Upgrade Your AC, Upgrade Your Home: Design Hacks You Need to Know

As you plan your AC installation, it’s important to figure out how to integrate it into your home decor plans. A well-planned installation can improve the functionality of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and your overall aesthetics. Once you know how you want to incorporate your new AC, you can talk to an AC installation contractor about your plans.

Photo by Sharath G. from Pexels

Assessing Your Space for AC Installation

Before you can incorporate stylish air conditioning tips, you need to evaluate the place where you’ll be installing the AC. You’ll need to consider the room’s layout and ventilation requirements. If you are uncertain about what kind of space an AC unit requires, you can always ask an HVAC professional for help.

Evaluate Room Layout

First, look at the room’s layout. You need to pick a location that complements the room’s design. For instance, you may want to find a location that is out of the way. Alternatively, you may be able to blend the AC’s color scheme and shape naturally into a wall that has a similar styling.

Consider Ventilation

Indoor air quality is an important part of your HVAC system. If it doesn’t have proper ventilation, it won’t work as efficiently to clean the air. With this in mind, you never want to set up your furniture or decor in a way that blocks vents and registers.

Consult Professionals

Professional HVAC technicians know what it takes to achieve a seamless, stylish interior design. They’ve worked on many different AC installations, so they can give you recommendations that work with your aesthetic and functional requirements.

Photo by Freepik

Choosing the Right AC Unit for Your Home

Many different factors go into choosing the right AC installation for your home. You’ll want a unit that meets your energy-efficiency goals. It will also need to have the appropriate size and capacity for your space.

Unit Types

First, you should think about whether you want ductless mini-splits, central air conditioning, or window units.

• Window Units: While window units are inexpensive to install, they are less efficient than central AC or ductless mini-splits. Additionally, they can only cool a small space.
• Ductless Mini-Splits: These units are incredibly efficient, and they don’t require any ductwork. However, a central AC may be a better alternative if you have existing ducts. Additionally, ductless mini-splits are quite visible in your rooms. If you’re interested in more streamlined aesthetics, a central AC may be a better option because its vents are often less noticeable than ductless mini-split units.
• Central Air Conditioners: Central ACs are great if you already have ductwork installed. They can be energy efficient, and the vents are unobtrusive.

Energy Efficiency

Next, you need to consider your energy efficiency requirements. While energy-efficient ACs sometimes cost more money, this isn’t always the case. Additionally, energy-efficient units can help you save significantly on your utility bills in the long run.

Photo by logo73 from Freepik

Size and Capacity

Finally, you should talk to your HVAC technician about the size and cooling capacity you need. You don’t want an undersized or oversized AC. An undersized AC will struggle to cool your home, which will cause it to run for excessively long periods of time. Meanwhile, an oversized AC will suffer from short cycling because it cools your home too quickly. Either way, the AC will experience more wear and higher repair costs than it would if it were properly sized.

Design-Friendly Installation Techniques

With the right HVAC installation tips, you can complement your home’s interior design.

• Hidden Installations: Start by looking for ways to hide your units and ductwork. For example, recessed installations are a good idea. Decorative covers can also be purchased to conceal your AC. Some people also use fences and potted plants to conceal their outdoor units.
• Color Coordination: If you can’t hide your AC, you can always try to make it blend in. Pick an AC color that matches your room’s color scheme.
• Minimalist Design: A sleek, minimalist AC design can enhance your room’s aesthetics and help your AC blend in. This is especially true if you’re aiming for a contemporary design.

Concealing Your AC Unit With Style

To conceal your AC unit with style, consider the following HVAC installation tips.

• Furniture Placement: While you shouldn’t block airflow, you can strategically move furniture around to conceal the unit.
• Decorative Panels: Custom panels can be purchased that can conceal ACs while seamlessly matching your home decor.
• Custom Cabinetry: With custom cabinetry, you can hide your unit. Plus, you can have easy access whenever you need to perform maintenance or repairs.

Photo by logo73 from Freepik

Enhancing Home Aesthetics Post-Installation

When you work with Central Oregon Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, you can get help with routine maintenance. Minor adjustments, like new covers and decorative accents, can help your AC look good throughout the year.

• Regular Maintenance: With regular maintenance, you can ensure a neat appearance and better energy efficiency.
• Seasonal Adjustments: Seasonal adjustments to your covers and panels can help you match your changing home decor throughout the year.
• Decorative Accents: With decorative elements, you can incorporate the AC unit seamlessly into your interior design.

Start Improving Your Interior Design Today

In addition to considering your AC design, you should also think about how your unit will be accessed for repairs and preventative maintenance. Easy access is important because AC maintenance can extend the lifespan of your unit and prevent costly repairs. With the help of an AC installation contractor, you can figure out the right cooling capacity and unit size for your home. Additionally, they can provide useful advice about incorporating your AC installation into your home’s design concept.