HVAC or Heating Air conditioning and Ventilation systems have come to prominence in the 21st century as our planet suffers from more extreme changes in temperature. Our summers are getting hotter, so air conditioning becomes paramount if you want to live comfortably, and winter brings temperature drops and deep snow that means that you need a reliable heating system to keep warm. In the past, these systems have been the realm of large houses but nowadays it is perfectly possible to fit HVAC systems into smaller homes as technology has improved and the systems get smaller. There is no one size fits all model, so it is important to do your homework if you are looking for a model for a tiny home, so in this article, we are going to take a look at everything that you need to know about HVAC systems. Read on to find out more.
Style
There are three main distinct styles of HVAC system available for tiny homes: stand-alone units, central air systems, and window systems. Stand-alone units are great for smaller spaces because they are portable so can be hidden under the stairs when not in use. They are also simple to use, but you will need an outlet through a window in order to let moisture escape. Central air systems, on the other hand, are very popular for tiny homes because the unit is mounted on the outside of the building so there is no room lost internally. Experts from www.allegiancehvac.com also advise that they will link up with your thermostat, allowing you to control heating and air conditioning from the same control, which makes them very easy to use. Window systems are often the cheapest types on the market, however, they will require installing by an expert as they have to sit within your window frames. If this doesn’t put you off, they can be a great option for people with smaller homes.
Size
Once you have decided upon your ideal style, you will need to find a size that fits your space, as each style will come in different sizes intended for different sized buildings. Always measure the size of the space that you need heating or cooling first and try and imagine having a big box in the room. If you are going for a central air system, check that you have the available space on the outside of your building, and also that local regulations permit you to place an HVAC system there, as some municipalities have onerous regulations.
Cost
The cost of buying each of the different styles of HVAC system varies enormously. Stand-alone units are the cheapest as they don’t require permanently fixing in place. They are also often smaller so you can find a reliable unit for around $200, however, there are cheaper models available if you want to take the risk. Window units come in at the $300-400 mark and although you will be paying more they can stay in place all year round, the increased price, though, reflects the installation costs. Central air systems are the most expensive and can cost over $2,000 so they may seem overpriced compared to the price of other systems. The difference, however, is that you will be able to control your entire home using thermostats whereas the other systems mentioned will only cool or heat one individual room. It is, therefore, worth balancing out your needs, versus the extra costs, when making your decision.
Carbon footprint
These days, more and more of us are worrying about our carbon footprint, and with good reason, as the planet is clearly getting hotter due to the amount of fossil fuels being burnt. You should check every HVAC system that you intend buying to check its energy performance as there are some models that are extremely inefficient. Check that it has Energy Star certification as this will tell you that it has been made with the environment in mind. An added bonus of this certification is that you may be eligible for tax breaks, so the price of your HVAC unit could come down before you have even put it to use!
As we have learned there are many things to consider when buying an HVAC system for a tiny home. You will first need to consider the style of the unit you want, whether you want it to be portable, to run in conjunction with your thermostat, or to sit in your window frame. The cost varies considerably, so establish a budget and stick to it, and think about your carbon footprint, as the greener models can even attract a tax rebate. If you follow this guide you will have the most environmentally friendly HVAC system at an affordable price for years to come.