A/C Options for Older Houses

Trying to determine your best options for installing air conditioning into an older home can involve a great deal more than simply trying to figure out how to cool a structure that was built before ducts were commonplace.

Some homes equipped with the necessary central ductwork may present other problems, such as little to no space for a compressor. If placing that item in the basement isn’t an option, you must decide where to sacrifice space – closets or possibly storage areas, both of which can be in already short supply in older homes.

First, though, you will need to begin your air conditioning conversion process by looking at the two essentials – efficiency and capacity.

Your system’s cooling capacity should be calculated by a contractor who is familiar with the specifics of a load analysis, which can be determined by relying on data from a manual or a computer program that factors in specific building items such as insulation, type of window glazing and exterior surface areas. Since windows in older homes tend to be looser, and since older homes also contain little to no wall insulation, you can’t simply calculate the square footage and size the system.

Also bear in mind that older homes tend to allow for greater degrees of infiltration – air or moisture that travels through cracks and exterior openings. This can be a particularly important consideration for homes in areas of high humidity, for part of the reason for using an air conditioning system is not only to control temperature, but also humidity levels.

This is one reason why many owners of older homes opt for premium systems, most of which have two-stage compressors and adjustable-speed blower mechanisms, which provide the best chance of keeping humidity under control.

Ducts can be added to older homes if you are willing to give up some closet space and to add box-like corners in rooms (to hide the ductwork placed outside the original walls). If that doesn’t work, there are systems that eliminate or cut down on the amount of ductwork. Always remember to factor in the costs of plastering/drywalling/painting versus using a specialized system without ducts. Mini-duct systems are another option, though they can be expensive to install.

With all of the variables involved in adding central air conditioning to an older house, it’s wise to consult professionals who can advise you concerning efficiency, capacity and cost. Feel free to contact us here at AC World with any questions you might have.