Learning About Commercial Air Conditioning Units

Tips For Choosing And Installing An Air Conditioning System In A Vacation Rental

28 October 2020

Floyd Carroll

A reliable air conditioning system can strengthen the appeal of your vacation rental. However, as a property owner, you are the one who incurs the costs of running and maintaining the AC. Making the wrong decisions at the buying and installation stage can cost you a lot of money and reduce your returns. Thus, consider the following tips to ensure you get the best returns from the installation.

Choose a Low-Maintenance Unit

Residential air conditioners come in various types. Some are high-maintenance, while others are pretty easy to maintain. Before making a purchase, ask the following questions:

• How susceptible is the unit to wear and tear? 
• How often does the system require maintenance?
• Is the system suitable for a vacation rental?

As you ponder on these questions, think about the various AC configurations. First, there are ducted and ductless systems. Ducted ACs are not only complex to install, but they also require regular maintenance. If dust, pollen, and other pollutants collect in the ductwork, they can affect indoor air quality. In this case, a ductless system would be the best option.

Ductless ACs have no ductwork; thus, they are easy to install. All you have to do to maintain optimal performance is regularly change the filters and clean the unit components. Such a system is incredibly low-maintenance, and it can generate significant savings.

Check on Energy Consumption

Since you cannot control how your guests use your AC, you can incur huge energy bills every month. Luckily, this doesn't have to be the case. An energy-efficient air conditioner will save you money while allowing your guests to enjoy a cool space throughout their stay. Buy an AC with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER). 

The AC should also come with a smart or programmable thermostat. Smart thermostats automatically adjust a room's temperature to the desired setting. Besides increasing convenience and efficiency, smart thermostats also prevent users from continually touching and potentially damaging the controls.

Install Outdoor Unit Correctly

Residential air conditioners have an outdoor compressor unit that removes hot air from the house and circulates conditioned air. This unit plays a critical role in the overall functioning of the system. The chosen placement location can affect its functions. Choose an elevated outdoor area to protect the compressor from the elements. Provide shading to prevent overheating due to direct solar radiation.

You may also want to create an enclosure for the outdoor unit. An enclosed and possibly locked space will prevent occupants from interfering with the compressor and potentially affecting its performance. Securing the area also protects the unit when the vacation rental goes unoccupied for an extended period.

When buying an AC system for a vacation rental, consider the cost, performance, maintenance, and safety. Reach out to an HVAC contractor for more information on air conditioning installation.

Share

Search