Many homes in Fullerton were built long before central air conditioning was standard. If your house was built in the 1950s, 60s, or 70s, there’s a good chance it originally had a wall furnace, little insulation, and ductwork that was never designed for modern cooling demands.

That’s why simply replacing your HVAC equipment often doesn’t solve comfort problems in older homes. We regularly meet homeowners who say:

  • The back bedrooms are always hot
  • Upstairs never cools down
  • My AC runs all day but the house still feels warm

In older Fullerton homes, the issue usually isn’t just the air conditioner — it’s how the house was designed. Choosing the right HVAC solution means matching the system to the home, not just swapping equipment.

HVAC system in attic

Why Many Fullerton Homes Struggle With Cooling

Fullerton has long, warm summers and mild winters, but the bigger issue is how homes here were constructed. Many neighborhoods were developed when air conditioning wasn’t common in Orange County. Builders focused on heating, not cooling.

We frequently see:

  • Wall furnaces with no original ductwork
  • Very small or undersized return air
  • Single-pane windows
  • Low attic insulation
  • West-facing sun exposure
  • Attics reaching 130°F+ in summer

HVAC system

The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make

The most common mistake we see is replacing the HVAC unit without addressing airflow. A larger AC system does not fix cooling problems. In fact, it often makes them worse. Comfort comes from airflow and proper sizing — not tonnage.

Best HVAC Options for Older Homes in Fullerton

Heat Pump Systems

Because Fullerton has mild winters, heat pumps are often the best solution. They both heat and cool the home efficiently and can lower operating costs.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

For homes without proper ductwork, mini-splits are often the best option. They allow room-by-room temperature control and avoid tearing open ceilings to run large ducts.

Ductless mini-split system

Central Air With Duct Modifications

Central HVAC can still work very well — if airflow is corrected. Often we need to add return air, resize ducts, seal leakage, and improve insulation.

Ductwork Matters More Than the Equipment

In older homes, ductwork is often the real problem. Fixing airflow often lowers bills more than replacing the unit.

Indoor Air Quality in Older Homes

Older homes commonly have dust infiltration, attic air leakage, and inconsistent filtration. Upgrading filters and sealing air leaks can significantly improve comfort.

Rebates, Efficiency, and Smart Controls

Modern HVAC systems include high-efficiency equipment and smart thermostats that allow remote control, scheduling, and energy tracking.

The Right Approach

A proper evaluation should include airflow inspection, duct review, load calculation, attic inspection, and a comfort discussion.

HVAC system

Need Help With an Older Home HVAC System?

If your Fullerton home struggles to stay comfortable, the issue may not be your equipment — it may be the design. Contact One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Fullerton to schedule an evaluation and find the right option for your home.