In modern interior design, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning—or HVAC—is becoming a more important component of the design process.
Because so many new homes are constructed with air conditioning units in them, and the popularity of air-conditioned homes has been growing steadily over the past several years, it’s important that designers take the time to consider incorporating an air conditioning unit into a design scheme for the home.
Here are some tips on how to integrate an air conditioner into your modern interior design scheme.
Decide which HVAC system. An important first step when designing an area that will include an HVAC system is deciding what type of system you want in place. For instance, you may want to design your room in such a way that an air conditioner unit can be installed near a window, providing your home with cool air during the summer and warm air during the winter months. If you’re looking for a way to provide a little bit of cooling on a more permanent basis, consider installing an air-to-air exchanger unit in a room that would otherwise have too much air flow.
Select the style and shape of the unit. Once you know the type of system that you plan to use, it’s important to select the style and shape that you want to fit into the room. For instance, a room with an attached living area would look better with the air-to-air unit fitted into the wall behind the unit than in the middle of the room. Also, if you have a room that is intended to be open to the outdoors, such as a patio or a deck, an HVAC unit may not be a good fit. In these types of rooms, it would be more appropriate to install an air-to-ground unit. These units are typically installed in places where an air duct or door would be impractical. Or, you may consider using a PTAC unit (the kind often found in hotels) to give your space a luxurious feel.
Determine the location. The next step in integrating an HVAC system into modern interior design is to decide where you want the unit installed. Many people install units in their bedrooms or in areas of the house that are most exposed to the elements, such as a bathroom or kitchen. If you want to keep the unit in an enclosed area, such as a bathroom or living area, you can incorporate an air-to-wall unit or an under-floor unit that works by circulating the cool air through the floor.
Check the number of outlets. Another important factor in the design of your HVAC unit is the number of outlets that you require. For instance, a unit that only provides AC power may be a good choice, but it may not be suitable for an area that requires an additional outlet for water heating, or cooling. Similarly, if you need to have more outlets than just AC power, you may want to consider installing an air-to-water unit because these units allow air to be circulated around the entire rooms in a house rather than just one room at a time.
HVAC for outdoor use. If you have an area of the home that’s intended for outdoor use, such as a patio or deck, you can use designated outdoor air conditioning units. These units can help keep the temperature in the area at a consistent temperature throughout the year, which can make these areas more appealing and enjoyable to spend time in.
Hire a professional. Because HVAC systems are so important in modern interior design, it’s important to make sure that they are installed by a qualified professional. HVAC contractors usually have experience in installing the type of system that you need. When choosing a contractor, you should check references from others and ask about the cost of installation as well as the types of systems that are offered.
Final Thoughts
You may want to consider hiring an HVAC contractor who specializes in residential air con repairs installation. This may be the way to go if you want an HVAC contractor with extensive experience in the field who can handle all aspects of installation on your unit. In addition to being able to offer assistance with installation, a contractor will also be able to offer advice on any maintenance that you need to do to keep your system running smoothly.
With proper installation and research, you can install the best HVAC system for your home and your needs. It’s worth doing your due diligence—after all, you want your house to be a relaxing and comfortable place to come home to.