When choosing an HVAC system, first consider your space and needs
Published 12:00 pm Thursday, September 20, 2012
(ARA) – When you’re remodeling your home it seems that there’s an endless list of design and decor choices to consider. At the end of the day, your decisions often revolve around helping your home put its best face forward.
You might choose hardwood floors because of how they’ll look when the sunlight hits them in a well-lit room. Or perhaps you opt for a vibrant color on an accent wall in a room that doesn’t get a lot of light. Selecting your HVAC system is no different – you want the one that functions the best in your home and meets your needs for comfort.
There are a wide variety of heating and air conditioning systems available for homeowners to choose from, so which one should you choose for your space? Learning more about three common types of systems – window units, ducted central heating and air, and duct-free systems – and the types of spaces where they work best can help you make your decision.
Window units
The most basic of air conditioning units, window units do well to address a need in a specific room with minimal cost and no construction. If you find yourself comfortable most of the time, save when you’re trying to go to sleep, a window unit in your bedroom may be your answer. Window units are an affordable upfront investment and can be moved from place to place, as well as stored for winter, making them a versatile choice.
Ducted central air systems
If your home already has the framework of ducts required for this type of system, it can provide both heating and cooling comfort throughout your entire home. These systems are great for larger homes and apartments, as you won’t have to worry about installing and maintaining multiple window units and space is saved by moving the working parts of the air conditioner outside. Advanced systems also allow you to maintain different temperatures in different parts of the home, so everyone can be comfortable.
Duct-free systems
Many consumers may not know there is another option out there, one that is actually more energy efficient than traditional central air and still provides even temperature control. Duct-free systems still include an outdoor fan, but the outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit via compact lines instead of large, unsightly air ducts. These lines deliver refrigerant directly to an indoor unit, and produce and distribute hot and cold air throughout the space.
LG Electronics offers customizable duct-free units, including its Art Cool series, which conceals the indoor units in a 20-by-20-inch picture frame. The new Art Cool Premier model also ranks in the top 5 percent in their category for energy efficiency, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR rankings and feature an industry leading seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 28.
Where are duct-free systems appropriate?
* Remodels and additions, eliminating the need for bulky ductwork
* As a supplement for rooms that never seem to be the right temperature
* Older homes unable to accommodate ductwork
* Design-oriented homes seeking to mask appearance of home comfort systems
By taking some time to think about which type of HVAC system works best for your home, you’ll help ensure that you get the best system for your money and that you’ll live in comfort for years to come. For more on duct-free HVAC systems, visit www.LGhvac.com.