If you have an older home, then you may think that it would be too much hassle to install a central air conditioning system. Most newer homes with central air conditioning have a variety of ducts and registers that your older home probably wasn't designed for. However, just because your home wasn't originally built with central air conditioning doesn't mean that you have to just sweat it out. There are ways to install a system without tearing up your home or making a lot of sacrifices.

How can I have central air without existing ducts?

This is probably the first thing you thought about if you've ever wondered if you could get central air. Truth is, lack of duct-work doesn't prevent you from putting a system in your home. A common way to work with homes without room for duct-work is through a split system. This is where each room has its own small cooling unit hooked up to an outdoor condenser. In some homes, smaller tubes can be creatively placed through cabinets, closets, under floors, through the attic or in ceilings. These are then attached to small registers in each room.

Can the air conditioning be connected to the existing heating system?

If you've already got a forced air heating system with floor or ceiling registers, then it should be easy to run a new air conditioning system through those same channels and vents. If you use a different type of heating system, such as baseboard or radiator heating, then you may have to go the same route as if you don't have any duct-work and bypass any chance of connecting it to the heating system.

What about placing the compressor and condenser?

Generally, most homes should have suffer no issues from installing these components, no matter what type of home you have. Condensers must go on the outside of the home in order to work efficiently, but all you need is a small amount of space on the side of your home. Most of the time, the compressor is placed in the attic and any ducts or wires originate from there. In some cases, the compressor may be installed in the basement or on top of a flat roof.

Just because you have an older home, it doesn't mean you have to go without central air conditioning. Your home may need some modifications, but most homes can accommodate some kind of system. Before doing anything, check with an electrician to make sure your home is wired for the added electrical burden. Then, call a central air conditioning specialist like one from Getzschman Heating, LLC  to do an evaluation as to what kind of system would be best for your home.