Keeping your vacation home cool is important for a relaxing stay. Whether you visit seasonally or rent your space out to tourists exploring the Boston area, the right air conditioning system can make a big difference. We cover tips and tricks for cooling your vacation home below, plus how N.E.T.R., Inc. can help you choose the right AC to fit your needs.
Types of Air Conditioning Systems for Vacation Homes
Central ACs
Central air conditioning is a great choice when you need whole-home cooling. These systems use ducts that are connected to each room to circulate cool air and provide a consistent temperature throughout multiple spaces. If your vacation home has existing ductwork, a central AC may be an ideal solution.
Ductless ACs
Ductless air conditioners, also known as mini-split systems, are perfect for vacation homes without ductwork. These systems have one outdoor condenser unit that can be connected to one or more individual indoor air handlers, which allows you to cool specific rooms independently of one another.
Listen
Wall Mounted Air Conditioners (Podcast)
Ducted Mini-Splits
Ducted mini-split systems are an innovative hybrid option that combines the benefits of both ductless and central AC systems. This solution involves installing a heat pump inside your ductwork to deliver cooling to rooms like a central air conditioner, but without being visible like a traditional wall-mounted ductless unit.
Watch
Ducted Ductless Systems (Video)
LG Ducted Heat Pump Systems (Video)
Read
When to Consider Ducted Air Source Heat Pumps
Window Air Conditioners
Window ACs are popular for vacation homes, but they generally offer the least effective and most expensive cooling. They are also loud and inefficient, but they are easy to install and relatively inexpensive if you need a fast or temporary air conditioning solution.
Listen
Ductless Systems vs Window AC Units (Podcast)
Watch
Advantages of Ductless Over Window Air Conditioners
Considerations to Make When Choosing a System
The Size and Layout of the Home
The size of your vacation home and its layout plays a crucial role in determining the kind of system you need. A larger home or a home with an open floor plan may require a more powerful system, while a smaller space may only need a single-zone ductless unit.
Listen
Sizing a Ductless System for Your Home (Podcast)
What Size Ductless System Do I Need? (Podcast)
Your Desired Budget
Your total budget will also impact what type of system you choose, especially for a vacation home that you might not use all the time.
Remember that a more efficient air conditioner may cost more upfront, but you will typically save more over time as you use less energy. Consider what fits your financial needs now and what will work best for you in the future, and try to strike a balance between the two.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
An air conditioner’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating is a numerical expression of how effectively an AC can cool your space with the power it uses. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the unit is.
You may also want to look for air conditioners that are Energy Star certified. These units are built to meet higher efficiency and can save you money on your electricity bills.
Ongoing Maintenance and System Longevity
Another important consideration to make is how long a system is expected to last and how often you will need to have it maintained. Upkeep costs will need to be factored into your budget, and air conditioners in vacation homes that are used intermittently may not need as much maintenance as those with full-time residents.
Get High-Quality Air Conditioning Services for Your Vacation Home from N.E.T.R., Inc.
A reliable AC is crucial for keeping your vacation home comfortable for you and your guests. N.E.T.R., Inc. can install, repair, and maintain all types of air conditioners, so you never have to worry about staying cool while trying to relax. Contact us at (781) 933-6387 today to schedule service and we’ll take care of all your vacation home air conditioning needs.
