Whether you have an older home, a tiny home, or an apartment, finding the right cooling solution is crucial. Before choosing an air conditioning solution, we want to give you some options that work best in small homes without changing the layout of your space. Especially in a desert climate like Utah, having cooling during the summer is essential for maximum comfort. Read below for more details on considerations for cooling small homes and the best options for cooling small spaces.

Challenges Of Cooling Smaller Spaces

Because there is less space in a tiny home or apartment, you may have to get creative when you need additional cooling power. Here are some challenges that could block you from achieving a comfortable and cool home. 

Ventilation

Circulation in small homes is restricted, which means that it can be difficult to cool the home effectively. In traditional homes, ductwork is responsible for moving the air to different parts of the home. Moving the air through the home or removing stagnant air is difficult without ductwork. Ventilation is key for keeping a home warm or cool and limiting moisture build-up. 

Limited Space

Tiny homes or older homes simply don’t have the room for bulk furnaces or AC units. This is why smaller and less powerful units are often chosen for smaller spaces. Keeping all your usable space free and having a comfortable home is still possible, but you may have to utilize multiple units. 

Temperature Regulation

Keeping the home at a consistent temperature can be hard in uninsulated or tiny homes. Hot or cold spots tend to develop across the space, even with a whole home HVAC unit and portable units. Because smaller air conditioning units don’t circulate the air, consistent temperature in every room is almost impossible.

Ductless Mini-Split

One of the most popular cooling solutions for small homes is ductless mini-splits. These are a good option because they don’t require you to add anything to your small home and compromise storage space. These units take up minimal space indoors and outdoors, while also providing heating and cooling abilities. For extreme climates, a ductless mini-split may not be the most energy-efficient option. 

Geothermal Options

By using the temperature of the earth, geothermal heat pumps can provide you with a more comfortable home in a sustainable way. Geothermal heating and cooling will limit greenhouse gas emissions. Running a geothermal unit all day will cause less damage to the environment compared to other electrical-focused options. 

Cooling Zones

Splitting your home into sections will help you control the temperature in each room. If you have ductwork in your small home, you can install a damper in certain areas that will open or close depending on what that thermostat is set to. Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature can be difficult in a small home, but zoning gives you more control over the cold air in certain rooms. 

Portable AC Units

Small homes, apartments, or campers can benefit from portable AC units. These small coolers are much cheaper than a whole home system and can be moved with you throughout the day. Portable units can help cool rooms that are hotter during the day and be switched off when no one is home. 

Window Units

Another space-saving option is to install window units during the spring and summer. Window units can provide a significant amount of cold air without taking up space in your confined space. Window units can get expensive depending on their features, but they are much more affordable than installing ductwork. Window units come in a variety of sizes and only require electricity. 

Cooling Solutions From Our Team At Connect

Our HVAC experts offer air conditioning installation and maintenance. We know how important AC is for Utah summers, so we have a 24-hour service line to help keep your home comfortable all year long! We are a York Factory Authorized Dealer, so you can get any of our products installed by us. Connect Home Services will maintain your systems and upgrade them when needed. 

Connect Home Services has the highest-trained technicians in the industry. We work to provide customers with 100% Satisfaction with any of our products and services. From HVAC to plumbing to refrigeration, Connect does it all. Reach out to our team to learn more about how we can upgrade your home. 

With government changes, improving technology, and more sustainable practices coming into view, there are some cooling trends to watch for in 2025. While following all the trends in the world is not the best use of your money, some of these improvements can help you have a more comfortable home while also saving you money. Here are the trends our HVAC experts think you could benefit from as a homeowner. 

1- Geothermal Heating And Cooling

Geothermal systems can be used for both heating and cooling your home. These are gaining traction because of their sustainability and using the natural temperatures of the earth. Geothermal systems are more efficient than other systems, which means you will have a more comfortable home at a more affordable price. Choosing a geothermal system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions without sacrificing the comfort of your home. 

2- Eco-friendly Refrigerants

One of the key changes coming from government regulation updates is moving to eco-friendly refrigerants. Traditional refrigerants contribute to global warming, which is building up significantly as more homeowners run their air conditioning units. New air conditioning units will include R-454B or R-32 to help combat climate change. 

3- Enhanced Air Purification And Ventilation

After the pandemic, many homeowners are more concerned about their indoor air quality and reducing allergens and bacteria living in their homes. Cooling trends predict that more HVAC systems will come with better filtration systems to trap harmful allergens. Some of the latest additions include UV-C light purifiers or HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. These can be added to existing units or installed alone to give you better-quality air.

4- Smart Technology Integration

Easier control and smart operation are going to be just as popular in 2025. By having connected apps or other technology in your air conditioner, you can have more control over your monthly energy consumption and the temperature of your home.

Cooling trends and manufacturer trends predict that AI systems and Bluetooth technology will be prominent in 2025. AI systems will learn more about your cooling habits, automatically adjusting the temperature during the busiest times of the day. Some systems will connect to other smart devices, allowing you to turn on the AC before you leave work or to program other times for cooler air to fill the home. 

Should You Replace Your Cooling System Before 2025?

With more advanced technology comes higher prices. Because of the demand for certain materials or the need for unique parts, some new HVAC systems may cost significantly more than in 2024. Even if you don’t want the newest model, manufacturers will have to make the switch to new versions in order to meet government mandates. This means that older units will become harder to find and thus more expensive. 

Replacing your system now will help you have a long-lasting system at a lower cost. However, you may not get some of the environmental benefits promised to come about in the new year. Look for rebates or incentives if you want to switch to an eco-friendly unit. Switching to a sustainable option will help the environment, so agencies are more likely to help fund the switch.

Cooling trends aren’t going to slow down, but incentives can help you save a little bit of money when upgrading to new tech.

More About Connect Home Services

When it comes to new advancements and technological upgrades, you should look for a highly trained company. A business that stays on top of trends and high-quality solutions will provide you with longer-lasting home additions. Connect Services offers a variety of home and commercial services that improve comfortability, functionality, and more. 

Our services have been improving the lives of Utah residents for many years. From plumbing to HVAC services, our experts can serve your home in multiple ways! Cooling trends are something we like to stay on top of. We work with many different manufacturers and companies to offer the highest quality air conditioning units.
 If you are looking to improve your HVAC system, your plumbing, refrigeration, or electrical, call Connect today to schedule a consultation!