A Smarter Approach to Cooling Older Milwaukee Homes
Conventional central air conditioning requires a network of large rectangular ducts to distribute conditioned air. For many Milwaukee homeowners — particularly those in older homes with plaster walls, homes heated by radiators with no existing ductwork, or homes where duct installation would require significant renovation — this requirement makes conventional central AC impractical or prohibitively expensive. High velocity systems change that calculation entirely.
The Core Advantages of High Velocity AC
- Minimal installation footprint: High velocity systems use 2-inch diameter flexible tubing that routes through existing wall cavities, around obstacles, and through small spaces that conventional rectangular ducts cannot navigate. This means dramatically less demolition and reconstruction during installation.
- Exceptional dehumidification: This is where high velocity systems truly stand out for Milwaukee's humid summer climate. High velocity systems remove 30% more moisture from indoor air than conventional cooling systems — delivering air that feels cooler and more comfortable at the same temperature setting. The result is genuine comfort at higher thermostat setpoints, reducing energy consumption.
- Even temperature distribution: The aspiration effect created by high-velocity air discharge rapidly mixes room air, eliminating the temperature stratification — warm near the ceiling, cool near the floor — that's common with low-velocity conventional systems. Temperatures within a properly designed high velocity zone are typically uniform within 2°F from floor to ceiling.
- Preservation of architectural character: The small, round outlets (typically 3.5-inch diameter discs) blend into walls, ceilings, and floors far more discreetly than large conventional registers. Historic Milwaukee homes can gain central air conditioning without compromising their architectural character.
- Compatibility with various air handler configurations: High velocity systems are available with both cooling-only air handlers and heat pump configurations, providing heating and cooling from a single installation.
Ideal Candidates for High Velocity Installation
- Pre-1960 Milwaukee homes with plaster walls and no existing ductwork
- Homes heated entirely by boiler, radiators, or in-floor radiant heat
- Multi-story homes where routing conventional ductwork between floors would require significant structural work
- Historic or architecturally significant homes where outlet aesthetics matter
- Additions and renovated spaces where connecting to existing ductwork is impractical
High Velocity AC Installation from Burkhardt
Burkhardt Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric has experience installing high velocity air conditioning systems in Milwaukee's diverse and historic housing stock. Our NATE-certified technicians design these systems for optimal performance and install them with minimal disruption to your home. With 60+ years as a family-owned Milwaukee company, we deliver solutions that work for real Milwaukee homes. Call 414-206-3049 to schedule a high velocity AC consultation. GreenSky financing is available for qualifying installations, and we're available 24/7 for emergencies.
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