Ac Installation
For homes that already have ductwork, a replacement air conditioner is a simpler project.
Adding ducted cooling to a house that was not built for it
Many homes in Pepperdine University, CA were built with hot water radiators, steam heat or electric baseboard, which means there has never been a duct system to carry cooled air. For years, window units have filled the gap, with all of their noise, blocked views and uneven results. Adding central air is a bigger project than replacing an existing air conditioner, but it is often very achievable with the right planning.
The first question is where the air handler will live. In many homes, an attic offers space and short duct runs to upstairs ceilings. In others, a basement, utility room or large closet works better. Each location has requirements. Attic air handlers need a secondary drain pan with a float switch to protect ceilings from condensate overflow, and ducts in unconditioned attics must be well insulated and sealed. Basement installations need a practical path to get cool air up through the house.
The best duct design is the one that fits the house you have. We plan the routes first and choose equipment second.
Duct design follows the load calculation. We measure each room to understand how much cooling it needs, then plan supply and return runs that deliver that airflow without excessive noise or pressure. For cooling, supply registers placed high on walls or in ceilings generally work well, since cool air falls. Return air paths matter just as much. A system that cannot pull air back from bedrooms with the doors closed will struggle no matter how good the equipment is.
Two-story and larger homes may benefit from two separate systems or a zoned system with dampers, because upper floors carry a much higher cooling load than lower ones. We model both approaches and explain the tradeoffs in comfort and cost. In some layouts, a small-duct high-velocity system or ductless equipment may fit better, and we will tell you honestly if that is the case.
Electrical capacity is a practical limit that deserves early attention. A central air system needs a dedicated circuit sized to the equipment, and older panels sometimes lack space or capacity. We check your panel during the assessment so any electrical upgrade is part of the plan from the start, not a surprise halfway through.
Installation is coordinated to minimize disruption. Duct runs are routed through attics, closets and chases wherever possible, and any openings in finished walls or ceilings are identified in advance. The outdoor unit is set on a level pad with proper clearance, refrigerant lines are brazed with nitrogen, pressure tested and evacuated, and the system is commissioned with measured airflow and charge. If you would rather heat and cool with the same equipment, compare this approach with a Heat Pump Installation before deciding.
Every central air project is permitted where required and backed by a written workmanship warranty, with manufacturer part coverage registered on your behalf. Third-party financing is available subject to credit approval.