3 HVAC Tips for Tiny Homes

A tiny home should have tiny monthly bills, right? It won’t if you don’t have a proper HVAC system installed. A tiny home can be efficient for air conditioning, heating, and overall affordability of comfort. If you’re not sure which HVAC system is right for you, check out the following tips for which type of home heating and cooling system is right for your tiny home.

Try a Ductless HVAC System for Energy Efficiency 

Image via Flickr by National Renewable Energy Lab

Depending on the build and size of your tiny home, you’ll want to know whether the house will be able to accommodate ductwork in an HVAC system. If your home does not, consider a ductless mini-split unit. Some types of ductless mini-split units can both heat and cool your home. A ductless unit is typically mounted onto a wall inside your home and connected to a compressor outside.

A ductless mini-split unit can be a more cost-effective and energy-efficient HVAC solution for your home. This system permits temperature control by zones or specific areas of your home. An HVAC contractor such as Frank’s Air Conditioning, Inc. can explain how zoning can save you money on your utility costs in your tiny home.

• Pro: A ductless HVAC system can last longer and be more economical over the long term for your home.
• Con: Upfront costs to install the system can be greater than the cost for window units.

Properly Install and Maintain Window Units 

If you have a home under 1,000 square feet, you may want to look into window units. Window air conditioners can last up to 10 years if properly maintained. Some manufacturers produce units that have dual heating and cooling capabilities. When you install a window unit, make sure that the window area around the unit is properly sealed to prevent conditioned air from escaping. Many window units also have drain holes that can become blocked from dust or dirt in the air. You’ll want to frequently clean the filter and ensure drains are not blocked.

• Pro: Window units are less expensive to install than a traditional HVAC system.
• Con: Window units are effective only for cooling a specific space. They are not a whole-home HVAC solution.

Consider Portable Heating and Cooling Units

If you have a tiny home, you can try a portable heating or cooling unit if you have a minimalist lifestyle and extra floor space in your home. Portable heaters, for example, can be small, but you need at least 3 feet of space to permit safe operation. A portable heater may not be the best option for you in a tiny home.

• Pro: You can move portable units from room to room as you desire.
• Con: The heating or cooling output of a portable unit is likely to be less than a window unit, whole-home, or ductless mini-split HVAC system.

An HVAC system needs to work for you in your home. After learning more about more cooling and heating options, which system would you select for your tiny home?

For more information also read: http://www.eshoparchive.com/dream-home-on-a-budget/