Older homes present unique challenges when it comes to adding modern climate control systems, mostly due to the difficulty of adding ductwork without tearing apart the whole inside of your home. Luckily, there are a few great solutions to installing central air in a house without ducts. Read on to better understand the issues with installing modern air conditioning options in older homes without ductwork.
THE PROBLEM: WHERE TO PUT THE EQUIPMENT AND DUCTWORK?
Most homes in the Boston area were built with some form of central heating system. The most commonly found are boiler and radiator systems, which are traditional distribution systems that do not require ductwork to distribute heat. These older homes were generally not built with ductwork in mind, and most of them do not have the internal space for modern duct installation.
Since traditional ducts can be between 6” to 12” wide, installing central air can come with sizing complications. This often means tearing walls apart and creating extra soffits to hide the ducts. This invasive work means altering the architecture of your room. Having this kind of ductwork installed often comes at a significant cost.
Another common problem is where to put the equipment itself. Equipment can be large and often has specific requirements for where it should be placed in relation to the rest of the home and HVAC system. This can be especially difficult in the rowhomes that often don’t have much space to spare, both inside and out.
The result of these issues is that many people think the only answer is to fill every room of their house with noisy, inefficient window AC units that are often removed and stored during the off-season. Don’t worry, though! Unique Indoor Comfort offers a variety of cooling solutions that are less expensive and less disruptive than traditional central air conditioning systems.
AIR CONDITIONING OPTIONS FOR HOMES WITHOUT DUCTWORK
Unique Indoor Comfort offers two primary solutions that will meet the needs of most homeowners looking to install central air conditioning in a house without ducts, ductless mini split systems and high velocity systems. Here’s a brief comparison of the two, then we’ll get into the details.
Ductless Mini Splits
- Can be used for heating and cooling
- Modular system for individual rooms 40% more efficient than conventional HVAC
- Costs can be spaced out because units can be installed one at a time, and start around $7,000 per room.
- Requires an indoor unit, available in wall, floor, or recessed ceiling units, depending on structure of home.
- Lasts about 15 years
High Velocity
- Used for cooling but can also provide heating when combined with a heat pump
- Central air conditioning system with one temperature control setting for the entire house
- Cost is priced for the entire home, and has a more expensive upfront cost starting at $30,000
- More aesthetically pleasing as they are easily hidden and quiet
- Lasts about 20 years
DUCTLESS MINI SPLIT SYSTEMS
Ever wonder why you have to turn on the air conditioning system for the entire house just to cool the one room that you’re sitting in? Instead of cooling down the whole house at once, ductless mini split systems control temperatures for individual rooms. This allows you to balance how much energy your HVAC system uses to cool your home, reducing energy costs.
You may have heard of ductless mini split systems by other names, such as: mini splits, split type air conditioners, ductless systems, and ductless air conditioners. This system operates using two main components, an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air handler. Ductless mini split systems are smaller than traditional central air systems and don’t require extensive ductwork to distribute the chilled air. This makes them much easier to install in a house. The indoor units of the system require minimal installation and can be mounted almost anywhere in the home that has access to electricity.
Ductless mini split systems are also ideal for additions and renovations, where you may be adding a room or two that need climate control, but don’t necessarily need to cover the entire home. Additionally, these systems can be used to both heat and cool, keeping these rooms comfortable year-round. Ductless mini splits can also be a great replacement for your window units, as they are cost-effective and easy to install in older homes with limited space.
HIGH VELOCITY SYSTEMS
A high velocity air conditioning system can be an ideal air conditioning retrofit solution for any home. These systems deliver cool air through 2″ flexible ducts designed and engineered to fit
your existing framework. Unlike traditional air conditioning systems, there are no big, unsightly ducts. The compact air handler can be easily installed in attics, basements, crawl spaces, or even closets. No matter the age or construction, high velocity systems can fit in almost any home.
This means that we are able to preserve the architectural integrity and charm of the home, making it an ideal solution for the older homes that we see all over the greater Boston area. From restored barns to simple colonials and city rowhomes, retrofitting your property with high velocity AC provides comfort without disruption or major renovation.
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS…
Air conditioning options for older homes without ductwork have come a long way, offering homeowners a variety of choices to ensure indoor comfort during the hot summer months. Heat pumps, high-velocity systems, ductless mini-split air conditioners, and even portable AC units all present viable solutions depending on the specific needs of the home and the homeowner’s preferences.
Consulting with a home heating and air conditioning company like Unique Indoor Comfort can help determine the most suitable cooling system for an older home, considering factors such as size, layout, and energy efficiency goals. With the right cooling solution in place, older homes without ductwork can enjoy the benefits of modern comfort without compromising their unique character. To learn more about our air conditioning services, call us at (781) 757-1341