You might think that an old house cannot have central air conditioning and this couldn't be further from the truth. Older structures can enjoy today's modern conveniences, like air conditioning, if it is done correctly and without mistakes
Many owners of older homes do not want to break open walls and ceilings, as this will take away from the home's original, old-world charm. If the house does not have the required ductwork, some demolition may be necessary in order to install it.
However, it is very possible to install central air conditioning in your old home without having to break down walls and ceilings. You always want to enlist the services of a licensed central air conditioning contractor who has experience working and installing central air conditioners in older homes.
Why The Right Size Matters
Choosing a central air conditioner unit that is the right size for your square footage is easy, and yet this is one of the more common mistakes consumers make. An oversized central AC will cycle off and on too frequently, not allowing the unit to run a full cycle.
This will overextend your air conditioner, and it will eventually fail. It's easy to calculate right AC size by multiplying the home's square footage by 25, dividing that by 12,000 and then subtracting .05. What you get is the correct AC size for your home in tonnage.
Always hire a certified central air conditioner contractor who can determine the right size AC for your older home and install it without making mistakes. In addition, the following criteria should also be considered:
- What is the square footage of the space?
- How old is the home?
- Will you need to add ductwork?
- How many windows are in the home?
- Is the home well insulated?
- Repair door jams, old windows that allow drafts inside.
Who Needs Ductwork?
You may be reluctant to install new ductwork in your older home for fear that it will take away from the home's old-world character.
Adding ductwork to any home requires breaking walls and ceilings, which is something most owners of older homes do not want to do.
The good news is that it is very possible to have central AC in an older home without adding ductwork by installing a ductless HVAC system instead.
Ductless HVAC systems, also known as mini-split systems, do not require standard ductwork and can distribute cool air through tiny ducts that are inserted into the walls and ceilings. There is no mess, and no demolition is required.
What Will it Cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere around $3,500 to $4,000 for a central air conditioner installation in an older home.
This modern amenity will increase your property value and give you cooling relief when temperatures rise. These reasons alone are why every homeowner should consider installing a central air conditioning system.
Always hire a quality central air conditioner contractor, like Elite Electric & Air in Port St. Lucie, FL to discuss the cooling needs for your older home. This way you know it will be done correctly and without making mistakes.