You’ve worked hard to create a bonus room in that extra space over the garage. It’s looking great and has added nicely to your livable space, but there’s just one problem. No one can enjoy it because it’s too hot and you can’t keep it cool.
The longer we live in a home, the more chance we’ll make additions like enclosing patios or adding bonus rooms in the attic or above a garage. Keeping these rooms cool enough for comfort in Florida can be a major challenge and can put a damper on the excitement once space is finished.
Air Tech of Central Florida is often called in to help when a bonus room just won’t cool down. It’s our goal to provide convenient and affordable HVAC services throughout Central Florida that address both immediate and long-term comfort needs.
There are a number of things you can do to help ensure you have a decent amount of cooled air in a bonus room that was added on well after the home’s original HVAC system and ductwork were installed.
Did you know there is a ductless AC option? We’ll tell you all about that as well as our other tips for keeping bonus rooms cool.
Is There Really A Ductless Way To Efficiently Cool A Room?
We’re going to give tip #1 first because it’s really the one that’s going to give you the best cooling option.
One of the most effective ways to keep a bonus room cool is by using a mini-split air conditioning system. A mini-split is somewhat like a small version of your typical HVAC system. It has two main components:
- The outdoor compressor/condenser
- The indoor air-handling unit
A big difference is that it does not require the extensive duct system that your HVAC system uses because it’s designed to cool a single room or area, not an entire home.
This makes it perfect for bonus rooms that aren’t staying cool with your central AC unit and even allows you to set a different temperature for that room. Some units also allow you to attach up to four indoor air-handlers to one outdoor component.
What’s The Difference Between A Mini-Split And Window Air Conditioner?
You might be wondering, why not just use an old-fashioned window air conditioner instead of having a mini-split AC system installed.
Mini-splits provide a number of advantages over the in-window units, such as:
- Better security; You’re not leaving a window open and unlocked
- Better efficiency; No air gaps around the unit to allow heat inside
- Looks better; No ugly unit sitting half in/half out of your window
- Longer lifespan; They end up being a better long-term value
Additional Tips For Keeping Your Bonus Room Cooler
There are things you can do in conjunction with a mini-split air conditioner that will help to keep your space cooler for less money. These tips can also be used to increase the comfort of your entire home, not just that bonus room.
Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are pretty standard in many Florida homes and it’s not just for the look. They can work in concert with your air conditioner to keep a room cool while also lowering energy costs.
Using a ceiling fan with your air conditioning allows you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees F.
According to the U.S. Energy Department, you can raise your thermostat 4 degrees Fahrenheit with no reduction in comfort if you use a ceiling fan along with your AC unit to cool a room.
Plant Landscaping For Shade
The right tree or tall shrub in the right place can give you relief from the full-on sun hitting a wall in the afternoon. Did you know that trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures by as much as 6 degrees F?
Another option besides a tree is using a climbing vine on a lattice or trellis along a home’s perimeter to keep the walls (and inside) cooler.
Be Sure To Insulate
When you’re creating a conditioned space from one that used to be unconditioned, having proper insulation is key to reducing the heat transfer. If you’re lacking space, there are thin thermal barrier alternatives to the pink fluffy fiberglass that you can use to increase the thermal resistance of a wall or ceiling in an area without much or any space. Proper insulation also helps reduce the chance of condensation and mold/mildew growth in a bonus room.
Have A Problem Room That Won’t Stay Cool?
If you have a bonus room that is too hot to enjoy, don’t suffer, give us a call! Air Tech of Central Florida is experienced in all types of HVAC units, including the ductless mini-split air conditioning systems.
We can show you what it looks like, answer all your questions about mini-splits, and install, repair, and maintain it for you.
Start enjoying that bonus room today! Contact us online for a consultation or call us at (407) 901-2777.
Author Bio:
Luigi Ferraro
Specializing in residential and commercial HVAC services, Air Tech offers a wide range of solutions to meet the heating and cooling needs of their customers. Their team of skilled technicians is trained to handle the installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems with expertise and precision.
The post 4 Great Tips on How to Cool a Bonus Room the Right Way! appeared first on Air Tech of Centra Florida.