If you live in a home without an air conditioning system in place, you might get pretty uncomfortable during the summer months. Yes, you can utilize fans and window air conditioning units, but these can only provide so much relief. If you're really looking to maximize comfort inside your home, it may be time to look into installing a central air conditioning system.
Retrofitting an existing home with central air conditioning may be easier and more affordable than you think, with prices typically ranging from around $2,800 to $3,800 if you already have ducts. However, many factors can impact cost and installation, so your best bet is to have a few reputable HVAC professionals come to your home for an assessment.
Existing Ductwork (If Any)
If your home already has ductwork in place, then retrofitting it for central air conditioning installation should be quite simple. If your home has a forced air furnace with vents in each room, then you already have the ductwork in place that you need for central air.
If your home doesn't have any ductwork in place, retrofitting can become much more complicated. That's because central air conditioning systems rely on ductwork and ventilation to carry cool air from the condenser unit to each room in your home that you will need to be installed. The right HVAC professional should be able to install ductwork, but this can be a very labor-intensive (and therefore costly) project.
Size and Space Restrictions
Central air conditioning systems take up some space inside and outside the home. The condenser is the largest component and is usually installed along the side of the home. If you don't have enough space in a side-yard, the condenser can likely be installed in a backyard instead. If you don't have much outdoor space to work with at all, rooftop and even attic units may be an option.
Local Building Codes
In some cases, you might face challenges having your home retrofitted for central air conditioning. This is most often the case if you live in a historical home as there may be strict rules in place that prevent you from adding ductwork. If this is an issue, you may instead want to consider having a ductless air conditioning system installed, which can deliver customized temperature control to separate rooms of your home without the need for ductwork.
No matter which route you decide to go with your home's air conditioning system installation, an experienced HVAC professional can make it happen. Look for a professional who provides air conditioning system installation services near you.
