Everyone has seen the new TV shows featuring tiny homes. The millennials are taking off in droves to live in buses and trailers and tiny spaces, just for the heck of it. But what you might not notice is the enticingly tiny electric bill that comes with tiny living.
And for these small space dwellers, every room can have individualized Air Conditioner like the bedroom. Because well…every room is the bedroom. If you want to live the tiny house life without sacrificing all your space, keep reading to discover ways to up the Air Conditioning without paying the big bucks.
Compact & Convenient: Portable Air Conditioners
Portable AC units are great for three reasons: size, affordability, and effectiveness. They are easy to move around the space, as most of them have wheels and can be rolled from point A to B.
Portable air conditioners are very affordable, so you won’t have to break the bank every time they malfunction or even when purchasing a new one. They can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 depending on the amount of air emitted.
These 2-foot tall powerhouses can reach more than 10,000 BTUs and are recommended for spaces up to 800 square feet. They may seem similar to oscillating fans in a way, but they can be much more powerful and effective. Portable ACs do need a window in the room order to properly filter the air. And they can use more electricity than regular window units. These are things to consider when shopping for your next small room unit.
Efficiency Meets Ease: Ductless HVAC Units
Ductless HVACs are a great alternative to window units or portable ACs. These systems are wonderfully energy-efficient and can often be mounted to your wall. If you want to live small or just more efficiently, these systems can be very effective for your bedroom space.
Ductless systems allow more control over the temperature in each room, so if you have multiple preferences in your house, this could be the option for you. They also require a smaller electrical entry in the wall, which makes the system more efficient with less air leakage.
Ductless HVAC units do require an outdoor compressor, thus professional installation is necessary. However, the process is much simpler than the regular HVAC installation process, and it will take less time to complete.
These units are a more expensive alternative to traditional window units or portable ACs, but they require little maintenance once installed and are less intrusive to the room design in most cases.
Mobile Manipulation: Smart Thermostats Offer Control From Afar
Smart thermostats are a highly efficient option that offers you the ability to control your air from anywhere. Depending on your existing system, smart thermostats can be a very accessible alternative.
These thermostats can range from $200 to $400 with installation costs as low as $100. Before installing a smart thermostat, you must make sure you have enough wiring to support the new technology.
Many smart thermostats require a C-wire, which will feed your new thermostat the constant power it needs. Otherwise, the wiring is generally the same as older systems, and the switch is easy. Many smart thermostats allow you to choose a temperature for each room in the house and then change it by the press of a button on your smartphone.
This simple upgrade can lead to big savings in the long run and decrease your carbon footprint at the same time. If you’re thinking about making an upgrade for your air conditioning, call us today. We can help find the best type of product for you and your family.
