If your dream is coming true to finally put an addition on your house, you will probably be very excited and overwhelmed. There are a lot of decisions to be made with home additions, and one big one is how you will heat and cool this new space. There are a variety of options you can choose from, but it is always wise to consult an air conditioning contractor before making your final decision. Here are three possibilities the contractor may discuss with you.

Use A Traditional HVAC System

The first option you may have is connecting the addition to your existing HVAC system; however, this is not always the best option to choose. In order to use this method, your current system must be:

1. Large enough to handle the extra load of heating and cooling this new space
2. Close enough to the addition so heat and cool air can reach this space

If these two factors are present, the AC contractor might suggest using this option. If the system is not large enough or is located too far away, the contractor might suggest adding a second system to heat and cool the addition. Another option the contractor might suggest is replacing your current system with one that would be large enough to heat and cool the entire house, including the addition.

The downside to this option is that the contractor must add ductwork, register vents, and return air ducts. The other two options do not require any ductwork, but they do require other steps.

Install A Fireplace And Window AC Unit

Another option to consider is installing a fireplace and a window AC unit. This option would be a good one if you are only adding one room to your home. This is also a good choice if you have always wanted a fireplace.

Fireplaces can provide enough heat for an entire room or more, and you could choose from gas or wood. A gas fireplace is less messy, but it can cost more than operating a wood-burning stove. If you choose a wood-burning stove, you will need access to wood and will have to worry about adding more as it burns out.

If you elect to heat this area with a fireplace, you will either need a chimney or a vent that runs outside of your house. In addition, a fireplace cannot provide cool air, which is why you could install a window AC unit to get the cold air you need during the summer months.

Use A Ductless Mini-Split System

The final option you have is to get a ductless mini-split system. This type of system is placed in a wall and has two parts. The first component is the part you will see in your house. It contains dials and controls, and it also contains a blower fan, which is used to push air into your house. It can be placed on any wall and is vented through the wall.

The second component is the compressor, and this part is located outside. You can actually hook up two or three of the indoor fans to one compressor, which is nice if your addition will have several rooms in it.

Ductless mini-split systems are similar to the systems you may see in hotel rooms. The benefit of these is that they offer both heating and cooling. Another benefit is they are relatively cost-effective to purchase, install, and run.

Getting a home addition can be an exciting event, but it is always important to make the right decisions for this extra space. To learn more about the options you have for heating and cooling the new space you are adding to your home, contact an air conditioner contractor today.