During a major renovation project, designers and architects may tend to focus on the interior space and how they can reconfigure the boundaries of a particular room or reposition appliances in an attempt to make the space more practical. Yet they may not pay too much attention to the air conditioning and how they could revolutionise the space by employing a different approach. If you are about to commission some contractors to help you renovate your property, how can you make the end result much more palatable by rerouting your HVAC system through the floor rather than the ceiling? 

Up or Down

Traditionally, a ducted air conditioning system is carried in the ceiling space, no matter whether this is a residential or commercial property. In many respects, this is the 'easy' way out as the space may not be occupied for any other reason and it may be simpler to run the required ducting from one part of the property to another. Yet this approach can also constrain any redevelopment, especially if the owner/occupier would like to increase the headroom. If the entire ducted system were to be installed below the floor, then the ceiling could be elevated, and this could make the space that much more attractive.

Underfloor Options

In this case, the ducted system could be installed beneath the floor instead. In many properties, this area is reserved for cable management and insulation but for nothing else, and it may be able to accommodate the ducted system without too much alteration. This will allow the installation company to introduce floor-level supply and return ducts and should reduce the amount of material used in the entire project. Most highly efficient HVAC systems these days use slimline ducting anyway, and this may be the perfect option for this case.

Improving the Interior Space

Most people would agree that high ceilings are preferable to the alternative as the extra space can contribute to the overall enjoyment and attraction. This solution could be particularly important if applied to a commercial renovation, where properties with high ceilings can typically attract higher rental rates and get more interest from potential clients.

Looking at the Alternatives

Whether you have a residential or commercial project on hand, talk with your HVAC installation contractor to see if they can install a floor-based system instead. You may be able to cut costs, use fewer materials or equipment and introduce a much more energy-efficient system to boot.

To learn more about ducted air conditioning, speak with a professional.