🏠 HVAC Challenges Specific to Norhill Bungalows

Because Norhill homes were built with 1920s "passive cooling" in mind, modernizing their mechanical systems requires a delicate touch.

• Low-Pitch Roof Constraints: Norhill bungalows often feature low-pitched gabled roofs to shed heat, leaving very little attic clearance. This often requires Low-Profile Horizontal Air Handlers or specialized duct configurations to avoid lowering historic ceilings.
• Shiplap Air Infiltration: Most Norhill homes use original yellow pine shiplap behind the walls. This creates thousands of tiny air gaps. We recommend Blower Door Testing to identify where unconditioned Houston humidity is leaking into the home.
• The "Knee-Wall" Barrier: If you are converting a Norhill attic into a loft, traditional ductwork is almost impossible to run. Ductless Mini-Split Systems are the standard solution here, providing independent climate control without violating Historic District codes.
• Moisture from the Ridge: Because Norhill sits on a slight elevation, wind-driven rain can sometimes bypass old attic vents. Ensuring your HVAC system includes a Secondary Drain Pan with a Float Switch is non-negotiable for protecting 100-year-old plaster ceilings.
• COA Unit Placement: The Historic Commission is extremely strict in Norhill. Condenser units must be in the rear 50% of the lot. We specialize in Side-Discharge "Slim" units that fit in the narrow side-yards common to this district.