I'm on the hunt for my first home in Washington, and I've noticed that many properties don't come with AC. Coming from the East Coast where it was standard, this has thrown me for a loop. If we find a home without AC, I want to know what it takes to install it. I'm particularly leaning towards central AC since that's what I'm used to, but I'm not sure if ducts can be installed later. How do you check if the house already has ductwork? What's the estimated cost? I've also come across ductless mini-split systems, but they seem limited to certain rooms. So, I'm looking for some guidance on: 1) What should I ask or look for regarding AC installation? 2) What's the typical cost? 3) Is there any part of the installation I could tackle myself with some HVAC learning? I'm considering multiple units for different rooms connected to the same external condenser.
4 Answers
I wouldn’t recommend this as a DIY project. It can get complex really fast. But it’s surprising to hear many homes in WA skip AC altogether—who knew?
Retrofitting ducts can be super expensive, often tens of thousands! Check if you can get an energy audit done first to see your options. Maybe a mini-split could be more feasible for your needs!
If the home has a central furnace, it should have the ductwork in place. If not, you might be looking at a big retrofit, which can be pricey. My install in southern AZ ran me around $10-12k for a single unit. Definitely get multiple quotes and hear from your local community about their experiences too!
Definitely reach out to a few HVAC companies to get quotes and advice. In my experience here in WA, chatting with neighbors who have had AC installed can provide some valuable insights. Some folks went for mini-splits, while others did central AC, especially after that heat wave we had in 2021. It’s good to get a feel for what’s common in your neighborhood. Good luck!
That’s a great point about neighbors! I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll definitely start asking around.