How feasible would it be to add central air conditioning to a dwelling that already has forced-air heat; that is, with the air ducts and system seemingly already in place? Is this common? Is it more efficient, eneregy-wise and economically? Is it an improvement? Geographically, it would be in a home on the middle-east coast of the United States (New York to North Carolina). Thanks...
2006-09-10 12:17:19 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Simple answer , it is feasible. Sometimes without much modification you can have central air. There were some old heating system that the duct work is sized too small for cooling.
A few Questions.
#1 - What is the age of your furnace ?
More than 10 years, you should consider replacing it at the same time to one that is much more efficient. Is the blower on your furnace big enough to operate a a/c system?
#2 - What type of duct work do you have ?
It needs to be inspected to see if it needs cleaned when you do the addition.
#3 - Is your duct work insulated ?
If your duct work is in a attic or under a craw space, it will need to be insulated, unless it is already fiber duct.
#4 - Do you have enough electrical service to supply the new system?
#5 - Do you need a building permit ?
A few suggestions.
#1 - Get at least three contractors to give you bids. Make sure they show you a contractors license and proof of insurance.
#2 - Don't consider any brand that you have never heard of.
#3 - If they pull up in front of your home in a van that is more than 5 years old, send them away.
#4 - Never use someone with a name like "Uncle Billie Bob's Heating and Lawn care".
#5 - Get on the web and do some research, become a better customer so you know some idea of what you want, so you can better tell them what you have in mind.
#6 - Before you buy a system have them explain the warranty in detail to you.
#7 - Be sure you sign a contract before any work is started. Have the contractor tell you in writing what is going to happen through the whole process.
#8 - Be sure that you get a system that uses the new refrigerant R-410A. It will eventually be used by all manufactures. I would consider going ahead and getting a heat pump even if you are going to keep your furnace.
Yes you can have someone just slop one in or you can have it done right and add much to your comfort and the value of your home.
2006-09-10 23:14:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Assuming you have a relatively new gas or electric furnace and the duct work is insulated and in good shape, this should be a fairly straightforward project. The biggest cost is the outside A/C unit but it'll be more efficient to operate than several window units. And for an average sized house, shouldn't cost much more than buying a new window unit for every room.
If you have an older furnace -- worse yet, an oil burner -- you may need to replace that as well.
You will probably not recover the full cost on sale of the house, but it will be much more marketable and sell faster than without central A/C.
Also check with your state tax people, some states offer significant tax advantages to improving the energy efficiency of your home.
2006-09-10 13:04:29 · answer #2 · answered by Gitchy gitchy ya ya da da 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is very feasible. Home owners do it all the time. Now if it were boiler heat, then no. But in your case I think it would make a dramatic difference in the summer. East Coast summers can get just as hot and humid as anywhere else. It's not gonna be cheap though, but you already have the duct work in place. You are also going to have to look at how well your home is insulated it will make a big difference in the energy efficiency part of your question. If I had the funds to do it to my home I would do it without question. Do insulate if not already done. Hope this helps, good luck.
2006-09-10 12:25:46 · answer #3 · answered by G C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You would probably need to place a heat-exchanger alongside the house somewhere near the air-handler (which would replace the heating unit inside the house) and run the refrigeration lines and condensate removal line (pipe) under the house or up into and across an attic space. If you don't have a crawlspace/basement or attic, it becomes a little more problematic, maybe requiring you to open some drywall in order to run these lines inside the wall(s), ceiling.
Get someone to do you a free estimate, and ask if they can get a quality used unit to install (sometimes companies remove units for upgrades).
Good luck.
2006-09-10 12:49:42 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes.. NORMALLY you can use the same duct system as your forced heater air is using.. ASSUMING that it is in good condition. Adding a central air will be somewhat expensive but it will add tremendously to the value of the house.. believe me... Efficiency.. considerably more efficient than the window units that you were probably using.
2006-09-10 12:28:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i do it in a heart beat. your cost will be significantly lower since the ducts are already there. i live in california and dont know what i would do without my air conditioning. you will also be adding value to your home by installing the system. check around and get at least 3 or 4 estimates, you'd be surprised how much the price can fluctuate from company to company. also make sure you get a good warranty, not just on the system but also the installation. good luck
2006-09-10 12:25:34 · answer #6 · answered by dawn 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
while the sytem is going out and the temp is severe, chilly or warm, a maintenance settlement is the only way you will get somebody to return out. otherwise they're money makers for the contractor. I actual have had one for some years and can have one for many extra. the two circumstances the gadget went out while it replaced into, chilly one time warm the different, it replaced into properly worth it. additionally regularly occurring checkups are often lined i nthe cost of the maintenance settlement. in case you will pay say $50.00 for the guy to return out and that they arrive two times a twelve months, I actual have a heatpump, and the settlement is $one hundred twenty five.00, they make $25.00 to be on call while my gadget breaks. this is properly worth it to me.
2016-11-07 01:42:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be pretty simple since the ductwork is already in place.
It would also add quite a bit to the home value.
2006-09-10 12:22:56 · answer #8 · answered by JerseyRick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes we did that 3 summers ago we added central air, its wonderful.
2006-09-10 12:23:30 · answer #9 · answered by Katie Girl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a grand improvement, believe me.
2006-09-10 12:18:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋