Can I Install a Central AC System in An Older Home?
Older homes have a lot of character, but they also have their own set of problems. One of these problems includes upgrading the central air conditioning. If you need to install central air conditioning in your older Florida home, call USA Air Conditioning Services at (866) 983-0488 today.
It is not impossible to install a new HVAC system in an older home, but it can come with some costs. You can put central air in almost any house, with only a few exceptions.
Evaluate Ductwork
The first question you should ask is whether you have ducts or not. A professional contractor can evaluate your home and give you the answer. If you don’t have ducts, you’ll have to ask yourself whether you want them installed or not.
Ductwork can double the cost of installing central air in a lot of cases, and it requires making more room where there wasn’t ductwork before. That means lowering high ceilings, removing crown moldings, and in some cases, ruining the aesthetics of your old home.
If you don’t want to install ducts, you can opt for a ductless air conditioning system, but that adds more to your cost as well.
Installing Ductwork
Installing ductwork in your old home may prove tricky. If you have old woodwork with a lot of character or plaster walls, it can be hard to install ductwork and even harder to clean up and repair afterward.
It could mean your home never looks the same. There are solutions, like installing vents in closets or ceilings, but there are still obstacles you need to overcome.
Ductless Systems
If you can’t or don’t want to add ducts, you can get a ductless system, which would give you a lot more efficiency, especially in an older home. However, these systems are more expensive and require each cooling zone to have a separate unit.
The drawback to this option is that these units have to be installed on walls that face the exterior of the home, they’re not very attractive, and they are hard to cover up.
Cost of Central Air in Your Older Home
There are a lot of factors to consider that will determine the price. But you can count on it costing anywhere from $3000 to $5000, depending on sales and discounts during the offseason, whether or not you have existing ductwork, what type of system you choose, and how complex your installation is.
To save some money, you may choose to install your new central air conditioning during the winter when you don’t need your air conditioning. This may lead to a reduction of around 20% of your total cost.
If you have ample space, you’ll need a larger unit. Ask for a heat-gain evaluation which will take into account the age of your home, the number of windows, and the direction your home faces. These factors can help you understand where air conditioning is the most critical. You could save money by installing it only in the areas you need it most.
While you can’t do much about the amount of work that needs to be done to install your system, there are still ways you can save money on new central air conditioning. Be sure to have your contractor evaluate your home to see what your options are.
If you think it is time to install central air conditioning in your older Florida home, call USA Air Conditioning Services today at (866) 983-0488 to speak with a professional about your needs and get a quote.
