AC Options and Solutions for Old Houses in Florida

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AC Options and Solutions for Old Houses in Florida

1aIdeal AC Options and Solutions for Old Houses

There are three main types of AC systems for old homes:

  • High Velocity AC Systems
  • Mini-Split AC Systems
  • Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems (VRF)

 

Each of these three solutions comes with their fair share of features. And depending on your needs and preferences, it will be easier for you to find the right system for you. Here’s what you need to know about them.

High Velocity AC Units

1bKnown for their efficiency and convenience, High Velocity ACs are the best for entire homes regardless of construction and age. Despite needing ductwork, their 2-inch  ducts are often flexible, easy to handle, and fully insulated to minimize noise.

These ACs can be engineered to fit into any existing framework without the big and unattractive air ducts. The fact that a High Velocity AC Unit air handler can be installed in basements, attics, closets, and even crawl spaces means that you can use this system in any type of construction.

Mini Split AC Units

1cNow, if you are looking for an AC unit that’s not only affordable but also allows you to heat selected rooms, then this is the one. Mini-splits top choice when looking for flexibility and convenience needed to keep your room temperatures comfortable and conducive.

Unlike High Velocity Systems, these units operate independently. This means reduced installation costs and a lower operating expense, hence more efficiency. With only two primary components;, a condenser/compressor (outdoor) and an air handler (indoor), mini-splits are often ductless. Owing to their small size, they can be installed in any room regardless of space available. Moreover, they are great for renovations and add-ons in case you add need an extra room in your house.

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Units

VRF  are almost the same as most central AC units used. The only difference is that they can be installed without ducts, which means they use refrigerant lines to link a number of smaller fan coil units installed in the house.

Even though VRF ACs allow you to heat, cool or do both simultaneously to different parts of your house, these systems are unfortunately quite sophisticated and expensive.

So unlike modern houses, fitting an old home with an AC system can be a bit tricky and strenuous.

In most cases, it may mean tearing apart the whole house just to set up the additional ductwork, heating & cooling units, and so on. What’s more, the whole process may end up costing you more than necessary.

That’s why, when it comes to finding the best air conditioner (AC) options for your old home, you need to consider a few factors. Colleen Harding of Income Realty Corp., a Miami property management company helped us put together this article for you. So keep reading to find out more!

Factors to Consider When Looking for an AC System for Your Old House

1dTo make sure you get the best AC solutions, your search criteria must be specific. This not only saves you a lot of trouble but also helps you to save a few bucks. Consider the following factors:

 

  • Your home’s A/C needs.

 

So, are you cooling or heating the entire house or just a few rooms? Obviously, both options have different needs.

For example, if you are targeting specific rooms, a Mini-Split would be your best bet. With it, you don’t have to worry about retrofitting or any additional ductwork.

On the other hand, a High-Velocity or VRF AC system is often ideal for entire-house air conditioning.

 

  • The amount of space in question.

 

The size of the unit may be dependent on the amount of space. Since bigger rooms require more air conditioning, installing a bigger tonnage AC unit would be your best play. Maybe even get a heat-load calculation from a professional, as a second opinion.

 

  • The type of system you want; central or modular?1e

 

A centralized AC unit is one that’s controlled by a thermostat in each zone, aka room, where all zones are served from one base location.

On the other hand, a modular system consists of numerous independent units that enable you to set specific temperatures in each zone of your house.

 

  • The efficiency of the system.

 

Higher efficiency translates into reduced operating costs. Now, if you choose to work with independent AC units for each room, you’ll be able to save on operating costs by only cooling the rooms in use. This means that, in terms of efficiency, independent units are more efficient than whole-house units.

 

  • The costs involved.

 

On average, whole-house units like High Velocity AC Systems often cost between $5,000 and $10,000.

That is a lot more compared to the $4,000 – $5,000 installation costs of Mini-Split AC Systems. But you should note that using Mini-Split Systems can be costly if you want to use them on your entire house rather than a few rooms.

That’s everything you need to know to find the best AC systems for your old house. Once you’ve taken consideration the factors mentioned above, it will be easier for you to find the ideal fit.

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