Smiling sun with sunglasses, turquoise palm trees, and ocean, on a sunny day.

Air Conditioning Systems For Older Homes & Room Additions
Cooling Advisors • April 15, 2025
Two black palm trees on a small island, set against a white background.

Share this article


Black silhouette of two palm trees on a small island.

Many homes in West Palm Beach have no central air conditioning systems. One of the problems with converting an older home to a central air system is space. Attic spaces can be too small to house the ductwork, or there could be no space indoors to borrow to install a large air handler.


When building a room addition on any home, the room needs to be cooled. Ductwork has to be tied into the central air system. Often, there are problems keeping the room cool because the thermostat is located further away. The existing central air system may be too small to cool the additional square footage. Or, the floor plan winds up being a problem for good air flow to the room.


Fortunately, in modern times there are other options to consider in air conditioning systems that eliminate these problems. The ductless air conditioning system is a great option. As local West Palm Beach air conditioning pros, our West Palm Beach air conditioning company has installed all types of cooling systems in Florida. Here is some information our customers regularly ask us about.

Today’s Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

One of the concerns people have is whether the ductless air conditioner is able to provide enough cooling capacity. In fact, you can install a ductless air conditioning system to cool the entire square footage of a home.


The difference is that they handle one room at a time or a few rooms at a time. This is actually more desirable than a centralized air conditioning system because each room often differs in temperature. With more focus on the comfort level of each room, the homeowner has more control, eliminating hot rooms or hot spots in the home.


There are systems that provide premium efficiency for larger areas. The ductless splits cool up to 1500 square feet at the size of 36,000 BTU.

Efficiency Of Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

As with any Air Conditioning Systems For Older Homes, the ductless air conditioning systems vary in efficiency. Maximum efficiency may be achieved by installing the air handler part of the system in every room. The SEER rating can be as much as 30.5. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system is. The manufacturer of one of the most efficient ductless air conditioning systems at this rating says they use 40% less energy per room than a traditional cooling system or window unit.

Space Saving Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

A ductless air conditioner needs much less space than traditional equipment. The equipment is very compact, but powerful and quiet. This makes the ductless air conditioning system very desirable for room additions or for converting an older home which uses window units.

Recent Posts

By Corey Creekmore April 9, 2026
Need AC repair or installation? Cooling Advisors provides expert HVAC services in Jensen Beach, FL. Reliable, efficient cooling for your Florida home.
By Corey Creekmore April 4, 2026
Need expert AC repair in Hobe Sound, FL? Cooling Advisors offers reliable HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance. Get upfront pricing and 24/7 service.
By Corey Creekmore March 27, 2026
Expert AC repair and HVAC services in Boynton Beach, FL. Cooling Advisors offers 24/7 repairs, maintenance, and installations. Keep your home cool today!
By Corey Creekmore March 21, 2026
Discover how duct cleaning transforms your home and health! From better air quality and lower bills to a fresher home, learn 10 ways to live healthier.
By Cooling Advisors March 19, 2026
Energy efficiency solutions in Fort Lauderdale, FL include system upgrades, smart thermostats, and weatherization to reduce cooling costs and improve comfort.
humid
By Corey Creekmore March 14, 2026
Which South Florida city is the muggiest? We rank the top 20 cities by humidity levels, from Palm Beach to Martin County. See if your town made the list.
By Corey Creekmore March 7, 2026
Is your AC making your family sick? Learn to spot the signs of poor indoor air quality, understand the causes (like moldy coils), and get the steps to fix it.
fix heater
By Corey Creekmore February 26, 2026
Get professional help for your furnace! Discover the top 10 common heater fixes, from thermostats to heat exchangers, ensuring safe and warm home heating.
By Corey Creekmore February 19, 2026
Think of your home’s ductwork as the respiratory system of your house. Just as your lungs need clean air to function at their best, your HVAC system relies on a clear, unobstructed path to circulate air throughout your living spaces. Over time, however, these "passageways" can become clogged with dust, allergens, and debris. Understanding why duct cleaning is beneficial can help you maintain a healthier home environment and a more efficient heating and cooling system. 1. Breathable Bliss: Improved Indoor Air Quality According to the EPA, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Every time your heater or air conditioner kicks on, it can recirculate the particles trapped in your ducts—including pet dander, pollen, and dust mites—up to 5 to 7 times a day. Professional duct cleaning removes these contaminants at the source, significantly reducing the irritants that trigger asthma and allergies. 2. Slash Your Energy Bills When your ducts are layered with dust, your HVAC system has to work overtime to push air through the restricted space. Research shows that 25% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling is wasted in dirty systems. Better Airflow: Clean ducts allow air to move freely. Reduced Run Time: Your system reaches the target temperature faster. Lower Costs: Many homeowners see a 20% to 30% reduction in energy bills after a thorough cleaning. 3. Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC Unit An overworked system is a system destined for a premature breakdown. When dust infiltrates the internal components of your furnace or AC, it causes friction and overheating. Fewer Repairs: By reducing the strain on the blower motor and coils, you minimize the risk of costly mechanical failures. Long-Term Investment: Regular duct maintenance can add years to the life of your expensive HVAC equipment. 4. Eliminate "Mystery Smells" Have you ever noticed a musty or stale odor when the heat first turns on? That’s often the smell of accumulated dust, mold spores, or even pest droppings deep within the vents. Duct cleaning doesn't just mask these odors with sprays; it physically removes the organic matter causing the scent, leaving your home smelling truly fresh. Signs You’re Due for a Cleaning If you aren't sure if your home needs this service, look for these tell-tale signs: Visible Dust: Wisps of dust puffing out of vents when the air starts. Dirty Registers: Dark "filtration lines" or thick dust on the vent grates. Uneven Temperatures: Some rooms stay chilly while others are stifling. Clogged Filters: You find yourself needing to change your air filter every few weeks instead of every few months. Summary: A Cleaner, Safer Home While the EPA suggests duct cleaning as needed rather than on a strict annual schedule, most experts recommend an inspection every 3 to 5 years. If you’ve recently completed a home renovation or have shedding pets, you might need it sooner. Investing in duct cleaning isn't just about maintenance; it’s about protecting your health and your wallet.
By Cooling Advisors February 17, 2026
Ductwork inspection in Tampa, FL identifies air leaks, insulation problems, and contamination issues that reduce system efficiency and indoor air quality.
Show More