Tiny homes have become popular because they force their occupants to live a more simplistic and minimalist lifestyle. You can do some amazing things with a tiny home, like cool folding-out beds, benches with innovative storage solutions, and even a unique use of solar. But, can you use an AC in a tiny home and if so, how well does it work? If you’re interested in finding out, keep reading below.
The challenges of heating and cooling tiny homes
While tiny homes are an amazing idea and innovative way to live, they do present some challenges for cooling and heating systems that we need to keep in mind when trying to install one of these systems into your home. To address the elephant in the room, the biggest issue with tiny homes is the space they provide for cooling or heating systems. Because of space limitations, we need to think practically about installing a system that’s adaptable and convenient for the home structure. Here are some of the limitations that apply when trying to install an AC system in a tiny home:
Ventilation and Air Circulation
One thing we’ve noticed about tiny homes is that they generally don’t offer adequate ventilation and air circulation. To install a full HVAC system, it could be difficult to install ducts that allow for ventilation and circulation around the house. While a standard split system might work, tiny homes still stand a chance of feeling more humid and stuffy.
The limited space
Back to the space issue. One of the best features of a tiny house is often how well the designers have used the space they have. Installing storage into walls, using a reasonable amount of ceiling space for living or storage space, or doubling up on furniture that can have multiple functions. However, because they often use this space so well, trying to find a suitable gap to install a split AC or run duct can be challenging. Ideally, an AC should be installed in the home structure before it’s built.
Cooling options for tiny homes
While we’ve mentioned challenges above, one must remember that not all tiny homes are the same and that there are several cooling options that can in fact, work in a tiny home if carefully designed and installed. Here are some cooling options that you may be able to use for your tiny home:
1. Portable AC units
We often see people utilise portable AC units as a cooling option in tiny homes. This is because they’re convenient and moveable. In most cases, a portable AC can also make a significant difference in the temperature of a tiny house, reducing your need to install larger systems like a full ducted AC. The only downside of portable ACs is that they take up floor space, which is limited in a tiny home.
2. Window ACs
This may surprise you, but yes, window ACs do work in tiny homes. Window ACs are a popular option for many homes because of how easy they are to use. All you need is an electrical output and a window for it to work effectively. However, one downside is that they are bulky and may limit the usable space in your home.
3. Split AC
Split air conditioners are probably the most common type of AC system that we see in residential homes. They involve two parts, the front end which is indoors and the back compressor which sits on the outside of the building. It is possible to install a split AC into your home, you would just need about a meter of wall space in a convenient area on the inside and outside of your house for it to be installed. If you have that space, then you shouldn’t have any issues.
4. Ducted AC system
Installing a ducted AC system in your tiny home may be a bit more of a challenge. A ducted AC system runs a series of air ducts through your home, either through the ceiling or under the floors. The AC unit would then use these ducts to transport cooler or warmer air to each room. Still, if your tiny home has the room to accommodate a ducted AC system, then you can surely install one. However, because the rooms are slightly smaller, a ducted system may be slightly overkill, whereas a portable AC or split AC might work perfectly. Again, you would need to gauge how much space you have to use for an AC system.
Install your AC now
If you’re interested in adding an air conditioner, consider getting in touch with Sun City Air. In Australia, there’s no one better when it comes to installing air conditioning in your home. They’ll assess your tiny home and advise you on the best approach when it comes to the installation. In the end, the results will speak for themselves.
Final Thoughts
In tiny homes, it’s all about how you use the space. Adding an AC to the mix is no different. You’ll need to consider the optimal place to put an AC, how much power it will use, and how well it will cool the area. Once you have a space for it, you simply need to choose the right AC and have it installed.