Are you wondering about the costs of installing an HVAC system in your old house? Unfortunately, old houses can be problematic when it comes to adding a heating and air conditioning system due to the way they are built and designed.
The costs of installing a new HVAC system in an old house can range between $3.000 and $12.000. If you consider installing a new system in your old home and need additional advice, you can contact the HVAC installation and repairs in Spokane Valley.
Is it possible to install an HVAC system in an old house?
In general, many old homes have plaster walls that can make the renovation work more complicated, but it is possible to install an HVAC system.
In general, old homes are built with a classic design, and their structure can be quite different from modern homes. Most of those homes do not have an HVAC system built-in, and to get one installed, significant renovations need to be done.
Sometimes it is possible to convert some of the existing ducts used for the heating system, but in some cases, everything needs to be built from scratch. The problem with new installations is getting the renovations done without compromising the house’s structure and integrity.
If you wish to install an HVAC system in an old house, the first thing to check is if there is existing ductwork or not. If there are already ducts that can be repurposed, the task is easier and cheaper.
If there are no ductworks and the house is not built in a way to allow a way to include them, it is always possible to install a ductless system. A ductless system divides the house into zones, controlled by a different unit responsible for cooling and heating.
Ductless systems are more expensive and have to be mounted on the walls and thus are visible to people.
How much does it cost to install ductwork in an old house?
The ductwork is essential for a central HVAC system because the air is delivered to the entire house through the ducts. The ductwork installation costs can vary depending on the house’s layout, and the types of ducts required.
In general, the average costs for ductwork installation could range between $2000 and $6000. In some cases, for high-end jobs, it can cost up to $12.000. Installing ducts in a new home that is still in the construction phase is more accessible and cheaper because the ducts are installed before the work is finished.
Sometimes, installing ducts in a finished home is impossible due to the lack of space or costly due to the construction work required. Therefore, it is always better to plan for an HVAC system when the house is in construction to avoid complications later.
What can raise installation costs?
Installation costs can increase depending on a series of factors. For example, the period of the year in which the installation is being done can increase or decrease the overall costs. For example, most people try to install an air conditioner system during summer.
This is the busiest period of the year, and the prices are higher, while in winter, installation companies tend to charge less for their services. The size of the cooling unit required is another factor that will significantly affect installation costs.
The labor and material required will impact the final cost of the installation too. The person-hours involved in the installation must be paid, so all the materials used for the work. If there are problems on the way, or additional hours are required, the costs can increase.
All factors affecting the installation cost are:
- The size of the house
- Where the ducts should be placed
- The number of stories of the house
- The type of system that is required (zoned or central)
- Number of zones (in a zoned system)
- Number of vents required
- The materials needed for the installation
- Man-hours required
The location of the ductwork can influence the final costs. Typically the ducts are placed within the ceiling, walls, and floors. If the house is on two or three stories, the costs to install a complete system can increase considerably.
In addition, if your house needs special ductwork to fit the air conditioning system you are installing, the final cost will increase too.
How to lower HVAC installation costs
Although installing an HVAC system is costly, there are still some things that you can do to economize some money. For example, to prevent paying for a vast system you don’t need, the first thing to do is evaluate your needs.
If your needs are minimal, a mini-split air conditioning system and heater can do the job requiring minimal costs and work. In addition, try to get the installation job done through low working periods for contractors.
Typically they are busy through the hottest and the coldest time of the year. Anytime in between is good to get the work done and economize some money. Furthermore, before starting the job, try looking for equipment rebates and any possible tax credits.
When you speak to professionals about installing an HVAC system, you will get a quote with the price and the estimated size of the system needed for your home. They will recommend a system big enough to meet all your needs.
However, it is always better to get more than one quote from different professionals so that you can evaluate which one is the more convenient, not necessarily cheaper, but the one that will give you the best ratio between price and quality.
Conclusion
Installing an HVAC system in an old house can be costly if the house is not designed to fit new ductwork or doesn’t have existing ducts. But, in most cases it should still be possible to install a new HVAC system.
If you want to install a system in your old house, and need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.
