Air conditioning can be a critical investment in North Andover. The humidity and overall heat can rise high enough in the summer to make it uncomfortable indoors without air conditioning. Some of the older homes in North Andover may contain structural difficulties that make it hard to install a traditional central AC.
Homeowners looking for alternate solutions for air conditioning may debate between installing a high velocity AC and a mini-split AC system, among other potential options. At 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, our licensed and insured technicians can offer guidance to help you make the right decision for your home, whether large or small.
Which Air Conditioning System Is Right for Your Needs?
A large, efficient air conditioning system is a must for most homeowners of large or moderate-sized homes. When you need a system that is powerful enough for a large home but compact with fewer ductwork requirements, either a ductless mini-split AC system or a high-velocity AC system could work for you. Compare the differences before making a decision.
What Are High Velocity Air Conditioners?
High velocity air conditioning works much like traditional air conditioning. Many homes in North Andover use a conventional air conditioner that features a large outdoor unit. This outdoor unit can be fairly big, and it requires reliable ductwork to provide an even exchange of air throughout the house.
With high velocity air conditioning, the cooling system operates relatively straightforward. An indoor air handler is located usually in the attic or the basement of the home. Depending upon the unit you select, you may be able to adjust temperatures based on zones throughout your home.
Using small flexible duct pipes, the air conditioning system sends a high-velocity stream of cooled air into the rooms. This stream quickly adjusts the ambient temperature in the room to within 2 degrees of the thermostat setting. The small ducts create less installation mess and are less intrusive to the design of the living areas.
High velocity air conditioning systems are typically very efficient. Our team at 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric
can help you select the right size and model for your home to ensure you are getting the most energy savings possible.
Some homeowners consider high velocity AC systems noisy. After all, you are moving the air conditioning system indoors. One suggestion is to place the central unit in the attic if you use your basement area frequently. Some newer systems are enhanced with mufflers to help reduce the sound of rushing air.
When Is a High Velocity Air Conditioning System Right for You?
A high velocity air conditioning system is beneficial to many property owners for several reasons:
- A high velocity air conditioning system can be more energy efficient than older, traditional systems.
- High velocity systems have lower maintenance costs than most central air conditioner units.
- You can install a high-velocity system into older homes with less damage to the existing walls. The flexible tubes can fit in and around studs and rafters.
- The small air openings can easily be hidden, keeping your decor front and center.
What Are Mini-Split Air Conditioning Systems?
If your large home has an effective HVAC system in place, it may not be beneficial or cost-effective to replace it with a completely new system unless a serious problem develops. A secondary option to consider is a mini-split AC. Two components make up this type of air conditioning system. The first is an indoor module, which works to cool the home and pulls air into your living spaces. The outdoor element of the air conditioning system pulls the warm air out. The two air conditioning units connect through a tube.
Mini-split air conditioning offers a few key benefits. The system is much smaller than a traditional air conditioning system. It also does not require extensive ductwork to deliver cooled air throughout the home.
Property owners will find that a mini-split system is quieter than a high velocity system or a large traditional outdoor unit. Also, its unique design allows you to create specific zones throughout your home. For example, if you have a large house and you wish to cool one area significantly more so than another, this system works well.
The drawback here is that with a very large dwelling, you may need to place several mini-split air conditioning units throughout your living areas. This will increase the overall cost of installing this type of AC system in your home.
When it comes to efficiency, the mini-split system can be a better choice for those who only want to cool specific areas, therefore reducing the overall energy needed for air conditioning. If you have a moderate to large home, mini-split systems can be a very efficient energy choice.
When is a Mini-Split Air Conditioning System Right for Your Home?
The investment in a mini-split air conditioning system may work for many North Andover residents, for the following reasons:
- In a large home, dividing the space up into smaller, zoned areas for cooling using a mini-split system can save you money.
- When noise is a concern, a mini-split system is the quietest option available over traditional, large outdoor units.
- Mini-splits take up very little space at all, meaning they are perfect for tight areas.
- Many models of mini-split air conditioning can be very efficient because they recycle energy to some level. Some very small homes may be able to get by with only a mini-split system to solve their AC needs.
- Mini-splits are a great way to cool out-of-the-way areas of older homes, such as attic rooms and larger add-ons.
For property owners of large homes, consider your existing HVAC system carefully. Often, these large, more powerful AC units can provide a more efficient solution for traditional homes. However, both mini-split and high velocity systems offer benefits to homeowners that are hard to overlook.
Before You Invest in Air Conditioning, Contact Our Experts at 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric
Our air conditioning team can help you make decisions about which type of system is right for your home, large or small. At 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, our skilled and experienced team will provide a full inspection of your home and discuss how you wish to use your air conditioner. Also, we will look at your existing large outdoor unit to determine if you’ll save money by replacing it with a new, more energy-efficient model. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation to discuss your HVAC needs.
