Air Conditioning for Old Houses: Common Problems and Best Options

Inland Empire Comfort
April 19, 2022

No matter the age of your home, AC is a necessity for you and your family. This proves especially true on the many hot summer days in California, where air conditioning is the only thing keeping your home cool.


If you’re the owner of an old home, you likely do not have central AC installed. So, to keep your home comfortable all year long, you’ll need to find a cooling solution. With this in mind, it may be difficult to find and narrow down the types of air conditioning for old houses.


If you want the right company to complete your air conditioning installation, contact our trusted team for expert air conditioning installation in Corona from Inland Empire Comfort. Give our HVAC professionals a call today at (951) 789-3538 to get working AC for your home.


Why Choose Ductless AC for Your Old Home?


In most cases, older homes do not have pre-installed central air conditioning. Unfortunately, this means that your home has none of the pre-existing work needed to run central AC. The most notable problem likely stems from your older home not having HVAC ducts.


Installing these takes major renovations to walls, floors, and ceilings. This may be highly costly, and some older homes may not have room for duct installation. For this reason alone, many homeowners with older residences choose ductless AC instead.


A ductless system cools down your home without the need for HVAC duct installation. This option makes a more cost-efficient and less invasive choice for homeowners.


Common HVAC Problems With Old Homes


Many HVAC problems and issues may accumulate in older homes. In addition to a lack of ductwork, older homes tend to have other problems like these issues listed below.


  • No Pre-Existing Ductwork
  • Poor Energy Efficiency
  • Long Term Lack of HVAC Maintenance
  • Little to No Temperature Control
  • Outdated Electrical Systems
  • Cold Drafts
  • Dirty, Clogged Filters or Ducts (if applicable)
  • Less Than Ideal Indoor Air Quality


Weighing Central Air Versus Ductless


While any home can have central air conditioning, it’s not always a budget-friendly choice for older homes. However, briefly consider the differences between installing central air conditioning and ductless AC options to help move forward with the type of HVAC installation you want and need.


Central Air Conditioning


  • Requires appropriate space in walls and ceiling to install ductwork
  • Proves costly and invasive to install in older homes
  • Provides whole-house cooling
  • Offers better temperature control for the entire house
  • Involves more maintenance and working parts


Ductless Air Conditioning


  • Usually cools in specific rooms/areas
  • A wider variety of choices
  • Range of prices
  • Easier installation
  • Less maintenance and fewer working parts
  • Balanced airflow


Ductless Air Conditioning Options

If ductless AC is the choice for your home, then you will need to choose from the different ductless options available. Please consult with our experienced team of HVAC professionals to find the appropriate ductless AC choice for your home. Ductless AC offers excellent energy efficiency, long-lasting usage, affordability, and compact options. Plus, the installation process, when handled professionally, is efficient.


Mini-Split Systems


One type of ductless AC system is a mini-split. These units split into two lines: an air handler inside and a compressor located outside. Mini-split systems are sleek looking and usually installed on the wall.


High-Velocity Air System


A high-velocity system works the most similarly to central AC. This system requires ducts, but the ducts are much smaller in diameter and more flexible. These ducts may be installed with minimal damage to your existing home and placed in crawl spaces, attics, and basements.


VRF System (Variable Refrigerant Leak System)


This ductless air conditioning system has one outdoor condenser unit and numerous indoor units. It represents a newer AC technology that connects refrigerant lines for cooling power.


Window Units


A common type of AC is a window unit. You’ll need a window to place the unit with this type of unit. If you have tons of windows in your old home, window units make a good choice. These units cool down one room or space at a time. However, window ACs are sometimes seen as a security hazard since you need an open window for the unit.


Portable AC Units


Last, you will find portable AC units. These units sound exactly like what they are—portable units that stand alone. You plug these in, and they work to cool down a room. However, experts do not recommend running portable AC units all day and night long.


Inland Empire Comfort’s Variety of Services

No matter the type of ductless air conditioning, Inland Empire Comfort has the skills and experience to handle the installation. Services include ductless air conditioning installation,  replacing a furnace with AC, and ductless AC repair.


In addition to this, the Inland Empire Comfort team will perform regular AC maintenance like replenishing refrigerant, cleaning and repairing coils, and keeping your system in the best shape. The final noteworthy service our team offers is emergency repair services.

Our emergency service goes above and beyond by including a 24/7 helpline and same-day services you can count on.


Where Does Inland Empire Comfort Serve?


Inland Empire Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating Services operates near Corona, Jurupa Valley, Moreno Valley, Colton, and Perris, CA. If you have any additional questions about our service area, give the team a call for more information.

 

Hire Trusted HVAC Professionals


Even if you have an old home, you still deserve modern air conditioning. The good news—since you have so many options for ductless air conditioning for old houses, you’re not limited to one type of unit.


Your home’s heating and cooling is not something to ignore or handle on your own. Instead, hire HVAC professionals to manage your home’s HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installation, so you and your loved ones stay comfortable all season long.


Don’t wait to feel comfortable in your home. Instead, cool off with ease by giving Inland Empire Comfort a call today at (951) 336-1975.


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