What if you could rethink the way you incorporate your HVAC unit into your interior design?
While most people don’t consider HVAC systems to be artistic decor, there are creative ways you can incorporate them into your home design. With the right HVAC system, you can be more energy-efficient, save money on your power bill, and enjoy a more beautiful home.
Understanding What HVAC Is
What is HVAC? More importantly, how do you pick the right system?
HVAC is an acronym that stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Its primary purpose is to heat and cool your home. However, some HVAC systems are also able to purify your air and adjust the humidity level.
The Importance of Seamless HVAC Integration
Your home is more than just where you sleep every night. It’s a place of refuge from the world. You don’t want visible ducts or machinery ruining your home’s ambiance.
Because of this, it’s important to integrate HVAC with interior design and the flow of your rooms. Your home HVAC design can include the HVAC unit as a part of the design, or the unit can be completely concealed from view.
Choosing the Right HVAC System for Your Home
Before you start shopping for stylish HVAC solutions, you need to determine which HVAC systems you need. Consider the following factors before buying a new unit.
Size: The capacity of the AC and heating unit you need depends on how large your home is. However, the physical size doesn’t always relate directly to the unit’s power. In general, smaller units will be easier to conceal.
Efficiency: An energy-efficient unit will save you money on your electricity bill. Additionally, these units are more eco-friendly.
Noise Level: If a unit produces a lot of noise, it’ll be harder to conceal that it is present.
Cost: What is an HVAC update going to cost? Ideally, you should find a unit that fits your price range. Promotions and financing options are often available to make the upfront cost more affordable.
Appearance: To integrate an HVAC unit into your interior design, you need an appearance that blends in. Plan out your interior design before you start shopping, and you’ll have an easier time finding something that will work.
Hidden HVAC Units for a Sleek Look
One of the easiest ways to incorporate HVAC systems is with hidden HVAC units. Certain types of HVAC units are easier to conceal in your walls and floors.
Underfloor Heating: With this kind of heating, electric heating cables or water-filled pipes provide radiant heat from underneath the floor. The entire heating system is completely concealed.
Ductless Mini-Splits: For a clean, sleek design, try ductless mini-splits. Unlike central air conditioners, ductless mini-splits don’t have ductwork. This makes them easier to conceal.
Ceiling-Mounted Units: People tend to look straight in front of them, so they are more likely to notice things that are at eye level. When units are mounted near the ceiling, most people won’t notice them.
Fences: To hide your outdoor HVAC unit, you can build a fence or latticework around it. Some people get extremely creative and paint murals on their fences. However, you should make sure there’s still plenty of airflow.
Planters: Strategic placement of planters, shrubs, or other items can hide your HVAC unit. Again, make sure the airflow is not impeded by the planters.
Stylish Vents and Registers
What is HVAC decor? How can you enhance your aesthetic with stylish HVAC solutions?
Vents and registers are the grates that go over the HVAC vents in your homes. Most likely, your house came with standard vents. With the following options, you can enjoy a more beautiful appearance.
Registers in different colors
Victorian, contemporary, and farmhouse styles
Wooden vents
High-end metals and elegant finishes
Integrating Thermostats with Home Decor
Even if you conceal your HVAC with ductless mini-splits, you’ll still need to integrate your thermostat into home decor.
Use customizable covers for better home HVAC design.
For more stylish HVAC solutions, try making the thermometer blend. Pick a thermometer that matches your color scheme and decor.
Smart thermostats can be linked to your smartphone. Once your thermostat is linked, you can hide it completely and only use your phone to change the temperature.
Professional AC Installation Service
If you’re not sure how to incorporate your HVAC system into your home decor, a professional AC installation service can help. HVAC technicians know which types of enclosures can be safely used with your system and where to purchase them.
It’s important to hire a professional HVAC technician because they know how to inspect and diagnose common problems.
Because they have experience installing HVAC systems, you don’t have to worry about poor installations needing to be repaired.
Plus, professionals have seen many homeowners choose different HVAC decor options, so they can give you advice on which styles work best.
Maintenance Tips for a Stylish HVAC System
No matter what type of HVAC system you choose, you’ll need to be careful about maintaining it properly. A good HVAC system will last 15 to 20 years. Some models can even last 30 years, although this rarely happens without major repairs.
Regularly cleaning your HVAC system can help it stay in working order.
As a part of your regular cleaning, remove debris and trim back plants that are around your unit. There should be 2 feet of space on every side of the unit.
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your system working at its best. You should get it checked twice a year.
Change or clean your filters per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Enjoy a More Energy-Efficient Home
What is HVAC decor and integration? How can you make your home look its best?
With seamless integration, you can make your HVAC system blend into your home’s interior design. With the right AC installation service, you can get help choosing a functional, aesthetically pleasing HVAC system for your property.
Image Credits: Allen Construction
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.
