Maybe you’re one of those people who believe that installing central air in a house without ducts is impossible. Well, it’s not true. When you plan to install central air in a house without ducts, there are many factors to consider.
For example, how much do you want to spend? It would be best if you also thought of the size of your home and what it will take to install air conditioning without ductwork. We’ll go over these essential considerations and answer any questions you may have.
Can You Install Central Air in a House without Ducts?
Installing air conditioning without ductwork can be challenging but is not impossible, especially for people with unique home designs. If you’re looking to install central air in your ductless house, these few proven options may suffice.
Use a Mini-Split System Instead
One way to avoid installing central air in a house without ducts is by using a mini-split system. The installation process for these systems will be much easier because you don’t need bulky and hard-to-install ductwork.
A mini-split system is also a great way to save on energy costs. Using one will allow you to cool or warm a single room at a time, saving on the cost of heating the entire home.
What’s more, this mini-split system has standard-sized internal components that require minimal installation. This means you can practically install the system anywhere within your home, provided there’s access to electricity.
Get a Multi-Zone Ductless Air Conditioners
If you’re living in a larger house with many people simultaneously, the need for concurrent air conditioning can arise. To avoid a situation where some rooms are air-conditioned and some are not, you can opt for multi-zone air conditioners.
These work similarly to the mini-split system, with the only difference being they come in multiple numbers. For example, you can install three separate single-zone units in two different rooms for better temperature control.
Benefits of a Ductless AC System
There are several benefits to installing a ductless air conditioner over central heating and cooling, which include:
- The system is easy to use with minimal time required for installation; the only problem is that they require a lot of space, which can be problematic in smaller homes.
- These systems are perfect for homes with an existing central heating system without any air conditioning features.
- The installation process doesn’t involve the addition of ductwork. You only need to mount the condenser in a position of your choice, which makes the system quite versatile and adaptable.
- It’s also possible to add a dehumidifier. This is perfect for houses with basements or garages with high chances of dampness and mold formation.
What to Consider When Choosing a Ductless AC System for Your Home
While you can always consider buying a ductless system for your home, certain factors need to be considered before purchasing. Here’s a list of some of these points:
Size Matters
When it comes down to choosing between wall-mounted or window units, the size of your home also matters. Window units are great for single rooms, but if you have a larger room or multiple rooms to be cooled at once, wall-mounted is the way forward.
Location
Another factor that needs careful consideration when choosing between the window or wall-mounted systems is where exactly you want them to go in your house. Window units are best suited for rooms with large windows or patio doors.
Wall-mounted systems can go in any room of your house. Still, they need to be connected directly into an existing duct system used by the central air conditioning unit already installed in your home.
Installation
As the window-mounted units are self-contained, installation is straightforward. All you have to do is place the unit in a window that gets some sunlight, attach it to your home’s electrical system and then plug it into an existing AC outlet inside the room.
Wall-mounted units are more complicated because they need ducts installed before they can be used. The good news here is that in most cases, you would have had a central AC unit installed before the wall-mounted units were added to your home.
Therefore, you may not need to pay for duct installation if the work has already been completed. Ensure that the window or wall-mounted unit is installed by a professional who can evaluate your home’s airflow and advise on how best to use it.
How Much to Install Central Air without Ductwork?
Installing a central air conditioner without ductwork is possible, but it might not be the best method for all homes. In some cases, installing central AC units in rooms with no vents or registers will provide minimal cooling and airflow to that room.
This can also lead to higher utility bills. You would have to run your home’s central AC system longer to achieve the same temperature as central air installed in every room.
On average, you can expect to spend around $2,000 to $8,000 for a contractor or professional installer to install your central AC system without ductwork. However, this figure will vary depending on where you live and the complexity of the installation work required.
If replacing an existing unit is not an option, you can expect to spend even more money. Replacement is usually the most cost-efficient method for getting central air conditioning in a room with no ducts or vents.
Final Thought
Installing central air in a house without ducts is agreeably a challenging task. However, if you have the right plan and work with the right team of professionals, then it is only a matter of time before you have central air in your home. You can always do extensive research online for the best companies offering central air installation in your area.
At Anderson Air, we are always ready to help you with all your HVAC system needs. Whether duct or ductless installation, you can always rely on us for the best services.
