Living in a charming Cape Cod home is the stuff of dreams, but they can come with significant maintenance and upkeep costs. They also have some hefty HVAC issues, namely with keeping your space cool in the summer. Below, we go over how you can add air conditioning to your old home and what Cape Cod Heat Pumps can do to help you get started.
Decide What Kind of AC You Want
First, you’ll need to decide what type of air conditioner is the best for your space. Central ACs can be challenging to install in an older home, as the installation of ductwork may be difficult or undesirable due to architectural considerations.
Both window and ductless ACs are much easier to install, however, window units tend to be loud and cost a lot of money to run. Ductless cooling offers the best of both worlds with quiet operation, low energy expenses, and straightforward Installation.
Calculate How Much Cooling Power You Need
No matter what the age of your home is, you’ll need to figure out how much cooling capacity you’ll need in a new air conditioner. (Your professional installer will do this for you.) Factors like the size and layout of your home, the quality of your insulation, and how many doors and windows there are will all play a significant role in how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) you’ll need your unit to have.
Determine Where the Unit Will Go
Next, decide where your new air conditioner will go. Consider things like where in your home you need the most cooling or where you could place the unit that would give you maximum area coverage. Make sure the location you choose has enough space for cleaning and maintenance access and doesn’t have any furniture in the way that could block airflow from reaching the desired areas.
Schedule Your Installation
Installing a ductless air conditioner isn’t a DIY job. You need a professional with the skills and experience to accurately assess your cooling needs and help you choose the right kind of system to fit. The installation process usually takes a few hours and only requires a small opening to be made in an exterior wall where the refrigerant lines will connect your indoor and outdoor units.
To prepare ahead of time, you should make sure the area where your unit will be installed is accessible. It’s also important to clear pathways for equipment and tools to be carried to the installation site. If you have pets, consider crating them or having them stay with a friend or family member while your new air conditioner is being put in.
Apply for $10,000+ Rebates
As part of the state’s initiative to reduce carbon emissions, Mass Save offers substantial rebates for homeowners who switch to energy-efficient cooling. When you install a new mini-split in your home, you could receive $10,000 in rebates or more if your family is income-eligible. This means you earn less than the average income for a household of your same size in the area where you live.
Stay on Top of Regular Maintenance
Once your air conditioner is installed and you are enjoying a cool, comfortable home, it’s time to think about keeping up with routine maintenance. Regularly servicing your equipment will help keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan, so you don’t have to worry as much about breakdowns when you least expect them.
Cape Cod Heat Pumps makes maintenance easy for for customers who enroll in the Cape Care Maintenance Plan. You’ll receive:
- One yearly maintenance appointment
- Comprehensive inspection
- 2-year extended labor warranty
- Priority service call scheduling
- Access to weekend emergency services
- 10% discount on parts and labor
How Cape Cod Heat Pumps Can Help
Do you have an old home that gets too hot and humid in the summer? A ductless air conditioner can provide you with superior cooling and for less than the cost of a central or window AC. Contact us today at 508-833-4822 to schedule a custom quote.
