How To Air Condition Smaller Homes

For homeowners who have small homes, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of installing a central air conditioning system, there are portable units that can be used to provide air conditioning for your home when you need it the most. You may choose a portable unit because it offers a less expensive option than central air conditioning.

One example is the Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner or PTAC unit (the kind often found in hotels). It’s a self-contained system that uses electricity to take heat and humidity out of your home through a vent.

If you’re thinking about how to air condition smaller homes, whether you’re building your dream residence or an apartment complex, here are some tips that can help you:

1. Choose The Best Style And Size

When purchasing an air conditioning unit or system, you need to remember to get the right size for your space. Some are very large in size, meaning they can cool up a large area and heat the air in more. The larger your unit, the more expensive it’s going to be.

Portable units are great for smaller houses since they can be easily moved around, but they typically cost you a lot more to buy. You’ll also need to choose a brand that’s suitable for your property because different brands have different strengths and weaknesses.

You should ask a technician to visit your home and look at the unit that you’re considering, just to be sure that the components are in good working order. You’ll also want to pay attention to the warranty on the air conditioner, which will generally last about 30 years, depending on the brand and the quality of the product.

2. Consider The Design During Construction

Ideally, you should already have a decision on the type of air conditioning system you want to have in your home before it gets built. This way, its size, style, and design can be incorporated into the construction plan.

While you’re learning how to air condition smaller homes, remember that the most important part of your cooling system should be the insulation that surrounds your home. During construction, it’s used as a barrier that keeps the inside from getting too cold or hot. It will also help to insulate your walls, which can help keep you comfortable, especially if you’re trying to be more energy-efficient. The best way to do this is to make sure that you purchase your insulation ahead of time and, then, have it installed once the structure is underway.

3. Think About The Entailing Costs

There are lots of benefits to using an air conditioner at home. However, this privilege also comes with a set of responsibilities, especially with the utility bills. You must consider the additional costs of installing an air conditioning system for your home. Another expense to think about is the price of the unit when you purchase it.

4. Install A Ceiling Fan

While a ceiling fan is not going to make your air cooler on its own, it will help your air conditioning unit to better regulate the flow of cold air that your air conditioning unit makes. In other words, you can give your air conditioning system a nice break by leaving the job of circulating cold air throughout your house to the fan.

That means you’re actually doing two things at one time with this appliance. With a central air heating system that has a heat pump, you have to have two different systems for each room in your house. With a fan, however, you just need a single unit for all of your rooms.

5. Maximize Your Windows

Cooling and heating costs can easily account for more than half of your home’s energy consumption every year. Luckily, there are many ways you can cut cooling costs without taking away from the quality of your life. One way to do this is to be strategic when using your windows.

In the summer months, you may want to close your windows during the day to keep the interior of your home cool. Keeping sunlight out can reduce the warmth inside your rooms. With this, you won’t be overburdening your AC. Conversely, during fall, you can open your windows a little bit to let the cold air in. This way, you save on energy that’s otherwise used by your cooling system.

Conclusion

When choosing an air conditioner for your home, you must look for the best style and size for your needs and preferences. Then, you can incorporate the design into your construction plan before building your residence. Follow these tips to ensure that you can cool your home efficiently.