Old homes have charm and history in spades. One thing they don’t tend to have is central AC. If your older home doesn’t have central air and your window box units aren’t cutting it, you might be asking: should I upgrade my central air in my old house?
The good news for owners of older or historic homes is this: today’s central air systems don’t have to mean making major changes to your home’s interior or cutting into your beautiful decorative ceilings, wood floors or wainscoting.
Here’s what to know.
Central Air Solutions for Older Homes
When homeowners think of central air, huge ducts and registers come to mind. But innovations in HVAC technology mean that there are alternatives to bulky ducts that can be great for old and historic homes.
- Mini-split systems. These use wall-mounted cooling units placed in individual rooms that are connected to a compressor and fan set up outside the house. They can be installed in inobtrusive areas that don’t affect the look and feel of your room – and don’t require major reworking of a space.
- High-velocity HVAC systems. These use ultra-thin ducts (tubes) and small registers just a few inches wide to deliver air into a room. The ducts are so thin that they can be snaked through walls and ceilings – no major remodeling is required.
- Retrofitting an existing heating system. If you already have central heat, you might be able to piggyback your AC system off your existing ductwork, although be prepared to update or seal your existing system, especially if it’s older.
While these solutions will involve some cutting and patching, the impact will be minor compared with traditional systems.
Money Saved On Remodeling
Mini-split and high-velocity HVAC systems do have a higher price tag than traditional central air systems, but they pay for themselves by helping homeowners skip the extensive remodeling and renovations that would otherwise be required. With these AC options, you can avoid the time and cost associated with calling in an expert in traditional craftsmanship – not to mention sourcing vintage or antique materials.
If the cost is out of reach, you can consider a piecemeal approach. This might involve augmenting your existing window box system with a couple of mini split units in key areas – and adding additional units as your budget permits. The heat system “piggyback” option is also a good alternative for those who already have central heat.
Talk to the Pros About Your Options
If you own an older or historic home and you’re looking for an AC solution that will let you maintain the vintage aesthetic of your home while also being budget friendly, talk to the team at Shaw Services. We’ll review your current system, assess your cooling and heating needs, and design an efficient, visually appealing solution that works for you – and for your home. Talk to us today!