Understanding HVAC and Boiler Systems in Century Homes
What HVAC Really Means
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. These are the systems that work together to keep your home comfortable year round.
In most modern homes, this means a central forced air furnace paired with an air conditioning unit that moves air through ducts in the walls, floors, and ceilings.
The big three components:
Heating: A gas or electric furnace or heat pump warms the air.
Ventilation: Ductwork distributes filtered air throughout the home.
Air Conditioning: A compressor and refrigerant system remove heat and humidity.
Newer homes are designed for these systems from the start. Century homes in Greensboro and High Point, however, were never meant to have ductwork. Retrofitting HVAC systems into these homes can mean losing closet space, lowering ceilings, or cutting into plaster and trim that has survived 100 years.
🏡 Why Older Homes Often Use Boiler Heat
Before forced air furnaces, builders used radiant heat powered by boilers. A boiler heats water and circulates it through cast iron radiators or copper baseboards. Instead of blowing hot air, radiant heat warms the walls, floors, and air evenly.
Advantages:
Even, consistent warmth (no drafts or dry air)
Quiet operation
Long lifespan for radiators and piping
Drawbacks:
Slower temperature adjustment
No built in cooling
Efficiency loss in older, non condensing models
If you see large radiators in a College Hill or Fisher Park home, that is radiant boiler heat, one of the most dependable systems ever built.
🔧 Modernizing Boiler Systems with a Tankless Gas Water Heater
You do not need to remove a boiler system to make it efficient. Many homeowners are replacing traditional boilers with tankless gas water heaters, also known as combi boilers, which provide both domestic hot water and hydronic (radiant) heat from a single compact unit.
How it works:
The tankless unit heats water on demand.
A small circulating pump sends hot water through your existing radiators or baseboard pipes.
Thermostats control when zones receive heat.
Water returns to the heater to repeat the cycle.
This setup saves energy because water is only heated when needed, eliminating standby losses common in old boilers.
Benefits:
Up to 95 percent efficiency (ENERGY STAR certified units)
Instant hot water for faucets and showers
Compact wall mounted design
Compatible with natural gas common in Greensboro’s older neighborhoods
Not every tankless unit can handle heating loads. Look for models rated as combi units, such as the Navien NFC H Series, Rinnai I Series, or Bosch Greentherm 9000 Series.
Source: Energy Star Certified Boilers Database
🧱 What the Upgrade Involves
Inspection: A licensed mechanical contractor assesses the current system, piping, and pressure limits.
Old Boiler Removal: The original cast iron unit is disconnected from gas and flue.
Tankless Unit Installation: The new system is wall mounted with proper venting and gas supply.
Closed Loop Piping and Pump Setup: Creates a sealed hydronic loop for circulating hot water.
Smart Controls: Adds programmable thermostats or zone valves for precise temperature management.
This retrofit usually takes 2 to 4 days and can reduce gas consumption by 25 to 35 percent.
Code Note: According to North Carolina Mechanical Code 1004.1, any boiler or hydronic conversion requires a licensed contractor, pressure relief valve, and inspection by the local building department.
Source: North Carolina Mechanical Code 2024
💵 What It Costs in Guilford County
| Upgrade Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replace old boiler | $6,000 - $10,000 | Standard upgrade, retains existing radiators |
| Tankless combi boiler retrofit | $9,000 - $14,000 | Provides heat and domestic hot water |
| Add ductless mini splits for cooling | $3,000 - $6,000 per zone | Best for homes without ductwork |
Financing Tip:
FHA 203(k) and Fannie Mae HomeStyle loans can finance both purchase and system upgrades.
The NC Housing Finance Agency also offers repair and weatherization grants for qualifying buyers.
🧰 Trusted Local Contractors for Century Homes
When it comes to upgrading a historic home, craftsmanship matters as much as equipment. These Greensboro area contractors understand how to modernize heating systems while protecting your home’s original structure and finishes:
Ava Grace Construction - Specializes in full home renovations, including HVAC retrofits that balance comfort and preservation.
Comer Schuferd LLC - Experienced in adaptive reuse and mechanical upgrades for historic properties in both Greensboro and High Point.
Grandeur USA - Greensboro based contractor skilled in structural restoration and exterior repair projects for older homes.
🧼 Maintenance for Modern Radiant Systems
Flush heat exchangers annually to prevent mineral buildup.
Bleed radiators each fall to release trapped air.
Check expansion tank pressure (typically 12 to 15 psi).
Inspect condensate drain and venting yearly for corrosion.
Schedule annual tune ups with a licensed HVAC or mechanical contractor.
🌻 Final Thoughts
If you are buying or renovating a home built before 1940, take a close look at its heating system before assuming it is outdated. Radiant heat has a charm and comfort level that forced air cannot match, and with a tankless combi boiler, it can be both efficient and timeless.
A properly modernized boiler setup lets you enjoy steady warmth, lower bills, and the satisfaction of preserving the systems that have already stood the test of time.
Joy Watson
Local Non Corporate 🌻 Broker in Charge
JoyWatsonRealEstate.com
📧 Joy@JoyWatsonRealEstate.com
📞 (928) 699 8883
