Staying cool in an older home can be hard without an air conditioner. Opening the windows and turning on the fans can move the air, but it doesn't cool it down. The better choice is to install an air conditioning system that cools the whole house. Let's look at these three air conditioning options that you should consider.

1. Central Air Conditioning

A central air conditioner can keep your older home cool throughout the summer. It needs to have an evaporator, compressor, and condenser installed. It cools the air inside and sends the heat outside. Ductwork, installed in the walls and ceilings, sends the air throughout the home. A central thermostat controls the temperature and fan.

One issue with central air conditioning in older homes is installing the ductwork. Older homes weren't built with ductwork included. That means you must retrofit the ductwork into the unique floor plan.

2. Heat Pump

A heat pump offers heating and cooling in a single unit. During the summer, it works like a central air conditioning system. It removes the heat inside and takes it outside. In the winter months, the system reverses itself. It takes heat from the outside and brings it inside. The system is energy efficient, except in very cold temperatures.

Oftentimes, heat pumps are more expensive than central air conditioning systems. They also use ductwork to move the cooled and heated air throughout the home. This means the job includes the price of retrofitting ducts into the house.

3. Ductless Systems

Another option for your older home is a ductless system. This type of air conditioner doesn't need ductwork. The outside system connects with a unit that is on the wall. The wall-hung unit sits high on the wall inside. They connect using a small pipe that goes out through the wall. You control the temperature with the inside unit and a remote control. You can get ductless systems as air conditioners or as heat pumps.

Ductless systems are a great choice for older homes without ductwork. You may need many inside and outside units to keep the entire house comfortable. This increases installation and maintenance costs. While the inside units are high on the wall, they are still a visual presence that you may not want.

Installing a new air conditioning system to an older home is an investment that is worth having in the long run. Before you choose between a central air conditioner, a heat pump, or a ductless system, talk with an expert. Contact Harwich Port Heating and Cooling today. We are happy to discuss each option and help you make the right choice for your older home.