The Ultimate Guide to Adding Air Conditioning to Older Homes

So you're looking to upgrade your older Sydney home with air conditioning?

Whether you’re looking to service an existing unit or install a brand-new system, adding air conditioning to your older home can make all the difference in creating a cool, comfortable space. At Roberts Air Conditioning, your comfort is our priority—and our service is as personal as your space.

While air conditioning installations in older homes can be trickier than in newer builds, it’s entirely doable with the right expertise. Consulting with our experienced Sydney air conditioning team like us can help you find the best solution for your unique space.

Can you really add air conditioning to an old house?

Short answer: Yes!

The slightly longer answer? Yes—but there are a few more steps involved than with newer builds.

Unlike modern homes with spaces specifically designed for ductwork, older homes often have solid walls, snug ceilings, or floors that don’t lend themselves to easy installations. In Australia, it wasn’t until the 1970s that ducted air conditioning became more common, so if your home predates that era, it likely wasn’t built with air conditioning in mind.

And then there are the materials—older homes often feature unique materials like horsehair plaster, brick, or stone walls, which need extra time and care, which can impact the installation process.

Worried about disrupting the charm of your period home?

Good news—you don’t have to compromise for comfort!

With careful planning, you can add a modern AC without losing your home’s character. At Roberts Air Conditioning, we specialise in discreet, non-intrusive installations that help you stay cool without drawing attention to themselves.

Slimline ducted units are perfectly discreet and can sit around the edges of fine or ornate ceilings, while split systems come in all shapes and sizes, and sit on the wall - so they won't interfere with your special ceilings at all.

Things to consider before installing AC in an older home

Before we get started, there are a few things to keep in mind for an AC installation in an older home:

1. Electrical Work: Your home’s wiring might need an upgrade to handle a modern air conditioner, especially if it’s been a few decades since it was installed. We’ll assess your setup to make sure your home is ready to handle the added power.
2. Insulation: Not all older homes are well-insulated, which can lead to lost cool air and higher energy bills. We recommend checking insulation in walls, floors, and attics and sealing any drafty windows or doors.
3. Ceiling and Under-Floor Space: Ducted air conditioning requires installing ductwork in ceiling cavities or under the flooring. In many older homes, space in these areas can be limited, so you may need to decide between one or the other—or consider a split system, which doesn’t rely on bulky ducts and offers a more flexible setup.

So, which air conditioning system is best for older homes?

Choosing the right system for your older home makes all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:

Ducted and Slimline Ducted Air Conditioning Systems

Ideal if you have ceiling or under floor space for ductwork. Provides a sleek, hidden cooling solution that doesn’t disrupt your home’s vintage charm. Cools your entire home through a central unit and hidden ducts.

Ceiling or Floor Ducting

Consider where to install ducts. High ceilings may allow ducts in the roof, while homes with limited roof space may need ducts installed beneath the floor. Ensure there's enough space in crawl spaces or raised foundations for installation and ventilation to avoid moisture issues.

Things to Note

• Installation may require significant modification to your home’s structure.
• Proper ventilation in crawl spaces is essential to avoid moisture problems.
• Ensure your electrical system can support the power needs of a ducted system.

Split Air Conditioning Systems

Split Systems

Perfect for homes with limited space, as they don’t require ductwork. Wall-mounted units connect to an outdoor compressor for discreet cooling. Great for cooling individual rooms, allowing you to target the areas you use most.

Finding Space for Components

Pay attention to the placement of the indoor air handler, outdoor condenser unit, and return air vents. Return vents are essential for recirculating indoor air but can be tricky to place in older homes. Utilise under utilised spaces like closets or hallways, or consider multiple smaller return vents instead of one large vent.

Things to Note

• Requires careful planning to ensure optimal air circulation.
• Indoor units are visible, so choose a design that complements your decor.
• Noise levels can vary; select a unit known for quiet operation if sound is a concern.

Multi-Split Systems

Connects multiple indoor units to one outdoor compressor, cooling several rooms without major renovations. Allows for different temperature settings in different rooms, ideal for multi-use spaces.

Return Air Vent Placement

Like split systems, placement of return air vents can be challenging in homes with small or oddly shaped floor plans. Careful consideration of placement is necessary to ensure effective air circulation.

Things to Note

• Installation can be more intricate than that of single split systems, so it's best to have a qualified technician from our Roberts Air Conditioning team take care of it.
• Requires regular maintenance to keep all units functioning efficiently.
• Ensure each indoor unit is appropriately sized for the room it serves for optimal cooling.

Need a local aircon expert in Sydney?

Contact Roberts Air Conditioning today for a free consultation. 

Call us

(02) 8809 3704

Email us

enquiries@robertsairconditioning.com.au