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It is possible to add air conditioning to an older home, but it can be very expensive to do so. Expect to pay anywhere from $6,000 to $17,000 or more for the ductwork and AC unit. You’ll also have to hack into the home’s walls and ceilings to add ductwork, which can impact the aesthetics of an old home.

If your central AC is not blowing cold air, you should try resetting the system. Many systems have a reset button. Make sure your thermostat is off, then turn off the circuit breaker that powers your AC. Hold the reset button for three to five seconds, then turn the circuit back on. Set your thermostat to cool and choose a temperature cooler than the room. Your system should turn on quickly.

Yes, ventless portable air conditioners exist, and not all standard portable air conditioners must be vented through a window.

Ventless portable units, often called evaporative coolers, do not have exhaust hoses. They use a water reservoir and a cooling pad to add moisture to the air, making it feel cooler. These units work best in dry climates because humid areas cannot absorb much additional moisture.

For standard portable air conditioners that do require venting, a window is not the only option; they can also be vented through a door, wall, or ceiling. However, it is essential to vent these units properly. Running a standard portable AC without venting it is counterproductive because it needs to expel heat to cool the room. Failing to do so will only increase the room's temperature.

You should plan to change your AC unit's filter every one to three months, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. You should also clean the coils at least once per year, but if you have pets or someone in your household has allergies, you might need to clean them more often. Fortunately, many pros will clean the coils and change the filter for you during an inspection, which you should schedule once or twice per year.