If you have an older home, the prospect of HVAC installation in Dundalk can be highly intimidating. Unlike a typical HVAC installation in a newer home, there are several issues that come with installation in an old home. That said, there are ways to retrofit your home for a central air conditioner. Find out what you can do to make your home a more comfortable place.
Why You Need Central AC
There’s a certain charm that comes from living in an older home. And while you probably went to great lengths to preserve certain parts of your home, there’s one thing you should change – the air conditioner. In the past, people settled for simpler methods of home cooling. When all else failed, they opened a few windows and doors.
Today, there are much more efficient ways of cooling your home. You deserve that comfort because it can make your home a better place to be. Instead of going out to escape the heat, you can spend the hottest days indoors enjoying your home. With a central AC, you can keep your windows and doors closed and prevent pests from getting inside.
If your home has a more outdated cooling system, there’s another issue. It won’t be energy efficient. As your air conditioner struggles to cool your old home, it will increase your energy bills and cost you money. Your AC is unlikely to last very long with the intense workload. For these reasons, the best solution is to work with a heating and cooling expert to retrofit a central air system.
How to Get Started
Before you begin the process of installing your central air, you should know a few things. For one, you need to know about your current heating and cooling system. Certain systems are easier to retrofit than others.
If your heating and cooling system use existing ductwork, it may be easier to retrofit your HVAC. Installing new ductwork is a costly and time-consuming endeavor. With existing ductwork, you probably will need to make some modifications, but you can still save money on the installation.
It’s also possible that your home only has an electric baseboard. In this case, you need brand new ductwork and should consider a mini split AC installation. You can install a central air system, but be prepared for the cost.
To learn more about your current system, you can consult with an HVAC professional. They will be able to tell you more about the system and what it means for your central AC installation.
The Most Important Preparations
Here are a few of the most important preparations before you install a new central air system:
Electrical System Upgrades
Years ago, electricity wasn’t in such high demand. A homeowner only used a small amount of electricity, and so electrical systems could only handle small loads. Today, appliances may be more energy efficient, but there are many more of them. To make sure your home can handle the load of a central air system, you may need to upgrade your panel.
At the very least, you need a breaker for your HVAC system. But you might want to upgrade the circuit breaker box to prevent future issues. Consult with an electrician to find out what your electrical system can handle, and they can advise you on what you need to do to support a central air system.
Pick the Right System
You can split HVAC systems into two categories. First, there are split systems that use an indoor fan and cool system and have outdoor condensers. The refrigerant pipes from the external units to the inside of your home via ducts. Secondly, there are package systems that use a fan to send refrigerant through ductwork.
As confusing as that might sound, you don’t need to worry about the intricacies of each system. Your HVAC technician has the role of deciding which system will work best for your home and your needs. After inspecting your home and learning what you want, your HVAC technician can help you pick the best system for the job.
Consider the Details
As you get ready for the installation, there are a few key details to consider. For one, what size system do you need? If you get one that’s too small, it won’t be able to cool or heat your home to the desired temperature. Additionally, it will overwork itself and leave you with high energy bills and frequent repairs. A system that’s too large will also result in issues.
You should also pay attention to the energy efficiency. If you want a system with a good SEER rating, you’ll probably pay a little more for it. However, it will give you energy savings on your monthly bills. While the cost of a unit is probably a concern of yours, don’t let the price rule your decision. Come up with a budget and decide how much you can afford on your HVAC installation. Keep in mind that many companies offer financing options.
Pick the Right Person for Your HVAC Installation
Perhaps the most important thing to know is how ro pick the right contractor for your retrofit. Because HVAC installs aren’t DIY jobs, you should hire a seasoned professional. And not just any professional will get the job done well. You should only hire someone who has a good reputation and years of experience.
Before you hire someone, research the company. Make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Check their reviews on social media and websites, and ask friends or family members for recommendations. With a little research, you can make the right decision. You’re much more likely to have a successful installation and a central air system that lives up to your expectations.
Do you want to retrofit a central air system in your Dundalk home or get a mini split AC installation? Either way, you can count on us at Reliability Home Services. Call us for HVAC installation or maintenance today and learn more about how we can work for you.
