The Importance of Air Conditioning (And How to Retrofit Your Home with AC)
As summers get hotter, air conditioning isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you live in an older home without central air or are looking to upgrade your current system, there are more retrofit options than ever to keep your space cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient.
Why Air Conditioning Matters
Extreme heat can do more than make you sweat. It affects sleep, productivity, and in some cases, your health—especially for young children, seniors, or those with health conditions. With BC and many other parts of Canada experiencing record heat waves, having a cooling system in place is no longer just a matter of comfort—it’s about safety and quality of life.
Can You Add Air Conditioning to an Older Home?
Absolutely. While it’s easiest to install AC during construction, many homes—especially character homes or builds before the 1990s—can be retrofitted with modern cooling options. It all comes down to choosing the right system for your home’s layout, age, and electrical capacity.
Retrofit Options for Air Conditioning
1. Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ideal for homes without existing ductwork.
Each unit cools (and often heats) individual rooms.
Quiet, energy-efficient, and fast to install.
2. Heat Pumps (with Cooling)
A great two-in-one option for heating in winter and cooling in summer.
Can be added to existing forced-air systems or installed as ductless units.
Qualifies for government rebates in many provinces.
3. Central Air Conditioning
Best for homes that already have ductwork.
Delivers even, whole-home cooling.
Requires careful planning to ensure electrical panels can handle the load.
Is Your Electrical Panel AC-Ready?
Many older homes weren’t built to handle the demands of modern cooling systems. Before installing AC, we inspect your electrical panel and wiring to ensure it's up to code and capable of supporting the load.
In some cases, a panel upgrade or sub-panel installation is needed to run the system safely and efficiently.
Rebates & Energy Savings
Depending on your location, government rebates and incentive programs may be available to help cover the cost of installing a heat pump or high-efficiency AC system. Plus, modern systems use significantly less energy than window units or old central air systems, which means lower power bills in the long run.
Let’s Talk Comfort
Whether you're building new, upgrading, or retrofitting, a licensed electrician plays a key role in ensuring your air conditioning system is wired safely, efficiently, and up to code.
Need help planning an AC retrofit for your home? We’re happy to take a look and give you expert advice.
