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You don’t have to sweat it through another summer. Installing a central air conditioner can make your older home cooler and more comfortable. Before you invest in a central AC for your home, there are a few things you should know that will make the process much easier.

You’ve decided to upgrade your home’s cooling system with central air conditioning. However, many older homes are not built to accommodate central AC, and there may be a need for some structural modifications in order to install a brand new central AC properly in an older home.

A licensed central air conditioner company can install your new central AC so that you can enjoy cooling comfort in your older home all summer long.

Determine Proper Sizing

“selectright”Getting the right size of a central air conditioner is important. If you install a central AC that is too large for the home, it will cycle on and off too frequently. Your AC system needs to be on for no less than ten minutes to remove excess humidity from the air.

One way to determine the right size of AC system for your space is to take the square footage of your home and multiply it by 25. Divide that by 12,000 and subtract .05. Another way to calculate the right sizing is by using the square footage range of your home and the climate zone where you live.

If you live where it is hot and humid most of the year, you should purchase a unit that is capable of dispensing the maximum cooling comfort. But if you live in a dryer, cooler climate, you may only need standard cooling. Have a licensed HVAC contractor determine the correct load and size of a central air conditioner. Their evaluation should include the following:

  • Size of the home.
  • Age of the house.
  • Is there ductwork available?
  • Is the home well insulated?
  • If older windows and door jambs allow drafts to enter the home.
  • The number of windows in the home.

Ducts Are Not Always Needed

“noducts”Older homes don’t usually have ductwork already installed. So, before you install your new central AC, you will have to install ductwork in your home first. This will be an added expense to the equipment and installation.

Building ductwork in a home often requires the opening of walls and lowering of the ceiling to make room for the new ducts. This might take away some of the home’s old world charm which is what you love about your old house.

If you don’t want to install ductwork, consider getting a mini-split HVAC system instead. With a mini-duct HVAC system, you may be able to retain the charm of your older home without losing its historical value. Mini-duct systems work by pushing cool air through 3″ ducts. These ducts can be added through the walls and ceilings without having to break into them.

How Much Will it All Cost?

“averagecost”The price to install central air conditioning in your home will run you between $3,000 to $5,000, including the AC unit itself plus the labor. If you have to add ductwork, it will cost more. The installation will usually take 2 to 5 days to complete.

A properly installed central air conditioner will add cooling comfort to your older home, sustain a healthy indoor air quality and significantly increase the value of your property.

The central air conditioning specialists at Total Comfort LLC in Fredericksburg, VA can help you choose the right central air conditioner for your home. Call them if you have any questions.

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