The HVAC system is an important part of every home. And there’s hardly any new home or commercial space without a central air conditioner. However, this is not the case with older homes. Most people who live in older homes are faced with a common challenge when it comes to installing the HVAC system. There’s hardly any space for the ductwork.
So, we often get asked if it is possible to install a Central Air in your house without the ductwork? The simple answer is yes, installing central air in a house without ducts is very possible.
In fact, the ductless central air system is easier to install than ductwork and more energy-efficient. This article will tell you everything you need to know to successfully install central air in your home without ducts.
How Do Ducts Work in a Central Cooling System?
Ducts are essential parts of central air conditioning systems. They allow cool air to flow through the house, keeping rooms comfortable while preventing heat from escaping outside. However, if you don’t have ducts installed, you might wonder how they work.
In most cases, ducts are built into the walls of a home. The main purpose of these vents is to move air through the house, allowing it to circulate evenly. The reason why ducts are needed is that they help distribute the cold air evenly throughout the entire house. If the air was only distributed in one place, it would be too cold in some parts of the house and too warm in others.
However, ducts can take up a lot of space. So, if you want to install central air in a house with little space, you’ll have to find another way to distribute the air. That’s why many homeowners choose to go with a ductless central air system.
What Is A Ductless Central Air System?
A ductless central air system doesn’t use ducts. Instead, it uses a network of pipes to move the air around. These pipes work like a network of tubes. They’re connected to each other and to the heating and cooling units.
The main advantage of using a ductless central air conditioning system is that it requires less space. You don’t need as many ducts to distribute the air. Also, since these systems don’t require ducts, they’re easy to clean.
If you’re looking to install central air in your home without ducts, you may want to consider replacing the options below. Not only do they help you save on installation costs, but they are also more efficient.
Mini-split System
Ductless mini-split systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their compact size and energy efficiency. These systems are ideal for small spaces where space is limited, and they offer excellent cooling performance.
They work by splitting the refrigerant into two streams, which then pass through separate coils inside the unit. The cool air from the coil passes through the room while the warm air stays behind. This allows the system to provide both heating and cooling simultaneously.
Multi-zone Ductless Air Conditioners
Multi-zone ductless air conditioners are the best option for large rooms. They are similar to mini-split ductless air conditioners. However, they come in multiple numbers and allow multiple zones to be heated and cooled simultaneously.
Meaning that you can heat different areas of your building without having to run individual lines of piping through each room. The system also allows for greater control over temperature settings, allowing you to set different temperatures for different rooms.
What to consider when Installing Central Air in a House Without Ducts
Installing air conditioning without ductwork is a great idea. But before you start planning out the project, make sure you do your research first. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Make Sure Your Home Can Handle It
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Before installing a central air conditioning unit in a home, you should check whether or not it can handle the extra load. If you live in an older home, you may need to reinforce the structure so that it can support the new equipment.
Know What Size Equipment You Need
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You’ll need to know what size unit you need to get the job done. This will depend on the square footage of your home.
Check For Existing Issues
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Make sure that your home has no leaks or cracks that could cause problems during the installation process.
Plan Ahead
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Make sure you plan ahead so that you can avoid any potential issues. This means making sure you have enough time to complete the project.
Get Help From Professionals
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Most people who install central air in homes without ducts hire professionals to do the job. Hiring a professional will ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Consider the Cost
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Depending on how big your home is, you might be able to save money by going with a smaller unit.
How Much to Install Central Air Without Ductwork
There is a range of options when installing a central air conditioner without ductwork. However, the price usually depends on your home size, the number of rooms you want to cool, the size of the air conditioning system, the efficiency, and the contractor you choose.
Generally, you should budget something between $5,000 to $28,000, for the purchase and installation of your ductless air conditioning system, with $12,000 being the average cost.
Pros Of Having A Ductless Central Cooling System
It Is Easier To Install:
A ductless system requires less space because you don’t have to worry about where to locate the venting holes. For example, if you want to install a ductless central air unit in your attic, you only have to drill a hole in the roof.
It Is Better For Your Home’s Interior Design:
Unlike a ducted central AC system, which requires vents on the ceiling, ductless central air systems do not require any holes in the ceiling. So, if you want to change the interior design of your home, you can easily do so.
It Is Easy To Maintain:
Since ductless central air conditioning systems don’t have any ducts, you don’t have to worry whether the filters are dirty or not.
Hire A Ductless Air Conditioner Installer Today
Installing central air in a house without ducts is possible but can be quite challenging. So, you need to hire a professional contractor to do the job. This gives you more comfort when the job is done.
In addition, an HVAC professional would give you better advice on what choice of air conditioning system you should have in your home. At Hurliman, we specialize in providing top-notch Ductless AC installation services to our residential and commercial clients. We also ensure that all our central air installation projects are performed according to industry standards.
So, get in touch with us today, and let’s discuss how we can help you with your air conditioning needs!
