Once I purchased my first home, I realized that I needed to do my part in caring for my home appliances. In addition to reading the user manuals for my kitchen appliances and state-of-the-art plumbing system, I realized that I also needed to do a little research about HVAC. Because I had no experience with HVAC systems, I called out a professional to teach me a thing or two. It was fascinating to talk with him, and I was able to take notes about all kinds of important topics, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, and even shopping for a new system. This blog is all about understanding HVAC guidelines.
Understanding HVAC Guidelines
How To Choose The Ideal Placement Location For Your AC's Indoor Unit In The Living Room
Marilou Girard
Installing an AC air handler in the living room will make the space comfortable during the hot summer months. However, the efficiency of the indoor unit will depend on where you place it. As a rule of thumb, you should install the air handler high up on a wall. Since warm air rises, it will get cooled as it rises, and this will create a comfortable space. But how do you decide on which wall to install the unit? Here are a few factors to consider.
Proximity to the Sitting Areas
The last thing you want is to have cold air blowing over your face or head when you're trying to watch TV. Don't install the unit directly over the sitting areas as the cold air will blow into the space and make it uncomfortable. Instead, you should place it in a location where you can enjoy the cold air without necessarily feeling it blow against your face. As such, keep the indoor air handler away from the sitting area. If you install ceiling or floor fans to distribute conditioned air, place them strategically in the room as well.
AC Unit Noise Levels
Some air conditioners are noisy and can interfere with indoor comfort. Therefore, assess the noise levels of your indoor unit before choosing a placement position. If the unit is quiet, you can place it on a wall near or around the common areas for maximum comfort. However, if the AC is noisy, install it on a wall far from the living area. This will ensure that the noise doesn't interfere with your activities. However, if you haven't shopped for a unit yet, buy a silent one for convenience.
Availability of Ventilation
Just like the outdoor unit, the indoor air handler requires adequate ventilation. Don't install it on a wall behind furniture or in a cramped space. Doing so will prevent the unit from properly distributing conditioned air. Inadequate ventilation can also cause the unit to consume a lot of energy as it struggles to cool the room properly. If possible, place the handler on a free wall where air can flow freely.
Accessibility of the Unit
You will need access to the indoor unit for regular cleaning and filter changes. Thus, have this in mind when choosing a placement location. Choose an area where you won't need to move things around to access the air conditioner. However, note that you shouldn't place it too close to a source of dust, for example, a large vent. If you put the AC near a dusty area, it will accumulate dirt fast and require more frequent cleanings to function correctly.
Finding the perfect placement location for your AC's living room unit will improve its performance and efficiency. Talk to an AC installation service for more information.
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