If your home currently has a forced air heating system and you are considering upgrading your air conditioning system from window units or a swamp cooler (evaporative cooler), you will need the assistance of a local HVAC contractor like Holland Heating & Cooling with experience in residential HVAC replacement and installation. This is a pretty straightforward upgrade, but there are some limitations to keep in mind.
Adding a split system central air conditioning system or replacing the existing furnace with an air source heat pump is not a difficult job for a good HVAC contractor. Your HVAC technician will need to route the coolant lines from the outside location where the condenser will be installed to the evaporator coil installed inside the indoor air handler. In addition, power will need to be supplied to the unit and provisions made for a condensate drain line.
The primary limitation on installing a central air conditioning system on an existing forced air furnace or converting to a heat pump will be your existing duct system. In order for a heat pump or central air conditioning system to operate efficiently, the duct system must be matched to the capacity of the cooling system. In some cases, the existing duct system may be undersized, especially if you are planning to install a heat pump.
Unless your home is constructed so that there is excellent access to the ductwork through a basement, crawlspace, or attic, replacing ductwork or installing new ducts can be very expensive. However, if this is the case your HVAC contractor may be able to compensate for an undersized duct system by increasing the energy efficiency of your home with an energy efficiency package. Talk to an experienced HVAC contractor about installing central air conditioning in your home.
