Do You Need Central Air?
Among owners of older homes, there is a question that often comes up: do you need central air to provide cooling to your home? Here are some factors that can go into that decision.
How Is Your Cooling System Working?
Surely, you already have some cooling system in place. Whether it be window AC units or fans, these systems can work well for resilient people in moderate climates. If you have someone in the home with health issues who can't be exposed to higher temperatures, central air can become a must. And it's nice to have as a way to escape from the sweltering temperatures of summer. It also increases the value of your home when you decide to sell.
Do You Need Ducts?
If you already have a heating system that uses ductwork, you have some good news coming. Adding central air will not be nearly as expensive, because you can use the same ductwork to complete both tasks. The total job should cost a few thousand dollars to install the air conditioning unit appropriate for your space. Make sure you include maintenance for HVAC in your budget, because installing a new AC on a leaky or dirty HVAC system doesn't make too much sense.
How Many Levels Is Your Home?
If you do need ducts, another question that must be asked is how many levels there are in your home. If there are more than 2, the job can get more expensive. Two levels can be serviced by the same set of ducts, with connectors being used to branch up to vents on the second floor.
How Big Is Your Home?
The cost of installation can also depend on the overall area of the home. That's because the air conditioning unit you choose will depend on the size of the home and how much cool air needs to be provided. You can sometimes keep costs low by designating only certain rooms for circulation with your central air system; other rooms will have their vents closed for a majority of the time. Your heating and cooling specialist can help you shop for the right size air conditioner.
When you take the time to install central air in your home, it can actually make your home much more efficient. For example, central air conserves much more energy than a setup of multiple window air conditioning systems, which can be inefficient and still leave you lacking. In short, although central air can be a big expense, it's an upgrade that pays off in many ways. For more information, talk to a company like Boyers R S Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.