A split system air conditioner is one that you often see at a hotel; it's a type of air conditioner that is vented directly out a wall rather than through an entire system of ducts in a home or other building. It offers more cooling than most window units and is a permanent installation, so you don't need to worry about removing it when wintertime arrives in order to avoid drafts and the like. If you've been thinking about a split system for your home, note a few commonly asked questions that most homeowners have and then discuss these with a contractor or salesperson.
1. How big of a hole is cut into the wall?
Because a split system is vented directly out a wall of the home, it usually requires a new hole to be cut into that wall area. Before you assume that this will cause damage to your home or be very unsightly, note that the hole is usually only a few inches in diameter. This hole needs to accommodate the vent of the split system, not the front panel or the housing unit for the condenser coils and fan. Rarely does this hole detract from your home's overall look from the outside.
2. Why have a professional install the unit?
A split system air conditioner doesn't need to be retrofitted through your home's ductwork, but this doesn't mean you just slide it into a space in your wall and plug it in. There is a drain for condensation, electrical wiring, and other pieces that need installation that are usually outside the area of expertise of most homeowners. Note too that an incorrect or poor installation job may void the warranty of a split system, so call on a professional to have it installed properly.
3. Is it as effective as a central air conditioning unit?
A split system unit will offer a certain amount of cooling according to its size and power, and this cool air comes out of one panel rather than all the vents in your home. While a larger, more powerful split system unit may cool a very large area of your home, note that it may not cool other rooms so easily; a system in the living room may not reach the back bedrooms or kitchen. Talk to your salesperson or contractor about the type of system you would need for your home's cooling needs so you know what to expect from a split system.
Share19 January 2016
My yard is in the shade of both of my neighbour's homes for most of the day which makes it quite hard to grow some of my favourite plants. Even though the yard is shady I still want it to have some nice look ground cover and be a cool place to entertain people. I have used a combination of shade resistant plants and pavers to create a lovely space that is good for entertaining all year round. This blog has some tips on creating a pleasant atmosphere in your shady backyard, particularly if you have a yard that is too shady to grow many kinds of plants.