If your home already has a functioning air duct system, adding central air can be fairly easy and less costly. The technicians will inspect the existing ductwork to make sure it\u2019s sound and sealed well enough to move the air through your home efficiently.<\/p>\n
Then, they install a split system. This consists of evaporator coils cased inside a unit usually in your attic or utility room, and a big metal box containing a condenser outside.<\/p>\n
Essentially, the evaporator coils use refrigerant to remove warm air and humidity from inside the house and send it through the ductwork to the condenser outside. The condenser then releases this warm air outside. The remaining cool air is distributed throughout.<\/p>\n
With geothermal air conditioning, the process is similar, except that there\u2019s no need for an outdoor condenser. A geothermal heat pump collects the warm humid air through the ductwork and sends it to underground pipes to release the heat there.<\/p>\n
Installing central air in a house without ducts<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf your home doesn\u2019t have existing ductwork, you\u2019re not out of options. You could have air ducts installed for a traditional split system, or go with a ductless central air conditioning system.<\/p>\n
A ductless system requires a compressor and condenser outside as well as several blower units inside. The process<\/a> of absorbing the warm air happens on a room-by-room basis with the warm air collected and run through refrigerant tubing all the way to the outdoor condenser.<\/p>\nGenerally, these systems are pricier than window units, and not as efficient as central AC. Installing either ductwork or ductless AC into your home would be a fairly big project to take on yourself, but straightforward for an HVAC technician.<\/p>\n
Properly sizing a central AC system<\/strong><\/h3>\nApart from having an efficiency-optimized air duct system and house in general, one of the most crucial elements in getting central air conditioning is properly sizing the system. It\u2019s also obviously one of the biggest cost factors. This is definitely something you want to leave to the professionals.<\/p>\n
Technicians will perform what is known as a Manual J calculation. This is a standard calculation set by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. It takes into account the size of each room, how much energy is required to cool the air, and other factors, so be sure that you buy an AC unit that will work as it should.<\/p>\n
Undersizing the air conditioning unit can lead to a home that never seems to quite reach the cool temperatures you\u2019re looking for and a system that runs almost constantly. Oversizing can mean your air conditioner is a waste of money, space, and energy as well.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll want a system that meets the Goldilocks rule of being just the right size to get the best return on your investment. Geothermal AC does this easily by performing similar load calculations and remaining the most energy-efficient option, no matter how hot it gets outside.<\/p>\n
Installation and labor for central AC<\/h1>\n
The biggest factors in determining how long it will take to install central AC and how much it will cost are:<\/p>\n
\n- The type and location of the AC unit<\/li>\n
- Whether you need a ductwork update, total replacement, or new duct system installed<\/li>\n
- The size of the unit<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
With these in mind, installing a new central AC system can take anywhere from a few days to two or more weeks.<\/p>\n
All things considered, the total cost of installing central AC can range anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000 or more<\/a>. Then you have a whole different set of expenses when it comes to heating.<\/p>\nHow does geothermal compare to central AC?<\/h1>\n
If you opt for a geothermal system, you get both a heating and cooling system for the price of one. Once you have a geothermal system installed, you can use it to either heat or cool your home with the simple nudge of the thermostat.<\/p>\n
Efficiency <\/strong><\/h2>\nBoth central AC and geothermal cooling can give you the comfort of temperature control throughout the home more efficiently than a window unit or a portal AC can. These can cool a single room fairly well, but if you install a few throughout the house, the energy costs will stack up fast, and you\u2019ll end up with hot and cold spots.<\/p>\n
We can objectively measure and compare the efficiency of central AC and geothermal cooling through their Energy Efficiency Ratio, or EER. This value is calculated by dividing the energy output (AC) by the energy input (electricity). The greater the EER, the more efficient your system is, because less electricity is needed to produce the same result.<\/p>\n
Geothermal systems are highly efficient, typically having EERs of 15 and above. Dandelion\u2019s geothermal system<\/a> has an EER of 16.7. Meanwhile, a central AC system with an EER of at least 11.6<\/a> is already considered to be very good.<\/p>\nCentral AC systems have a reputation for being noisy, but it\u2019s no secret why they\u2019re as loud as they are. They\u2019re fighting a perpetual uphill battle against science<\/a> by forcing indoor heat to be absorbed into the hot outdoors, and consuming massive amounts of electricity in the process.<\/p>\nGeothermal AC systems are much quieter because they direct hot indoor air into the cool ground, where heat transfer occurs naturally. Instead of worrying about overworking your AC, you can relax and enjoy the refreshing comfort of a quiet, cool home in the summer.<\/p>\n
Sustainability<\/strong><\/h2>\nAll of the air conditioning options that we\u2019ve discussed require some form of energy input. Whether you have an army of window units and portable ACs, a central AC system, or a geothermal system, you can\u2019t create cool air from nothing, so some amount of energy will be consumed.<\/p>\n
Luckily, all cooling options run on electricity, not fossil fuels. So, the most sustainable AC option <\/a>aside from handheld paper fans is the one that\u2019s most efficient. In turn, the most efficient system uses the least amount of electricity<\/a>, and that\u2019s geothermal.<\/p>\nCost <\/strong><\/h2>\nThe upfront cost of geothermal is undeniably more than that of central AC. Dandelion\u2019s heat pump is on the more affordable end of the geothermal spectrum, but it still comes out to anywhere between $1500 to $2500 per ton<\/a>, not including ductwork. In contrast, central AC typically comes out to anywhere between $750 to $1300 per ton<\/a>, not including ductwork.<\/p>\nHowever, beyond the price tag, there are some other important factors to consider. Geothermal is a two-in-one cooling and<\/em> heating system, so after this one-time cost, you\u2019ll no longer need to pay for a boiler, a furnace, fuel oil, natural gas, or propane for the winter. In the summer, you\u2019ll also end up spending less on electricity than you did with central AC, window units, or portable ACs. Even though geothermal\u2019s upfront costs are higher, operational costs are lower<\/a>.<\/p>\nInstallation Complexity<\/strong><\/h2>\nBoth geothermal and central AC installation depend upon an existing air duct system that routes air distribution throughout the house. If you don\u2019t already have ductwork installed, it\u2019s important to do so before you install geothermal or central AC. Without ductwork, there\u2019s no way for your AC system to pull warm air from your home and return cool air to it!<\/p>\n
If your home already has functioning ductwork, adding central AC is fairly straightforward. Installers will first inspect the existing ductwork to make sure it\u2019s able to move air efficiently into and out of your home, and then conduct a manual J calculation to estimate your anticipated heating and cooling needs<\/a>. After that, you\u2019re good to go for installing the three components of a central AC system: the evaporator, the condenser, and the compressor.<\/p>\nTo avoid any mishaps, geothermal installation requires more time and more customizations<\/a> than central AC installation does. At Dandelion, the process<\/a> involves the same ductwork inspections and manual J calculations on top of other design considerations as well. The geothermal system includes a heat pump and ground loops, so there\u2019s an indoor installation step as well as an outdoor drilling step. The full timeline can take weeks or months from the initial interest survey<\/a> to the finished installation, so definitely make sure to plan ahead!<\/p>\nEquipment Lifespan <\/strong><\/h2>\nCentral AC systems typically last between 12 to 15 years<\/a>, or 15-20 years if you\u2019re willing to spend a little extra money on an \u201cenergy saver\u201d system<\/a>. Often, the main components significantly degenerate within the first 5 to 10 years, causing a steady decline in efficiency. They also require more regular maintenance and are more likely to incur damage as the compressor is exposed to the elements.<\/p>\nA geothermal cooling system pump lasts well over 20 years, and the underground looping system lasts well over 50 years.<\/a> They also require very little maintenance, if any, during that time. With no exposure to the elements, the parts that keep a geothermal system running last longer and maintain excellent efficiency during this time.<\/p>\nOne reason for a geothermal system\u2019s extended lifetime is its protection from the elements: the ground loops are buried deep underground and the heat pump is sheltered indoors. Both parts of the geothermal system are far less likely to suffer seasonal damages due to fluctuating temperatures and abrasive weather patterns such as snow and hail.<\/p>\n
In contrast, central AC condensers are left above-ground and outdoors, so exposure to the elements causes increased wear and tear. As a result, frequent system maintenance is encouraged, if not required.<\/p>\n
Available Incentives <\/strong><\/h2>\nAs a renewable source for heating and cooling, geothermal systems are promoted at the federal, state, and local levels through financial incentives<\/a>. Central AC systems also run on electricity, not fossil fuels, but they still consume more electricity than geothermal systems do, so there are no external incentives available for installing central AC.<\/p>\n
Generally, these systems are pricier than window units, and not as efficient as central AC. Installing either ductwork or ductless AC into your home would be a fairly big project to take on yourself, but straightforward for an HVAC technician.<\/p>\n
Properly sizing a central AC system<\/strong><\/h3>\nApart from having an efficiency-optimized air duct system and house in general, one of the most crucial elements in getting central air conditioning is properly sizing the system. It\u2019s also obviously one of the biggest cost factors. This is definitely something you want to leave to the professionals.<\/p>\n
Technicians will perform what is known as a Manual J calculation. This is a standard calculation set by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. It takes into account the size of each room, how much energy is required to cool the air, and other factors, so be sure that you buy an AC unit that will work as it should.<\/p>\n
Undersizing the air conditioning unit can lead to a home that never seems to quite reach the cool temperatures you\u2019re looking for and a system that runs almost constantly. Oversizing can mean your air conditioner is a waste of money, space, and energy as well.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll want a system that meets the Goldilocks rule of being just the right size to get the best return on your investment. Geothermal AC does this easily by performing similar load calculations and remaining the most energy-efficient option, no matter how hot it gets outside.<\/p>\n
Installation and labor for central AC<\/h1>\n
The biggest factors in determining how long it will take to install central AC and how much it will cost are:<\/p>\n
\n- The type and location of the AC unit<\/li>\n
- Whether you need a ductwork update, total replacement, or new duct system installed<\/li>\n
- The size of the unit<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
With these in mind, installing a new central AC system can take anywhere from a few days to two or more weeks.<\/p>\n
All things considered, the total cost of installing central AC can range anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000 or more<\/a>. Then you have a whole different set of expenses when it comes to heating.<\/p>\nHow does geothermal compare to central AC?<\/h1>\n
If you opt for a geothermal system, you get both a heating and cooling system for the price of one. Once you have a geothermal system installed, you can use it to either heat or cool your home with the simple nudge of the thermostat.<\/p>\n
Efficiency <\/strong><\/h2>\nBoth central AC and geothermal cooling can give you the comfort of temperature control throughout the home more efficiently than a window unit or a portal AC can. These can cool a single room fairly well, but if you install a few throughout the house, the energy costs will stack up fast, and you\u2019ll end up with hot and cold spots.<\/p>\n
We can objectively measure and compare the efficiency of central AC and geothermal cooling through their Energy Efficiency Ratio, or EER. This value is calculated by dividing the energy output (AC) by the energy input (electricity). The greater the EER, the more efficient your system is, because less electricity is needed to produce the same result.<\/p>\n
Geothermal systems are highly efficient, typically having EERs of 15 and above. Dandelion\u2019s geothermal system<\/a> has an EER of 16.7. Meanwhile, a central AC system with an EER of at least 11.6<\/a> is already considered to be very good.<\/p>\nCentral AC systems have a reputation for being noisy, but it\u2019s no secret why they\u2019re as loud as they are. They\u2019re fighting a perpetual uphill battle against science<\/a> by forcing indoor heat to be absorbed into the hot outdoors, and consuming massive amounts of electricity in the process.<\/p>\nGeothermal AC systems are much quieter because they direct hot indoor air into the cool ground, where heat transfer occurs naturally. Instead of worrying about overworking your AC, you can relax and enjoy the refreshing comfort of a quiet, cool home in the summer.<\/p>\n
Sustainability<\/strong><\/h2>\nAll of the air conditioning options that we\u2019ve discussed require some form of energy input. Whether you have an army of window units and portable ACs, a central AC system, or a geothermal system, you can\u2019t create cool air from nothing, so some amount of energy will be consumed.<\/p>\n
Luckily, all cooling options run on electricity, not fossil fuels. So, the most sustainable AC option <\/a>aside from handheld paper fans is the one that\u2019s most efficient. In turn, the most efficient system uses the least amount of electricity<\/a>, and that\u2019s geothermal.<\/p>\nCost <\/strong><\/h2>\nThe upfront cost of geothermal is undeniably more than that of central AC. Dandelion\u2019s heat pump is on the more affordable end of the geothermal spectrum, but it still comes out to anywhere between $1500 to $2500 per ton<\/a>, not including ductwork. In contrast, central AC typically comes out to anywhere between $750 to $1300 per ton<\/a>, not including ductwork.<\/p>\nHowever, beyond the price tag, there are some other important factors to consider. Geothermal is a two-in-one cooling and<\/em> heating system, so after this one-time cost, you\u2019ll no longer need to pay for a boiler, a furnace, fuel oil, natural gas, or propane for the winter. In the summer, you\u2019ll also end up spending less on electricity than you did with central AC, window units, or portable ACs. Even though geothermal\u2019s upfront costs are higher, operational costs are lower<\/a>.<\/p>\nInstallation Complexity<\/strong><\/h2>\nBoth geothermal and central AC installation depend upon an existing air duct system that routes air distribution throughout the house. If you don\u2019t already have ductwork installed, it\u2019s important to do so before you install geothermal or central AC. Without ductwork, there\u2019s no way for your AC system to pull warm air from your home and return cool air to it!<\/p>\n
If your home already has functioning ductwork, adding central AC is fairly straightforward. Installers will first inspect the existing ductwork to make sure it\u2019s able to move air efficiently into and out of your home, and then conduct a manual J calculation to estimate your anticipated heating and cooling needs<\/a>. After that, you\u2019re good to go for installing the three components of a central AC system: the evaporator, the condenser, and the compressor.<\/p>\nTo avoid any mishaps, geothermal installation requires more time and more customizations<\/a> than central AC installation does. At Dandelion, the process<\/a> involves the same ductwork inspections and manual J calculations on top of other design considerations as well. The geothermal system includes a heat pump and ground loops, so there\u2019s an indoor installation step as well as an outdoor drilling step. The full timeline can take weeks or months from the initial interest survey<\/a> to the finished installation, so definitely make sure to plan ahead!<\/p>\nEquipment Lifespan <\/strong><\/h2>\nCentral AC systems typically last between 12 to 15 years<\/a>, or 15-20 years if you\u2019re willing to spend a little extra money on an \u201cenergy saver\u201d system<\/a>. Often, the main components significantly degenerate within the first 5 to 10 years, causing a steady decline in efficiency. They also require more regular maintenance and are more likely to incur damage as the compressor is exposed to the elements.<\/p>\nA geothermal cooling system pump lasts well over 20 years, and the underground looping system lasts well over 50 years.<\/a> They also require very little maintenance, if any, during that time. With no exposure to the elements, the parts that keep a geothermal system running last longer and maintain excellent efficiency during this time.<\/p>\nOne reason for a geothermal system\u2019s extended lifetime is its protection from the elements: the ground loops are buried deep underground and the heat pump is sheltered indoors. Both parts of the geothermal system are far less likely to suffer seasonal damages due to fluctuating temperatures and abrasive weather patterns such as snow and hail.<\/p>\n
In contrast, central AC condensers are left above-ground and outdoors, so exposure to the elements causes increased wear and tear. As a result, frequent system maintenance is encouraged, if not required.<\/p>\n
Available Incentives <\/strong><\/h2>\nAs a renewable source for heating and cooling, geothermal systems are promoted at the federal, state, and local levels through financial incentives<\/a>. Central AC systems also run on electricity, not fossil fuels, but they still consume more electricity than geothermal systems do, so there are no external incentives available for installing central AC.<\/p>\n
With these in mind, installing a new central AC system can take anywhere from a few days to two or more weeks.<\/p>\n
All things considered, the total cost of installing central AC can range anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000 or more<\/a>. Then you have a whole different set of expenses when it comes to heating.<\/p>\n If you opt for a geothermal system, you get both a heating and cooling system for the price of one. Once you have a geothermal system installed, you can use it to either heat or cool your home with the simple nudge of the thermostat.<\/p>\n Both central AC and geothermal cooling can give you the comfort of temperature control throughout the home more efficiently than a window unit or a portal AC can. These can cool a single room fairly well, but if you install a few throughout the house, the energy costs will stack up fast, and you\u2019ll end up with hot and cold spots.<\/p>\n We can objectively measure and compare the efficiency of central AC and geothermal cooling through their Energy Efficiency Ratio, or EER. This value is calculated by dividing the energy output (AC) by the energy input (electricity). The greater the EER, the more efficient your system is, because less electricity is needed to produce the same result.<\/p>\n Geothermal systems are highly efficient, typically having EERs of 15 and above. Dandelion\u2019s geothermal system<\/a> has an EER of 16.7. Meanwhile, a central AC system with an EER of at least 11.6<\/a> is already considered to be very good.<\/p>\n Central AC systems have a reputation for being noisy, but it\u2019s no secret why they\u2019re as loud as they are. They\u2019re fighting a perpetual uphill battle against science<\/a> by forcing indoor heat to be absorbed into the hot outdoors, and consuming massive amounts of electricity in the process.<\/p>\n Geothermal AC systems are much quieter because they direct hot indoor air into the cool ground, where heat transfer occurs naturally. Instead of worrying about overworking your AC, you can relax and enjoy the refreshing comfort of a quiet, cool home in the summer.<\/p>\n All of the air conditioning options that we\u2019ve discussed require some form of energy input. Whether you have an army of window units and portable ACs, a central AC system, or a geothermal system, you can\u2019t create cool air from nothing, so some amount of energy will be consumed.<\/p>\n Luckily, all cooling options run on electricity, not fossil fuels. So, the most sustainable AC option <\/a>aside from handheld paper fans is the one that\u2019s most efficient. In turn, the most efficient system uses the least amount of electricity<\/a>, and that\u2019s geothermal.<\/p>\n The upfront cost of geothermal is undeniably more than that of central AC. Dandelion\u2019s heat pump is on the more affordable end of the geothermal spectrum, but it still comes out to anywhere between $1500 to $2500 per ton<\/a>, not including ductwork. In contrast, central AC typically comes out to anywhere between $750 to $1300 per ton<\/a>, not including ductwork.<\/p>\n However, beyond the price tag, there are some other important factors to consider. Geothermal is a two-in-one cooling and<\/em> heating system, so after this one-time cost, you\u2019ll no longer need to pay for a boiler, a furnace, fuel oil, natural gas, or propane for the winter. In the summer, you\u2019ll also end up spending less on electricity than you did with central AC, window units, or portable ACs. Even though geothermal\u2019s upfront costs are higher, operational costs are lower<\/a>.<\/p>\n Both geothermal and central AC installation depend upon an existing air duct system that routes air distribution throughout the house. If you don\u2019t already have ductwork installed, it\u2019s important to do so before you install geothermal or central AC. Without ductwork, there\u2019s no way for your AC system to pull warm air from your home and return cool air to it!<\/p>\n If your home already has functioning ductwork, adding central AC is fairly straightforward. Installers will first inspect the existing ductwork to make sure it\u2019s able to move air efficiently into and out of your home, and then conduct a manual J calculation to estimate your anticipated heating and cooling needs<\/a>. After that, you\u2019re good to go for installing the three components of a central AC system: the evaporator, the condenser, and the compressor.<\/p>\n To avoid any mishaps, geothermal installation requires more time and more customizations<\/a> than central AC installation does. At Dandelion, the process<\/a> involves the same ductwork inspections and manual J calculations on top of other design considerations as well. The geothermal system includes a heat pump and ground loops, so there\u2019s an indoor installation step as well as an outdoor drilling step. The full timeline can take weeks or months from the initial interest survey<\/a> to the finished installation, so definitely make sure to plan ahead!<\/p>\n Central AC systems typically last between 12 to 15 years<\/a>, or 15-20 years if you\u2019re willing to spend a little extra money on an \u201cenergy saver\u201d system<\/a>. Often, the main components significantly degenerate within the first 5 to 10 years, causing a steady decline in efficiency. They also require more regular maintenance and are more likely to incur damage as the compressor is exposed to the elements.<\/p>\n A geothermal cooling system pump lasts well over 20 years, and the underground looping system lasts well over 50 years.<\/a> They also require very little maintenance, if any, during that time. With no exposure to the elements, the parts that keep a geothermal system running last longer and maintain excellent efficiency during this time.<\/p>\n One reason for a geothermal system\u2019s extended lifetime is its protection from the elements: the ground loops are buried deep underground and the heat pump is sheltered indoors. Both parts of the geothermal system are far less likely to suffer seasonal damages due to fluctuating temperatures and abrasive weather patterns such as snow and hail.<\/p>\n In contrast, central AC condensers are left above-ground and outdoors, so exposure to the elements causes increased wear and tear. As a result, frequent system maintenance is encouraged, if not required.<\/p>\n As a renewable source for heating and cooling, geothermal systems are promoted at the federal, state, and local levels through financial incentives<\/a>. Central AC systems also run on electricity, not fossil fuels, but they still consume more electricity than geothermal systems do, so there are no external incentives available for installing central AC.<\/p>\nHow does geothermal compare to central AC?<\/h1>\n
Efficiency <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Sustainability<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Cost <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Installation Complexity<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Equipment Lifespan <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Available Incentives <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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