Adding an A/C coil to existing Forced Air system – or Split?
We have a 3 story brownstone with forced air heating. We want to install some sort of A/C system 0(Gotten quotes from Phil’s and Palone) – but the cost is too prohibitive. We hear that installing a coil would work – but also hear that there’s a possible risk of creating mold from condensation in our uninsulated old ducts. When we recently had our house appraised – the appraiser told us he sees this all the time in houses which are much higher valued than ours – with no problems. Any thoughts? Other solutions? We sorta hate the idea of a split system, because we don’t want the blowers hanging off the walls – but hear there are ways to do the mini-splits in ways that don’t do that – that use vents etc.
flyingfish
in Heating and Air Conditioning 12 years ago
4
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4 replies
flyingfish | 12 years ago
Hi dos156 – you are giving me some hope! I’d love to find out who installed your coil and what it cost you? Also – how many stories is your house ( mine is 3 + a basement) Thanks!
dos156 | 12 years ago
I have a 1900’s row house in bayridge. Original forced air forced air heating ductwork, with central a/c. Ducts are original -un insulated 1) no issues of mold for ac 2) ac costs are very normal and reasonable Only issue is the house only has two air return and both on 1st floor. In the future I want to add a return for second floor; to aid with lowering hunidity and better efficiency. But not a priority. I would add the unit ; have 3 1/2 ton unit for 2400 sq ft
ellenlourie | 12 years ago
Yes, insulation of a ducts is necessary. But bigger issue is size of existing ducts. Because heating supply and return temperatures difference is pretty high, In AC supply return air difference is only 20F design. So this puts a limit to the size of AC can be connected to existing ductwork. First cooling load must be determined, then capacity of existing ductwork must be determined. Only after comparing these values you can make informed decision.
nycdesignerr | 12 years ago
IF you insulate your ductwork, more possibilities open up. Uninsulated ductwork is like throwing $$ away. For heating as well as cooling. Bottom line is to get more quotes, and put that on the table. 20K spent now can be recouped over the next 7-8 years in reduced utility costs.