When you’re planning a home addition, such as an in-law suite or converted attic, one important consideration is how you’ll heat and cool your new space. There are several factors to consider, including the location of the addition. The popular methods for climate control for an addition include expanding an existing central air system, adding an additional system and ductless AC. Here’s a closer look at each option. 

What are the HVAC Options for a Home Addition?

Central Air Expansion

If you have an existing central air system, expanding it to reach your new addition may seem like a logical solution. While the system components will remain hidden from view, adding ductwork is labor-intensive and expensive. Plus, not all additions have the space to accommodate ductwork. For instance, if you’re building a sunroom without any attic space overhead, there won’t be anywhere to run the ducts unless you drop the ceiling and sacrifice part of the addition. 

Adding another HVAC system

Depending on what your current HVAC system size is and the square footage you are adding, you may need to install another system to handle cooling/heating the addition. Have a licensed HVAC contractor come to your home and go over your project plans so a load calculation can be done to properly size the HVAC system to cool/heat the new addition or to see if your current system can be used to cool/heat the addition.

Ductless AC

A ductless AC system features a wall-mounted unit that's much less conspicuous than a window unit. As the name suggests, it requires no ductwork and can be placed on any interior wall that allows connection to an exterior condenser. 

This system can be climate-controlled with a remote, and with multiple interior units and a single condenser, you can set different temperatures in different zones. Since it provides heating as well using the same refrigerant system as the AC function, this option allows complete control and flexibility over interior climate year-round. 

It's also an efficient solution that can cut cooling costs by 30% by avoiding energy-wasting ductwork and leveraging sophisticated, adjustable settings for optimal energy consumption. You'll enjoy the greatest cost savings over time without sacrificing aesthetics or versatility. 

Whether you’re planning an addition or have an existing space that needs its own heating and cooling solution, turn to Williamson Air Conditioning for your climate control needs. Serving Orange Beach, AL, this full-service team has been trusted among Baldwin County residents since 1983. Explore their range of solutions, including ductless AC, online. To discuss your needs with a team member, call (251) 981-3872.