Central air, other options for an old house

Restoring or remodeling an old house can be very satisfying, but it often presents a challenge when it comes to cooling the building.

Central air-conditioning would seem to be the ideal answer, but there are plenty of questions to answer first. And there are options if installing central AC will be too expensive or too cumbersome.

 Yes, it's possible to install central air in an older home, but it may involve more work and cost than installing it in a newer home.

Questions

Does the house already have ductwork that can carry the cooled air to the desired rooms?

If not, are you prepared to handle the many construction modifications that may be needed to accommodate central AC?

Will some or all of your electrical system need to be revamped to handle central AC? And what about paying the added monthly electric bill?

Solutions

There are options that can cool your home without tearing up the house or ruining your budget. Both of these options are popular with people who own older buildings.

• Ductless AC: You may need a calculator to compute the long-term costs of ductless AC. Purchase and installation will be higher than for many central AC systems, but ductless AC is more energy efficient.

You also may get a tax credit or a rebate if you choose ductless.

They also take up more space and are located on walls or ceilings, hardly an attractive look.

They’re quieter than traditional HVAC, but they require maintenance by a professional to operate at peak efficiency. And they struggle in weather that’s extremely hot or cold.

• High-velocity systems are a good way to avoid the extensive demolition needed for traditional ducts. Their flexible ducts are small and can be placed inside ceilings and walls.

They’re energy efficient and good at removing humidity from the air. Because they are hidden, you will not see them, removing the aesthetic concerns that ductless HVAC causes.

However, high-velocity systems generally are the most expensive to install.

Conclusion

Recruit an experienced contractor to help you walk through the pros and cons of each system. Then you can make the best decision for your budget and your family.

Renovating an old home? Lighthouse HVAC can help you solve heating, ventilation and cooling problems.