Many older homes today don’t come with a central AC unit, which can be a problem because it leaves you susceptible to the outside elements. One good way to fix this problem is by installing your own AC system.
There are many alternatives to having a central AC unit, one of the most popular ones is a Package Terminal Air Conditioner (PTACs) system.
If you’re interested in adding a PTAC system in your home, you need to make sure that the unit is well-built and it’ll fit all your needs. The best thing about buying a PTAC unit is that you can easily install them into any part of your house.
You can then decide whether you want to go with a basic unit or a special unit, which comes with additional features, like a central thermostat and built-in humidifiers. This will all depend on your individual requirements and your budget.
How HVAC Should be Integrated Into Your Home’s Design
Many people are curious about how to integrate an AC system into their homes, especially if they own an older home. The easiest and most economical way to add AC to your home is to simply buy a gently used and refurbished PTAC unit. Usually, these systems have a warranty so you don’t have to worry about them not working properly. It’s also a more economical alternative to buying a new system.
Integrating an AC system into your home's design might seem easy, but there are some things that you need to consider before you do this, such as the following:
1. Decide The Kind Of System That You Want To Buy
When you’re thinking about integrating an AC into your home, one of the first things that you have to consider is the kind of system that you want to install. In most of these systems, the biggest difference is the features they offer and the BTUs (British Thermal Unit)–the higher the BTUs, the higher the power. Thus, you need to figure out how much cooling you want from the unit.
For instance, if you have a large room that you need to cool down, then you need to choose a system with more BTUs. Keep in mind that the BTUs also relates to how much energy your new unit will be consuming.
2. Plan Out Where Your AC System Would Fit In Best
The placement of your system is extremely important as you want to install your system in a location that’ll easily cool or heat any room.
If you're not sure where you want your system installed, you might have to go through the entire home and decide which areas of your home would be the most suitable. This can be done by taking a look around your house and note of any obstructions that might stop airflow. This way, you can see where your system has to be placed to be the most effective.
3. Measure Where Your System Will Be Installed, Then Double-Check
Once you've found a spot that seems perfect, you can measure the area and compare them to your unit's measurements.
The best way to do this is to check the sizes of your rooms. The next step is to measure the dimensions of the area where you want the unit placed. This will help you decide the size and shape of the unit. The unit should be able to fit snuggly into the corner of the room that you would like to install it in. This will help you ensure that you won't have any air leaks.
Air leaks will cause your AC to work harder and use more power, causing you to have a high electricity bill.
4. Clear Any Obstructions
Lastly, check for any outside obstructions. If you have a lot of trees or other obstructions that’ll block airflow through your existing air conditioning unit, you need to make sure that these obstacles are removed before you install your new AC unit.
Although getting your home ready for your new system is a physically demanding task, it’ll be worth it when you finally get to enjoy your cool new home.
Conclusion:
Having a good working AC system in your home is becoming a necessity in today's world. Many older houses don’t have a central AC system and installing one is too complicated, which can be extremely hard work since you’ll install new ductwork and do some major remodeling.
A cheaper and more efficient alternative to this is buying a PTAC unit. These units are easy to install, can be incorporated into your home's design, and are excellent at keeping your home cold during the summer, and warm and toasty during the cold winters.