At one time, radiators were the go-to heating source for Twin Cities homes. If you own an older residence, there’s a good chance you still have a boiler heating your home. You might also be wondering how to keep your house cool, since radiators do not come with any sort of cooling capability.
Just because you have an older home with radiant heat does not mean you are stuck with using only window air conditioners. Here are a few choices you may want to consider instead.
Small Duct High Velocity A/C System
Homes without central heating and cooling often lack the space that’s needed for very large ductwork. In those instances, a Small Duct High Velocity (SDHV) air conditioning system could be ideal.
An SDHV unit uses thin, flexible tubing with a nylon core to absorb sound. The tubing also contains a vapor barrier on the outside to prevent moisture and seal against air loss. As a result, a small duct system will operate very quietly and efficiently.
Tubing is housed inside your walls and/or ceilings, yet does not require you to rip out any partitions. Rather, they connect to room air outlets that are only around 5 inches in diameter. So the fact that they require very little space makes them ideal.
Advantages of an SDHV System
By installing a small duct high velocity unit, you’ll notice the following advantages:
- Flexible tubing can snake around objects, meaning there is often no need to cut or drill holes.
- Resisting leaks and moisture damage.
- Quiet operation, thanks to its superb insulation.
- Very even cooling with few hot or cold spots.
Ductless A/C
Ductless systems are sometimes referred to as mini-split systems. They consist of individual air handling units that are typically mounted on the wall of each room you wish to cool. These units look like small boxes, and are connected via conduit and refrigeration lines to an outdoor compressor.
Individual units are also more compact than a typical system or even window air conditioners. So they are a great option whenever space is at a premium.
Advantages of a Ductless Mini-Split System
Ductless air conditioning offers numerous advantages, namely:
- An ability to control the temperature in individual rooms.
- Greater energy efficiency, since you can forego cooling rooms you rarely use.
- Ease of installation, requiring very little disruption to your day.
- An aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- The ability to keep historical aspects of your home intact.
Duct System
Just because your Maplewood home does not currently have any ductwork does not mean you can’t install it. Many older homes in the Twin Cities area have basements or crawl spaces that are more than adequate for placing ductwork in.
Adding ductwork to your home will allow you to install a traditional, forced air heating and cooling system. This is something you may want to consider if your old radiators are beginning to show signs of age.
Retrofitting an older home with ductwork is something that only needs to be performed once. After that, you’ll enjoy your new ductwork for as long as you own your home.
Advantages of a Duct System
A few of the benefits associated with large duct air conditioning systems are:
- Allowing for easy system upgrades. Now whenever it is time for a new forced air furnace or air conditioner, you will already have the ductwork in place.
- Increasing your home’s resale value, as central heating and cooling is something many buyers prefer.
- Providing more choices for a new air conditioning system.
Which one is Right for Me?
By now you are probably wondering which of these systems is right for you. That’s a question we would be happy to answer after performing an inspection of your home.
No one solution works best for everyone. Instead, we will consider the size and layout of your home to decide on a system that is just right for you. We’ll also take into account whether or not you plan to keep your old radiators or upgrade to a newer, more modern heating source.
Don’t suffer in the Minnesota heat another season. Contact Metro Heating and Cooling to find a solution that suits your home perfectly.
Why Choose Metro Heating and Cooling?
At Metro Heating and Cooling, our technicians know air conditioning inside and out. With over 400 years of combined experience, they can assist you with finding a cooling solution that won’t interfere with your home’s radiators.
What’s more, our employees do not work on commission. As such, there is no incentive for them to sell you a pricier system than what you actually need. Instead, you can trust that their recommendations have your best interests in mind.
When you choose us for your cooling needs, you will also receive:
- Free estimates without any hidden fees
- Licensed, bonded, and insured technicians
- A commitment to personal and environmental safety
- High quality customer service during each and every service call
A/C Maintenance and Service in Maplewood, MN
Regardless of which A/C option you choose, you can always count on Metro Heating and Cooling for reliable maintenance and service. Whether you desire a routine tune-up to keep your unit in top condition, or have repair issues that need to be addressed, we can help. Our technicians are on call 24/7 to better serve you.
Want to save money on A/C installation and repairs? Check out our current specials to see if there are any money-saving offers that apply to you.
Contact us for Quality Air Conditioning Service in the Twin Cities Area
Are you tired of lugging window air conditioners in and out of your home? Have you struggled during the summer because you thought a home with radiators could not have air conditioning?
There’s no need to suffer any longer. Contact us today for a free estimate and be on your way to feeling cool and comfortable this summer.
