Advice and News •
If you want to make the most of every square inch of your home, you need to cool the small spaces too. No one wants to spend time in an unpleasant sweatbox, especially when it’s more like a sauna than a sanctuary. So, what are your options when it comes to air conditioning for a small room?
Split systems
A split system is another type of air conditioning unit that’s a great option if you’re looking to cool a small room. Like the name suggests, a split unit means that the component parts of the air conditioner are divided into two separate units or boxes. One (the condenser) is installed outside and the other (the fan coil) is mounted to a wall inside. They’re linked by a compact system of piping carrying refrigerant. You can even utilise a split system in an apartment by having the condenser installed on a balcony. Unlike a ducted air conditioning system, you don’t need to run the ducts through your roof space, so they’re a viable option in multi-storey buildings.
Split system air conditioners are a great option for compact spaces. They’re relatively quiet and remarkably quick when it comes to cooling small rooms. Many of the leading brands on the market are also rated very highly when it comes to energy efficiency. That makes it easy to compare brands and choose the one that best suits your needs.
A split system sits high on your interior wall. It doesn’t reduce your available floor space. It’s also less intrusive than a window unit or a portable air conditioning unit and doesn’t reduce your natural light. Split systems are relatively inexpensive to buy, but you do have to factor-in the cost of installation.
You can also operate most split systems via remote control and many have a timer function. This allows greater flexibility and you can set it to come on before you get home. They’re also a perfect solution for cooling a small room, particularly if you don’t have a window. Depending on the size of the split system and your floor plan, you may also be able to cool two adjacent rooms at once. However, if you want to cool more rooms than that, you may have to consider multiple split systems which can increase your initial outlay and installation costs.
Another upside to having a split system is that if you choose wisely, you can buy a reverse cycle unit. That way, your air conditioner can double as a heater in winter. You’ll avoid having to buy heaters or have a heating system installed.
A professional should always install a split system air conditioner. It needs to be hardwired in. However, professional installation of your air conditioner will guarantee that it works at maximum efficiency. It also means that you won’t inadvertently void your warranty. In any event, installation is relatively quick and affordable. Given the fact that a split system must be installed, it might not be an option for you if you’re renting,
Ducted air conditioning
Another option open to you for cooling your small room is ducted air conditioning. Chances are, your small room is part of a bigger picture anyway.
A ducted system normally involves the air conditioning system being located out of sight, usually in your roof cavity. Cool air is channelled into the rooms of your house via a system of concealed ducts with outlets unobtrusively placed in the ceiling. A ducted system of air conditioning is the safest option if you have small children or pets because there’s no access to the air conditioning unit or its moving parts.
Admittedly, you’ll have a much bigger initial outlay if you choose a ducted system. However, there are significant benefits to be enjoyed over the life of the unit. Choose wisely and those benefits will include greater energy efficiency and less of an impact on the environment.
A ducted air conditioning system means that you avoid having to have multiple air conditioning units scattered all over the house. It’s therefore quieter and takes up less space. Most modern ducted air conditioning systems can also be zoned, allowing you to shut off rooms that you aren’t using or even enjoy different temperatures in different rooms of your home.
Many ducted air conditioning systems are also reverse-cycle, enabling you to quietly and efficiently heat your home as well as cool it. A reverse cycle unit equates to more bang for your buck!
Installing a ducted air conditioning system is a sure fire way to increase the value of your home and make it a more attractive option for potential buyers if you’re selling. It’s an investment that’s sure to pay you dividends in the long run in terms of comfort, even in the smallest of rooms.
Have a small room and you’re confused by your air conditioning options? Talk to us today at H & H Air Conditioning in Brisbane on (07) 3276 1800 or on the Sunshine Coast (07) 5477 1777.