If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a good chance it doesn't have central air conditioning. Until recently, our mild Pacific Northwest climate didn't require it.

But times have changed. Heat domes bring triple-digit temperatures. Wildfire smoke makes opening windows a bad idea. And we've all gotten more accustomed to climate control.

The good news: you have options. And they don't all require tearing your house apart.

The Challenges of Older Homes

Before we talk solutions, let's understand the challenges:

  • No ductwork: Many older homes have radiators, baseboard heat, or wall furnaces—no ducts to distribute air.
  • Limited electrical capacity: Old electrical panels may not support high-draw HVAC equipment.
  • Architectural constraints: Cramped attics, finished basements, and plaster walls make adding ductwork difficult.
  • Historic considerations: Some homeowners don't want to alter the character of an older home.

Your Options

1. Ductless Mini-Split Systems

This is often the best solution for older homes. Mini-splits provide both heating and cooling without ductwork. An outdoor compressor connects to one or more indoor units via a small refrigerant line (just a 3-inch hole in the wall).

✓ Pros

  • No ductwork required
  • Zone control (different temps in different rooms)
  • Very energy efficient
  • Heats AND cools
  • Quiet operation
  • Minimal disruption to install

✗ Cons

  • Indoor units visible on wall
  • Each room needs its own unit (or use multi-zone)
  • Higher upfront cost than window units

Cost: $3,000-$5,000 for a single-zone system; $8,000-$15,000 for multi-zone

2. High-Velocity Mini-Duct Systems

These systems use small, flexible 2-inch ducts that can snake through walls and ceilings without major renovation. The air comes out through small, round vents that are less obtrusive than traditional registers.

✓ Pros

  • Provides central air throughout house
  • Small ducts fit where traditional ducts can't
  • Good dehumidification
  • Less visible than mini-split units

✗ Cons

  • More expensive to install
  • Can be noisy
  • Still requires some wall/ceiling work
  • Need space for air handler

Cost: $10,000-$20,000 depending on home size

3. Window Units and Portable ACs

The simplest, cheapest option. Window units sit in a window; portable units roll on wheels and vent through a window kit.

✓ Pros

  • Lowest upfront cost
  • No installation required
  • Can move between rooms (portable)
  • Good for occasional use

✗ Cons

  • Noisy
  • Less efficient
  • Blocks window (window unit)
  • One room at a time
  • Not a long-term solution

Cost: $200-$800 per unit

4. Adding Traditional Ductwork

Sometimes it's possible to add ductwork to an older home, especially if you have an unfinished basement, accessible attic, or are already doing renovation work.

✓ Pros

  • True central heating and cooling
  • No visible equipment in rooms
  • Whole-home comfort
  • Adds value to home

✗ Cons

  • Most expensive option
  • Major construction disruption
  • May not be feasible in all homes
  • Can affect historic character

Cost: $10,000-$30,000+ depending on complexity

What About Heating?

If your older home has baseboard heat, radiators, or a wall furnace, you might wonder about upgrading heating too.

Keep What Works

If your existing heating system is working well, you don't necessarily need to replace it. You can add a ductless mini-split for cooling only (most can also provide supplemental heating).

Full Replacement

If your heating system is failing, this might be the time to consider a ductless heat pump system that handles both heating and cooling. Modern heat pumps are efficient enough to be your primary heat source in our climate.

💡 Our Recommendation for Most Older Homes

A multi-zone ductless mini-split system usually offers the best balance of comfort, efficiency, and minimal disruption. You get heating and cooling in one system, individual room control, and installation typically takes just 1-2 days with no major renovation.

Before You Decide

Every home is different. Before committing to a solution, consider:

  • Your budget: Not just upfront cost, but operating costs over time
  • Your timeline: How urgently do you need cooling?
  • Aesthetics: How important is it that equipment be hidden?
  • Future plans: Are you planning other renovations?
  • Rebates: Heat pump systems often qualify for significant rebates

Get a Professional Assessment

We've been working on older Pacific Northwest homes for 52 years. We can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best approach—whether that's a simple single-zone mini-split or a more comprehensive solution.

Give us a call for a free consultation. We'll look at your home, discuss your priorities, and give you honest options.