool.
Even with the air conditioner cranked up, rooms remain warm, hot spots form in certain areas, and energy bills quickly climb. The AC system seems to work harder than ever—but with minimal results. That’s because most older homes were not built with today’s cooling standards in mind. They often lack the insulation, airflow design, and efficient HVAC equipment needed to handle Southern California’s intense summer heat.
At Shalom Heating & Air, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Anaheim, Long Beach, Brea, Buena Park, and beyond diagnose and correct these cooling issues. Whether your home is a vintage craftsman, a mid-century modern classic, or a historic bungalow, we understand the hidden factors that contribute to poor cooling—and how to fix them without compromising your home’s character or charm.
Here’s a closer look at the most common reasons older homes struggle to stay cool—and the proven solutions we recommend to restore comfort and efficiency.
Outdated or Inadequate Insulation
One of the most common reasons older homes struggle to stay cool is poor or outdated insulation. Many were built before modern building codes required effective thermal barriers, which means key areas like attics, walls, and crawl spaces may be under-insulated—or not insulated at all. This allows cool air to leak out and hot air to enter, forcing your AC system to work overtime just to keep indoor temperatures bearable.
Signs of inadequate insulation include:
Upgrading your insulation is one of the smartest improvements you can make. Adding high-performance attic insulation, sealing air leaks, and installing radiant barriers can drastically reduce heat gain, helping your home retain cool air more effectively. Not only does this ease the load on your HVAC system, but it also leads to lower energy bills and better overall comfort.
Leaky or Inefficient Ductwork
Older ductwork systems may be poorly designed, leaky, or not sealed properly—especially if they haven’t been inspected in decades. Leaks in the ducts can cause 30% or more of conditioned air to be lost before it even reaches the rooms in your home.
Fix: A duct inspection and sealing or redesign can improve airflow, deliver even cooling to every room, and reduce your system’s workload.
Poor Airflow and Vent Placement
Many older homes were not originally designed with central air conditioning in mind. As a result, air vents may be placed in inefficient spots, or airflow might be obstructed by additions, closed-off rooms, or thick walls that weren’t designed for modern HVAC systems.
Fix: A professional airflow analysis can identify problem areas. Adding return vents, redirecting ductwork, or upgrading to zoned cooling may restore balance to your airflow.
Outdated HVAC Systems
If your AC unit is more than 10–15 years old, it likely lacks the efficiency and power needed to properly cool an older structure—especially one with insulation and duct challenges. Older systems also use outdated refrigerants and may not match your home’s square footage or layout.
Fix: Replacing your outdated system with a high-efficiency unit that’s properly sized for your home will improve cooling performance and energy savings. Rebates may be available to help offset the cost.
Single-Pane Windows and Heat Transfer
Many older homes still have original single-pane windows, which allow a tremendous amount of heat to enter the home—especially during direct sunlight hours. This heat buildup makes it harder for your AC to catch up.
Fix: Consider upgrading to double-pane or energy-efficient windows. At minimum, use blackout curtains or solar films to block radiant heat.
Cool Comfort Without Compromise
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort just because your home is older. With the right upgrades and guidance, your home can stay just as cool and efficient as a modern build. At Shalom Heating & Air, we specialize in solving cooling issues in older homes—helping you modernize your comfort without losing the charm that made you fall in love with your house in the first place.
