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Preserving the Past, Perfecting the Present: Upgrades for Historic Homes

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Preserving the Past, Perfecting the Present

A Complete Guide to HVAC and Plumbing Upgrades for Historic Homes

Why Historic Homes Deserve a Different Approach

Historic homes throughout Savannah, Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head, and the broader Lowcountry are more than just places to live. They are stories etched in architecture, symbols of heritage, and living links to the past. But even timeless homes face the very modern challenges of maintaining comfortable indoor climates and reliable plumbing systems.

Many of these homes still rely on outdated heating, cooling, and piping infrastructure that was never designed for today’s comfort expectations, energy standards, or health and safety requirements. Homeowners often find themselves stuck between preserving beauty and managing daily frustrations.

At Dyess Air & Plumbing, we believe you don’t have to choose between preservation and progress. Our expert team specializes in helping homeowners upgrade their HVAC and plumbing systems in historic homes with precision, care, and preservation-safe techniques.

The Hidden Costs of Aging Systems

If your home was built before the 1980s—and especially if it predates 1950—chances are its infrastructure is under strain. Common issues include:

  • Rooms that are too hot or too cold due to uneven airflow

  • Drafts and poor insulation that make comfort difficult year-round

  • Moisture damage caused by high humidity levels

  • Pipes that leak, corrode, or deliver discolored water

  • Tank water heaters that run out of hot water or cost a fortune to operate

  • HVAC systems that run constantly but fail to keep up

  • Skyrocketing utility bills due to inefficient or aging equipment

  • Insurance and inspection issues due to code violations

These aren’t just inconveniences—they are risks to your home’s structure, your family’s health, and your property’s long-term value.

Challenges Unique to Historic Homes

Upgrading a home built in the 1800s or early 1900s isn’t the same as working on modern construction. At Dyess, we bring decades of experience navigating:

Structural Limitations

Historic homes typically have plaster walls, narrow joists, masonry exteriors, or hand-hewn beams. These materials aren’t compatible with conventional installation methods. Our team is trained in non-invasive routing and uses compact, efficient equipment that fits the unique footprint of older homes.

Preservation Guidelines

In designated districts—like Savannah’s Landmark Historic District, Bluffton’s Old Town, or Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District—visible mechanical alterations may be restricted. Dyess works directly with homeowners and local preservation boards to ensure our designs are compliant from the start.

Sensitive Materials

Original hardwood floors, tabby concrete, lime plaster, brickwork, antique tile, and hand-crafted trim require specialized handling. We protect all finishes during installation and provide system designs that minimize intrusion into historically significant spaces.

HVAC Solutions That Preserve Character

Comfort can be upgraded without gutting your home’s interior. Here are the top systems we install in historic properties.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless systems provide both heating and cooling through wall- or ceiling-mounted indoor units that connect to a compact outdoor condenser. Ideal for homes without existing ductwork.

Benefits:

  • No invasive demolition required

  • Energy-efficient with SEER ratings up to 38

  • Zoned control for room-by-room comfort

  • Integrated humidity control

  • Quiet, low-profile design

  • Compatible with smart home platforms

Ideal for:

  • Converted attics

  • Kitchens and additions

  • Sunrooms

  • Garages turned into living space

  • Bedrooms with uneven temperatures

Top Models Installed by Dyess:

  • Carrier Infinity Ductless

High-Velocity Small-Duct Systems

High-velocity HVAC systems use small, flexible tubing—only two inches in diameter—that fits through existing walls, ceilings, or floor cavities without disrupting finishes. Air is delivered through small, round, discreet vents.

Advantages:

  • Whole-home comfort with minimal remodeling

  • Excellent humidity control

  • Blends seamlessly into historic interiors

  • Quieter than traditional forced-air systems

  • Faster, more consistent temperature delivery

Dyess Installs:

  • Unico iSeries

  • SpacePak High-Velocity Systems

Whole-Home Dehumidifiers

In the humid Lowcountry, excess moisture can cause irreversible damage to wood, plaster, and paint. A whole-home dehumidifier is not just a luxury—it’s a critical protective upgrade.

Benefits:

  • Prevents mold and mildew

  • Protects against rot and warping

  • Reduces HVAC load

  • Helps maintain indoor air quality

Preferred Systems:

  • Santa Fe Ultra Series (corrosion-resistant and crawlspace-ready)

  • AprilAire E-Series

  • Carrier Performance Whole-Home Dehumidifiers

Plumbing Upgrades Without Compromising Charm

Historic homes often hide plumbing systems behind walls and under floors that were never intended to be disturbed. At Dyess, our plumbing team uses camera inspections, strategic access points, and retrofit-safe materials to restore flow and protect beauty.

Whole-Home Repiping

Many historic homes still rely on:

  • Lead piping (a known health hazard)

  • Galvanized steel (prone to internal corrosion)

  • Polybutylene (now obsolete and failure-prone)

Modern Materials We Use:

  • Viega PEX: Flexible, freeze-tolerant, corrosion-resistant

  • Mueller Copper: Durable, code-approved, ideal for restoration projects

Signs You May Need Repiping:

  • Low or uneven water pressure

  • Rust-colored water

  • Leaking joints or visible corrosion

  • Recurring plumbing repairs

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless systems heat water on demand—delivering continuous hot water and saving energy in the process.

Benefits:

  • Space-saving wall-mounted design

  • Up to 40 percent more energy-efficient

  • Never run out of hot water

  • Ideal for homes with limited closet or utility room space

  • Smart control and remote monitoring capabilities

Top Models Installed by Dyess:

  • Navien NPE-240A2

  • Rinnai RU199iN

  • Rheem Prestige RTGH Series

Additional Plumbing Enhancements

  • HALO 5 Whole-Home Filtration Systems: Improves water quality, removes chlorine and heavy metals

  • Smart Leak Detection: Prevents water damage with automatic shut-off valves

  • Recirculation Pumps: Get hot water faster without waste

  • Pressure Regulators: Protect antique fixtures and exposed piping

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Upgrades for Historic Homes

Older homes often struggle with poor airflow, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) trapped in wood, plaster, and insulation. Dyess offers full-service IAQ enhancements, including:

  • HEPA-grade whole-home filtration

  • UV germicidal lighting for ductwork

  • Smart thermostats with integrated air quality sensors

  • Duct inspections, sealing, and airflow balancing

  • Energy recovery ventilators for fresh air exchange

  • Humidity monitoring and balancing

Better indoor air quality doesn’t just improve health—it protects the finishes and materials inside your home from rot, mildew, and wear.

The Dyess 4-Step Historic Upgrade Process

1. In-Home Consultation
We inspect your systems, assess your structure, and identify any preservation constraints.

2. Custom System Design
We develop a tailored plan that meets local code, preservation board standards, and your personal goals.

3. Preservation-Safe Installation
Every technician is trained in non-invasive installation techniques, respectful workspace conduct, and material preservation.

4. Testing, Training, and Documentation
We fully test your system, teach you how to use it, and provide documentation for board or HOA submittals.

Why Homeowners Across the Lowcountry Trust Dyess

  • Over 40 years serving historic communities in Georgia and South Carolina

  • Licensed, insured, and NATE-certified

  • Experts in Carrier, Mitsubishi, Rheem, Rinnai, Navien, and more

  • Full-service HVAC, plumbing, and IAQ provider under one roof

  • Comfort Club and Plumbing Club maintenance memberships

  • Flexible financing options through Wells Fargo, Spectrum, and Service Finance

  • Emergency service available 24/7

We have worked in hundreds of historic homes across Savannah, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, and beyond—and we understand what’s at stake when comfort, legacy, and preservation converge.

Schedule Your Historic Home Consultation

Your home has stood the test of time. Let Dyess Air & Plumbing help ensure it continues to do so—while delivering the modern comfort your family deserves.

Call 833-539-3971 or schedule your consultation online at www.DyessAir.com.

Dyess Air & Plumbing
Modern Comfort. Historic Respect. Delivered.