Can I put A/C through my forced air system that blows through my fireplaces?

Maybe a weird question, I don’t know others who have this type of forced air via fireplaces. I think it was a DIY from the previous owner. It works great but would love to ALSO have AC without installing another system (I know about mini-splits, would rather not do that).

Thanks!

cynthiab

in General Discussion 3 years and 1 month ago

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gwan | 3 years and 1 month ago

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When we looked into this for our house, we were told that the issue was that the forced air ducts were not properly insulated for AC, and would result in condensation around the ducts and breakdown of the chimney. For whatever reason, replacing the ducts in the chimney with insulated ducts was not an option, either.

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 3 years and 1 month ago

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EE ceiling fans, there are plenty that look like early 20th Century models—the kind t h at would have been used when our houses were first electrified.

andriywww1990 | 3 years and 1 month ago

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Can someone find out why lower ducts create a clammy feeling? Is it because the hot, humid air rises? And can a fan up high directing hot air down break this up? I am not saying a cieling fan as i am not sure they look right in these houses.

Arkady | 3 years and 1 month ago

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What Bob Marvin said is true – lower ducts result in a clammy feeling but it does cool. I have 2 sets of ducts & can use the heat ducts if I haven’t switched for the season & it’s adequate. But I’d suggest a roof unit to do the top floor w/ high ducts.

cate | 3 years and 1 month ago

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Forced air via fireplaces was very common in the late 19th century. People in Brooklyn with this type of system have retrofitted it for AC. You could call an HVAC co and see what they say. Here is a beautiful example: https://www.brownstoner.com/real-estate-market/brooklyn-homes-for-sale-bed-stuy-575-macon-street-2/

peaceout | 3 years and 1 month ago

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chances are no, the ducts if existing are likely not insulated and not designed for AC

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 3 years and 1 month ago

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When I bought my house II checked about using the existing 1899 hot air ducts for central air and was told that they wouldn’t work well because the vents were on the floor, or placed low on the walls and AC vents should be near the ceiling.