How to Add AC to Historic RI Homes Without Wrecking the Walls

Owning a historic home in Rhode Island is a privilege, offering unique architectural beauty and a connection to the past. However, these older properties were not built with modern comfort in mind, often leaving homeowners sweltering during our humid summers. Preserving the integrity of your plaster walls and original woodwork while staying cool requires a specialized approach that respects the structure's history. Contact Atlantis Comfort Systems to learn more!

Attic interior of an old wooden house

The Challenge of Traditional Ductwork

Installing standard central air conditioning usually requires bulky ductwork that simply does not fit in the walls of older homes. Attempting to retrofit these systems often leads to unsightly bulkheads or significant damage to original plaster and molding. We understand that sacrificing your home's aesthetic character for comfort is never an acceptable trade-off for preservation-minded homeowners.

a small, barely noticeable circular high-velocity air outlet

High-Velocity Systems for Minimal Impact

For those who prefer a centralized solution, high-velocity systems offer a discreet alternative to traditional forced air. The outlets are barely noticeable, blending seamlessly into the room’s design, ensuring effective historic home air conditioning without compromising the visual appeal of your interior.

white ductless mini-split indoor unit mounted high on a plaster wall

The Efficiency of Ductless Mini-Splits

Ductless AC in Rhode Island is rapidly becoming the gold standard for cooling vintage properties. By mounting sleek indoor units connected to an outdoor compressor, we can provide room-by-room temperature control without any ductwork at all. This method is incredibly energy-efficient and requires only a small three-inch hole through the wall, keeping your home’s structural integrity completely intact.

A family relaxing comfortably on a sofa

Preserving Aesthetics While Improving Comfort

Modern cooling solutions are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, ensuring the focus remains on your home's architecture. Whether choosing high-velocity or ductless systems, the goal is always to enhance livability without altering the footprint. We believe that modern technology and historic charm can coexist, allowing you to enjoy a cool, comfortable environment inside your century-old home.

Bringing modern climate control to a classic property requires expertise and a delicate touch. At Atlantis Comfort Systems, we are dedicated to providing AC for old houses in Rhode Island that honors the past while embracing the future. If you are ready to explore options for your historic home, or if you simply have questions about the installation process, we invite you to contact us for a consultation.

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