Adding AC Sytem to an Older Florida Home

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Adding AC Sytem to an Older Florida Home

You might be one of the many Floridians that own an older house and rely on window ACs to cool your home. Although these can maintain comfortable temperatures, they are noisy, they block your window view, and spoils the exterior of your home.

Installing a AC system will not only add to your comfort, but also increase the value of your house. But you might be wondering: Is the installation for a central AC possible?

Simply put, yes; however, it is a process.

Here are some steps to help you install that central AC for maximum comfort.

1. Consider your Options

Before you go shopping you must do your homework.

Understandably, you may be reluctant to move forward even if change is needed. Maintaining a budget is important and you might be unsure if a Central AC would fit your house and if installation could damage to your walls.

With careful research, you can find the system that suitably matches your household needs. For example, it helps to know what works for homes with or without ducts.

Homes without preinstalled ducts will take more work and will be a little more expensive, but well worth the investment.

Homes with preinstalled ducts can be a clean job with the least number of cuts in the walls and ceilings as possible. Ducts can be hidden behind walls, in the back of closets, and in the attic when done by seasoned professionals.

No matter what your home situation is, it’s good to explore your options.

Central AC

Central air conditioning tune up in Coral Springs, FL  can get pricey, but it’s worth it to have dependable air flow in your home. They filter airborne particles like lint, pollen, dust, allergens, or dander so you can enjoy purer air indoors.

Also, it’s compressor and condenser are located outside so it’s not ruining your home’s outward appearance or obstructing your view from the inside. And because they are not overwhelming your indoor space, it gives your home a more modern, fresh look and you have extra space to work with.

In addition, Central ACs are one of the most convenient systems for homes with ducts, it’s easy to operate and runs at times and temperatures you set. It’s a convenient way to manage the heating and cooling settings for your home.

High-Velocity System

Now the high-velocity system is mainly designed for older, ductless homes with forced traditional air systems. Their size makes it easier to be installed within existing walls. They function through small insulated air tubes that go around and through existing construction.

Because of this, there is little to no remodeling required so you can maintain the structural architecture of your home, it cools your home evenly, and reduces humidity by 30%.

The Ductless Mini-Split

The ductless mini-split is your least expensive option.

Also, capable of heating and cooling, it’s basically a small heat pump. The outdoor unit looks like a compressor and the indoor unit goes on the wall or ceiling with the least amount of intrusion. The mini split offers benefits such as:

  • Less wasted energy because it’s ductless so it expels “extra air” differently than a home with ducts.
  • More cooling control of individual rooms. Instead of having a set temperature for your entire house you can decide which rooms need more or less cool air. It really depends on which rooms you choose to have the installations placed.
  • Simultaneous cooling and heating features.
  • Easy installation.
  • More efficient cooling if you’re looking to cool specific areas of your home; otherwise a central AC makes more sense for your whole house.

2. Select with Accuracy

Next, it’s time to choose the proper equipment. When adding the central AC these steps can help you.

Have the cooling load calculated. This factors in air filtration rates, insulation levels, door and window placing, and home orientation. Having that calculation helps determine the amount of heat gain that must be overcome to keep your home comfortable.

Have the AC correctly sized. An experienced contractor will recommend the size based off the cooling load. That is why precision is important. An undersized unit won’t be able to keep up with demand and an oversized unit will cycle on and off and make you uncomfortable.

Check for Efficiency Ratings. The minimum SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) requirement by federal law is the SEER 14. Initially costs may start small, but increase according to the unit’s life. In Florida’s tropical climate there is high AC dependency for most of the year, so higher efficiency would probably be a more economical choice in the long run.

3. Place it Properly

On this part, you need to work with your contractor because even the quietest condensers will make noises.

The best thing is to avoid any type of air flow restriction for efficiency and adequate circulation. With assistance, some discrete installation locations can be away from the windows or covered behind foliage. The shade also helps the unit run smoother and offers protection from the heat.

Of course, the location still depends on the type of unit you choose because of where the evaporator and compressors are placed and whether you are working with ducts.

Conclusion

To get the most out of your money and enjoy the highest comfort experience you want to secure everything with a final inspection.

If you have preinstalled ducts it’s essential to have them checked because they’re an important part of adding that AC. Technicians will check if they’re properly sealed, insulated, and properly sized.

Vital AC has trustworthy technicians who can help guide you through the steps of this process.

Vital AC Solutions

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