Can I Add Central Air Conditioning With Oil Heat?

Probably the most common question we hear from people considering switching to oil heat is the question, “Can I have central air conditioning in a Minnesota home with oil heat?”

The short answer is yes

We regularly hear myths about oil heating, and customers considering a new heating unit ask us many questions about oil heat, and whether it’s right for them.

However, there seems to be a common misconception that the two somehow cancel each other out.

What is the issue?

However, the issue is not switching to oil heating when you have central air conditioning, but adding AC when you have ductless heating.

Regardless, even if your home does not have a forced air system, like those with hot water radiator heating, there are certainly ways to add central air conditioning to your home.

What Are The Options?

Your home has ductwork

The easiest and least expensive way to add air conditioning if your home has oil heat, is to install a forced air oil furnace with a central air conditioning unit in your home, as both your heating and air conditioning units can use the same ductwork.

Moreover, choosing oil heat does have some advantages over other options.

Oil heat tends to be less expensive than alternatives, meaning it costs less to heat your home

And, if you live in a home with existing ductwork, an experienced professional HVAC technician can make the heating and air conditioning in your home work effectively and efficiently together.

Your home doesn’t have ductwork

In homes without existing ducts, you’ll be pleased to know that:

AC ducts can be retrofitted
You can also install a ductless split system in which the condensing unit is installed outside, and multiple evaporator fan units are installed at various locations
A final option is to install a high-velocity central air system, which uses small, flexible, insulated ducts that are easily run anywhere you want them

Conclusion

Hopefully this helps you to make your decision about oil heating and AC.

If you would like to add central air conditioning in your Minnesota home that uses oil heat, or simply want more information about what’s involved, and what options are right for you, please contact us.

We’ll be happy to help you.

We cover Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Edina, Hastings, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Roseville, North Saint Paul, Saint Paul, Saint Paul Park, South Saint Paul, Stillwater, West Lakeland, West Saint Paul, White Bear Lake, Woodbury, and many more locations.