Depending on the type of apartment you live in, your air conditioning options can change dramatically. The choices may seem overwhelming, but when you consider the type of place you live and its own limitations, your choices will become narrower.
This is a quick look at what type of air conditioners work in which housing types. Always speak to an HVAC technician before making a decision.
Apartments
As a resident, you don’t have much control over your heating system. To be fair, most buyers continue to use the system the property was delivered on rather than worrying about costly renovations.
If you’re renting in an older or a smaller building, you probably don’t have central air, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with fans. Small apartments can get hot quickly, especially if you only have windows on one or two walls.
Some tips for residents are:
- Find a unity that cools enough square meters to cover your entire apartment
- Use a portable air conditioner that doesn’t take up too much space and that you can easily take with you to your next apartment
- Do not use a humidifier while the air conditioner is running
- Seal air leaks that can cause your heating or air conditioning system to run more than necessary, especially if the landlord is not up to date with minor repairs
Houses
One of the advantages of owning a home is choosing your heating and cooling system. Central air conditioning is the most convenient and aesthetic choice because it does not make the use of a window unnecessary. The central air conditioning and a convection oven use the same ducts and vents, and the same HVAC company can set up both.
A window AC unit may be sufficient for budget-conscious or smaller households, but this means that there is a window that you cannot use. Find a central location for a window AC unit.
Heritage houses
In older houses there are often no ducts that allow central air conditioning and convection ovens. In some cases ducts can be installed, although it can be an expensive job. In some cases, there may not be enough space to install ducts without disturbing the homeowner.
Fortunately, you can use ductless air conditioning. A ductless air conditioner has several cooling units so that you can adjust the temperature room by room. It’s an incredibly versatile system that will work wonders in an older home.
Ductless air conditioners not only work in older homes, they can be too more efficient than other systems because there are no pressure imbalances or air leaks.
Wherever you live, this one practical guide to air conditioning can help you decide which system works best in your home. From apartments to new buildings to historic houses, there is air conditioning that works. Talk to an HVAC technician about your options, installation, and placement.