We all know that summers can get hot in Phoenix! It’s not uncommon to have stretches where the daytime highs exceed 110 degrees. Air conditioning is a necessity. For many, this means a noisy, window-mounted AC unit. For others with older systems, it can mean a summer of high-energy costs.
Phoenix is home to many beautiful and historic neighborhoods. The eclectic styles of the Encanto-Palmcroft and F.Q. Story neighborhoods to the bungalows of the Roosevelt neighborhood between McDowell and Fillmore streets to the well-maintained custom styles of the 1940s in the Windsor Square neighborhood, we have many significant heirloom buildings to remind us of our past. These legacy homes require special consideration when deciding on the right replacement when planning to retrofit an old ac unit.
Many older homes don’t have the space to install traditional central air conditioning units, or have older systems that may not be cost-effective to operate or might not endure the stresses of our harsh Arizona summers.
Fortunately, with today’s technology and a little creative installation, it’s possible to retrofit your older system or undertake a central air conditioner installation into almost any home.
Let’s explore some of your options to learn how surprisingly easy and cost-effective it can be to install a modern, energy-efficient central AC system in your home.
New Technology, New Possibilities
In the past, installing a central AC system into an older home required placing extensive ductwork into the walls to distribute treated air. This often meant losing valuable closet space or ripping open walls, increasing costs. Today, some systems don’t need lots of bulky ductwork.
For example, mini-split systems use separate cooling units placed throughout your home, connected to an external compressor and fan using thin refrigerant and power lines.
Retrofitting your home may require some cutting and patching of walls, but this new technology eliminates the need to open large tracts of your wall space to install a new system.
Challenges of Retrofitting Old Air Conditioning Unit in Historic Homes
Most cities work hard to protect the legacy left behind by former generations. That can be challenging when renovating older homes, whose owners are usually restricted to limit the work to maintain the historical significance of the structure.
Some of the challenges include:
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- There may be limitations on the types of changes that can be made to maintain the historic designation.
- Space constraints in the home, mainly to accommodate ductwork for central air, may require significant alteration.
- Replacing existing equipment may mean replacing all ductwork and wiring to meet modern systems and building codes.
- Vents, registers, and ductwork must be placed in ways that are effective and maintain historic features and finishes.
- The electrical system may need to be upgraded to handle the demands of modern electronics and high-efficiency air conditioning systems.
Planning To Retrofit an Old AC Unit in a Historic Home
When your Phoenix, Arizona historic home needs a new air conditioning system, you need a partner who has expertise in retrofitting old air conditioning units in legacy buildings.
Day and Night Air understands what considerations must be adhered to when installing a new HVAC unit in a historic home:
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- Building and fire codes
- How the new AC system will affect the home
- How to improve the energy efficiency in the home
- Preservation of the historic architecture
- Resident requirements
- The structure’s existing materials and mechanical systems
- The heating and cooling load of the home
Give Us A Call at Day and Night Air
At Day and Night Air, we’re experts in the installation and retrofitting of HVAC replacement in Phoenix. We can accurately size your new system to offer peak efficiency and take advantage of all of the latest available technology. We consider every available incentive program and can work to retrofit your existing HVAC system to improve its efficiency and lower your costs.
If you’re planning a new installation or considering a retrofit of your old one, give us a call today!
