Ducted Air Conditioning - How to Install Your Own

For those who live in small, compact homes or apartments, central air conditioning may not be an option. In that case, ducted air conditioning can be the only solution. The cost of central air conditioners varies by size and range of functionality. For those living in a small apartment, ducted air conditioning is a viable option.

The cost of duct system air conditioning will depend on the number of zones, your ceiling height, and the size of the units. For example, a small apartment with a single zone will only house a single unit and will cost less than a standard sized room. On the other hand, a standard sized house with five zones will cost approximately the same as a small apartment. The number of zones is determined by the size of the rooms, their average temperature, and the size of the house itself. Ducted system air conditioning installation costs will also be affected by whether your ceiling height is six feet or higher; it will be much cheaper to install a single unit than it will be to install a five-zone unit.

In terms of ceiling height, you can save a significant amount of money by installing ceiling fans instead of central air conditioning units. The cost of installing a single ceiling fan is only a fraction of that of installing a central air conditioning unit. Ceiling fans have variable speed settings which allow you to regulate the temperature of the air in your home. Many homeowners report that the cost of ducted air conditioning installation was less expensive when they installed ceiling fans rather than central air conditioning units.

It's important that you get ducted air conditioning quotes from a number of different companies. You should visit the websites for your local building codes. Find out if you need any permits to install ducted system units. If you are doing a home improvement project, you may need to consult with a contractor before getting electrical and ventilation permits. Once you have gotten the all required permits, it's time to find a good ducting company. Visit at least three different businesses and get pricing quotes from each of them.

With today's high energy prices, it's more important than ever to install energy efficient refrigerators, stoves, and other appliances. To make your appliance and its components more energy efficient, consider installing a ducted air conditioning system. The cost of installing an energy efficient model of these items can be dramatically reduced. Energy star models tend to have considerably lower initial costs as well.

Ductless systems allow consumers to install their own cooling system, without using ducts. These systems are also very easy to maintain. Most ductless air conditioning units are flexible enough to be installed by an experienced homeowner. Although these types of systems can provide up to about 20% more cooling than a comparable ducted air conditioning system, they may require more repairs.

There are many different considerations to keep in mind when installing ducted air conditioning systems. The location of where you want to install the unit is one of the biggest factors. Make sure you install the unit where there will be a sufficient amount of sunshine to heat your house.

As you can see, ducted air conditioning doesn't have to be an expensive proposition. It's possible to install your own heating and cooling system. You may even decide to use natural ventilation to lower your utility bills. For homeowners with a basic knowledge of home improvement and handy with tools, installing this type of system can make a big difference in their comfort and savings.