A couple of months ago, the HVAC unit in my home started malfunctioning. The temperature inside my home soared to over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, even though my air conditioning system ran nonstop. After inspecting my air conditioning unit, my knowledgeable HVAC contractor recommended I purchase a new system. He discussed the pros and cons of installing different sizes of HVAC units with me. After considering my HVAC contractor’s advice, I decided to purchase a three and a half ton HVAC unit. Shortly after my HVAC contractor installed my new air conditioning unit, my house started feeling more comfortable. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an HVAC contractor can help you select the right air conditioning unit for your home. Enjoy!
Do you have plans to finish your basement? This home improvement project should include more than new flooring, drywall, and lighting fixtures. If your basement doesn't have vents or another type of cooling option, take a look at what you need to know about this home upgrade and air conditioning services.
Should You Cool Your Finished Basement?
The basement is often the coolest space in a home. Hot air is lighter than cool air. When the temperature inside of your home heats up, this lighter air rises—while the cooler air settles in the lower level. This can result in a naturally cool basement.
Even though the basement may feel noticeably colder than the rest of the house, you may not want to skip a cooling system. A chillier-than-average basement may still feel uncomfortably warm in the heat of the summer. Beyond cooling the air, an AC system can also help to keep moisture under control. Low humidity is necessary to keep mold and mildew under control. Without a cooling system, excess moisture can lead to musty basement odors or unhealthy air quality.
Do You Need A New Cooling System?
The answer to this question depends on your home's current air conditioner. If you use room air conditioners or a mini split system, the answer is yes. But if your home has central AC, you won't need an entirely new system—provided the existing air conditioner is efficient and doesn't require extensive repairs.
Even though your home may not need a new central unit, it's possible that you will need to extend the ductwork and add new vents. A central system that doesn't extend into a newly finished part of a basement won't cool the space. This means a contractor will need to route ducts through the walls or ceiling. You can also use these ducts with a forced air heating system in the winter.
If you have a mini split system, you won't need ducts or vents. The newly finished basement will need a new air handler. Mini split air conditioners require an outdoor compressor and indoor air handler units. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most modern ductless mini split systems use up to four air handlers per one outdoor unit. If your home is already at the system's limit, you may need to install a second outdoor compressor.
When Should You Install A Basement Air Conditioner?
Do you have central AC? Again, new ducts will need to go behind walls or ceilings. AC services and installation for a central system should happen before you completely finish the room. Failure to time a duct/vent upgrade may result in the need to break through new drywall or plaster.
You can wait until you are done with the major construction to install a ductless air handler. This type of unit is wall-mounted and requires a finished surface to handle properly.
For more information, contact a local air conditioning service.
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