While the cost is a significant one, it makes a lot of sense for homeowners to replace or update air conditioning systems that have become outdated or inefficient. But before moving forward with changes to the current cooling system, homeowners will want to consider some important details about their home and its current cooling needs. 

Has the home's finished square footage changed? 

Most homeowners make changes to their homes beyond routine painting and flooring replacement. If some of the changes have created additional finished space inside the home, the existing cooling system may now be undersized for the area it needs to make comfortable. For example, some homeowners choose to finish their home's basement, attic, or space within an attached garage to provide an additional bedroom, office, or a larger living area for their growing family.

If the air conditioning system was not updated during the renovations, it may no longer be correctly sized for the finished square footage of the home. Before installing a new system or making updates to the existing one, homeowners will want to have their home's interior measured to ensure that any new components are properly sized for the job of providing a comfortable cooling experience. 

Are there areas where adding ducts and vents would be difficult? 

When renovations to an existing home are planned or completed, it can be difficult to find sufficient space for expanding the home's HVAC system. Traditional ducts and vents require significant amounts of space to conceal them within ceilings or walls. If extending the ducts is not possible due to a lack of space, the existing cooling system is often unable to properly cool the newly renovated space.

Instead of trying to hide ducts and vents, homeowners may want to consider adding a ductless cooling option to the space when updating or replacing their existing air conditioning system. These compact systems offer powerful, efficient cooling without the need for bulky vents or ducts, making them an affordable option when extending the traditional HVAC system would be difficult or impossible. 

Has the family's cooling needs changed? 

Before moving forward with updating or replacing an existing air conditioning system, it is also important to understand any changes in the cooling needs of the household. For example, if a family member has developed allergies or respiratory issues, additional filtration or a dehumidifier component may need to be considered as part of any HVAC changes. 

To learn more, homeowners should take time to discuss their situation with an air conditioning contractor in their area.