Upgrading the air conditioning in an older home is a lot easier than you think. The best part of installing a central air system is that you’ll never have to deal with outdated window units again. Central air is more energy-efficient, and it will keep your entire home comfortable. Find out what it takes to retrofit a new unit into your existing house!
1. Sizing the Unit
The very first step to installing a new air conditioning system into your home is sizing the unit. A qualified technician will determine the load calculation of your rooms. This is how an expert discovers the estimated heat gain that your house experiences. The size of the unit your house needs may vary depending on your location. The insulation in your home will also play a big part in choosing the right unit. Improving insulation may make it possible to choose a more cost-effective solution.
2. Does the Heat Gain Need to Be Calculated?
If the proper measurements are not made, then your unit could be sized wrong for the conditions of your house. An undersized unit will never be able to cool a room to the desired temperature, and it will constantly use power. That leads to expensive electric bills, and it can create excessive wear on your system. A unit that’s too big for your home will not be able to remove moisture from the air fast enough. That will lead to very damp rooms, and it can cause condensation to form on your interior walls. It’s very important to base the selection of your system on the local building standards for your area.
3. Placement of The Components
Central air units will always create some amount of noise. That’s why you should make sure that your contractor knows exactly what you want. Be sure to let your installers know the location of home offices and bedrooms. That will help them make the right choices to keep your living space as comfortable as possible. It’s also crucial for the condenser unit to have adequate airflow at all times to maintain it’s efficiency.
4. Installing New Ducts
This is the part of the project that most homeowners are nervous about, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. Installing ducting doesn’t require too many modifications under the supervision of an experienced technician. Experts know how to conceal most ducting with minimal changes to walls. Most ducts can be conveniently directed through closets. Installations can be completed in a few days, and you don’t have to worry about remodeling your home afterward. Multiple story homes may need some sections of ceiling removed to run ducts through, and closets may need holes cut into the flooring to run pipes to lower floors. The majority of your home will be left relatively untouched without making much of a mess.
5. Retrofitting A Forced-Air Furnace
There are several types of air conditioner systems that can be installed in your home. They all work on the same basic principles. You’ll most likely have a split-system installed when your home already has an existing furnace. The condenser cools down refrigerant that gets pushed towards a cooling coil. It creates a significant amount of heat as a byproduct of cooling the refrigerant. The condensers are typically installed on the outside of the building on split-systems. If you have a forced-air furnace, then the cooling system will be installed directly into the furnace air handler. “It may require the installation of an additional plenum that your contractor will have fabricated out of sheet metal to house the coil,” according to pureairsolutionsllc.com.
6. What About Homes Without A Forced-Air Furnace?
If you don’t have an existing furnace, then your technician may recommend that you install a fan-and-coil system. The condensers on these air conditioners are usually installed in the attic of homes. They pump refrigerant down through piping to the cooling coil. If your home doesn’t have ducting, then it will need to be installed as well.
7. Installing A Central Air Unit Is Easy
If you want to enjoy the comfort that comes with having a central air conditioner unit, then don’t let any worries hold you back. Your house can be cozy within a few days of work, and it’s not that expensive. Just think about how great you’ll feel when it’s done!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
