The answer is both yes and no.
While it is possible to add air conditioning to a home with baseboard heating, it may not be as simple as just installing a central air conditioning system.
There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is to use a split system.
This type of system has an outdoor unit that houses the compressor and condenser, and an indoor unit that contains the evaporator coil.
Refrigerant lines connect the two units.
Another option is to use a ductless mini-split system, which is similar to a split system but doesn’t require ductwork.
- Check your thermostat to see if it is set to “heat” mode.
- If not, switch it to that setting.
- Find your baseboard heaters and turn them on.
- You may need to flip a switch or turn a knob to do this.
- Set the temperature on your thermostat to the desired level.
- The baseboard heaters will now kick in and start heating up your home.
- Once the room reaches the desired temperature, you can turn off the baseboard heaters if you want.
- Your air conditioner will now be running and keeping the room cool.
What is Baseboard Air Conditioning?
Baseboard air conditioning is a type of cooling system that uses a network of fins and pipes to circulate cool air through a room.
The system is typically installed along the baseboards of walls, where it can be out of sight and out of the way.
Baseboard air conditioners are often combined with other cooling systems, such as ceiling fans or window air conditioners.
Baseboard air conditioners work by circulating coolant through a series of fins and pipes.
As the coolant circulates, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air.
This cooled air is then circulated back into the room, lowering the overall temperature.
Baseboard air conditioners are usually powered by electricity, although some models may use natural gas or propane.
One advantage of baseboard air conditioning is that it can be very efficient at cooling large spaces.
Another advantage is that, because they are mounted on walls rather than on the floor, they take up less space than other types of cooling systems.
Additionally, baseboard air conditioners are relatively quiet when they are running.
However, one disadvantage of baseboard air conditioning is that it can take longer for the system to cool a room than other types of cooling systems.
How Much Does It Cost to Convert Baseboard Heat to Central Air?
The cost of converting baseboard heat to central air can vary depending on a few different factors.
The size of your home, the type of baseboard heaters you have, and the condition of your ductwork will all play a role in the final cost.
On average, it will cost between $3,000 and $5,000 to convert baseboard heat to central air.
This price includes the cost of materials and labor.
If you have a large home or complex ductwork, the price may be closer to $5,000.
If you have a small home with simple baseboard heaters, the price may be closer to $3,000.
If you are interested in converting your baseboard heat to central air but are concerned about the cost, there are a few ways to save money on the project.
One option is to do some of the work yourself.
For example, if you are comfortable working with tools and know how to read a tape measure, you can install the new ductwork yourself.
This will save you money on labor costs.
Another option is to purchase energy-efficient baseboard heaters and an energy-efficient AC unit.
These initial higher costs will save you money over time in lower energy bills.
Finally, make sure that your ductwork is properly insulated so that no warm air escapes and cool air isn’t lost before it reaches its destination.
Can You Convert Baseboard Heat to Forced-Air?
Most people heat their homes using either a forced-air heating system or a baseboard heating system.
But what if you want to convert your baseboard heat to forced air? Is it even possible?
The answer is yes, you can convert baseboard heat to forced air.
However, it’s not a simple process and it will likely require the help of a professional HVAC technician.
The first step is to determine whether your home’s existing ductwork is adequate for a forced-air system.
If not, you’ll need to have new ducts installed. Once that’s done, the next step is to install an air handler and blower unit in your home.
This can be done by cutting through one of the exterior walls of your home and installing the unit in the resulting hole.
Finally, you’ll need to connect the air handler unit to your home’s electrical supply and test it out to make sure everything is working properly.
Converting from baseboard heat to forced air isn’t a quick or easy project, but it can be done if you’re up for a bit of a challenge.
Just be sure to consult with an HVAC professional before getting started so that you can be sure that your conversion is done safely and correctly!
Electric Baseboard Heaters: Pros and Cons
Author: Ralph P. Sita
Ralph P. Sita is a seasoned professional with deep roots in both the HVAC and tech industries. His family’s business, Ralph P. Sita, Inc., is a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor with over 42 years of experience, serving the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. The company specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, offering everything from installation and maintenance to custom ductwork and indoor air quality solutions -www.ralphpsita.com. A former CPA, he spent the last decade as co-founder and co-CEO at Cybrary, a leading platform for cybersecurity and IT training. Cybrary became the largest, most well-known cybersecurity training businesses in the industry under his leadership. Smart AC Solutions is an opportunity to give back to the HVAC community by providing reliable, actionable information on all things heating and cooling.