If you live in an apartment, the heating and cooling requirements of units at the ground level are different from those on the upper floors. Apartment developers understand this issue but may not meet it properly due to the costs involved. There is a slight difference between heating and cooling a small apartment compared to a larger one. The real difference will mostly be felt during the winter or summer when temperatures are very high or extremely low. Sticking with your normal HVAC unit in this period isn’t an option, you need one that is capable of regulating temperatures in your entire house to ensure the whole family is comfortable. When you are thinking of buying an HVAC unit for a small apartment, you need to consider a couple of things to get the most out of it.
Power Requirements of the HVAC System
Power requirements depend on the space that needs to be conditioned. If you live in a small apartment, you don’t need a big air conditioner that will only consume more energy while working below its optimal. On the other hand, a small unit will struggle to maintain the right conditions in your apartment. It will leave your house with too much humidity and damp during the cold weather and fail to keep it cool during hot days. In the end, it will undergo wear and tear and fail sooner than you imagined. A well-matched unit is slightly more powerful than your apartment needs. This will ensure that you attain the required temperatures without having to push the unit full blast.
Type of Fuel Used
Furnaces that run from natural gas or oil are bulky and cannot be installed in apartment units. They work better when installed in a basement in homes as opposed to the main unit of an apartment. On the other hand, there are portable HVAC systems and furnaces that do run on electricity. These are lighter and easier to install. The best units for apartments are the standalone air con units that are mounted on the wall and are completely separate from the furnace. These are the best option when it comes to heating single rooms and small apartment units.
Zoning Capability
Having a small apartment doesn’t mean that every room will be occupied at all times. Given that normal air conditioners heat and cool every room to the set temperatures at all times, it goes without saying that a lot of energy is wasted heating unoccupied rooms. You can counter this issue by purchasing a heating and cooling system with a zoning capability. Zoning will make the HVAC system more energy-efficient and you’ll end up saving even more in energy bills. A zoning capable AC unit lets you use a multi-zone thermostat or multiple thermostats to individually heat or cool rooms. This not only makes your home more energy efficient but also reduces unecessary strain on the AC hence extending its lifespan.
Efficiency Ratings
If you mind the environment or spend too much on heating and cooling, then you have to find an energy-efficient air conditioner. HVAC units aren’t all the same –some use more electricity than others. Modern units have a more energy-efficient rating and make a good pick for your apartment than the older HVAC systems. Have a look at the available units and go for one with the highest rating since the higher a rating is the more energy-efficient the HVAC unit is.
The Existing Ductwork
Did you know that ductwork can have an effect on your heating and cooling bills? Well, inspect the existing ductwork in your apartment to ensure that any holes that may cause heat loss are sealed off. Holes and cracks in the ductwork will allow air to escape and can reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system by up to 20%.
Warranties and Service Contracts
With the current economic times, most homeowners will always opt for a heating and cooling system that is priced the lowest. However, think beyond the price and into factors like damages or the value for money. Check this too: How to Clean a Clogged Air Conditioner Drain Line Buy brands that are well known and have a good reputation. This option will definitely save you money over the lifespan of the system. Their warranties are also longer than other systems. While getting the right HVAC for a small apartment isn’t an easy process, you have to follow it up with proper installation services. For this task, you will need to find a skilled HVAC contractor with a good portfolio to his name. Feel free to seek another contractor if the one you have contacted isn’t capable of providing quality services.
