Most homes with air conditioners must keep the air conditioner in a secure location. Attics are the most common location for HVAC systems, but this has recently changed as homeowners require more storage space. Instead, they attempt to conceal the HVAC system in the closet. We asked homeowners and contractors how they use this storage box.
Put your home’s HVAC system in your closet to improve the appearance of the space. Maintenance personnel should have enough room to move around in the cabinet. It is also critical to install a closet door to keep the air conditioner clean. Fortunately, HVAC cabinet doors do not have to be boring.
If you haven’t decided how to choose your home’s HVAC door yet, keep reading for more inspiration. Once you’ve determined the proper dimensions, you can select the appropriate cabinet door to complete your project. Let’s go!
Also check: Got a small space? Here are the Top Portable Air Conditioners for 2022
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The Basics Of HVAC
HVAC is required to heat and cool the home. This system circulates warm air either outside or inside the house. HVAC removes hot air and replaces it with cold air at high temperatures.
In the winter, HVAC pumps warm air into the room while exhausting cold air. The HVAC system necessitates plenty of room for vertical ducts, air distribution, and ducts. Because it only serves one zone, the local HVAC system is located inside a house or building.
Why Does An HVAC System Need A Proper Storage Area?
The best location for HVAC is a point of contention among homeowners, contractors, and workshops. Is it better to put it in the attic or the closet? The consensus is that HVAC should be housed in its cabinet. The storage area also cleans drains and other required plumbing. The HVAC closet is usually located in the living room. Some people keep a closet near their bedroom. Along with the storage area, proper air conditioner clearance should also be kept as a priority.
Summer attics can get extremely hot. Also, repair work can be difficult if the temperature is extreme. You and the repair shop will appreciate your advice on storing the air conditioner in a colder closet. Most importantly, you will not need to crawl to service your device.
Things To Remember When Planning An HVAC Closet
The HVAC cabinet must be the proper size. For electrical units, the recommended measurements are:
- 6-8 inches on each side
- Back inch
- 8-12 inch front
The Building Standards Act can also be used to verify the required dimensions. Ensure the cabinet door is a few inches wider than the HVAC unit to allow for removal if necessary.
When preparing the closet space, you can also discuss the return duct’s location and radius elbow transitions with the contractor. It is critical to maintain unrestricted airflow so the unit can generate cold air.
Choosing The Right HVAC Closet Door
HVAC closet doors assist in reducing system noise. With the door installed, you and your guests won’t have to fiddle with the HVAC system. What are your options for door designs? Louver doors are the preferred option because they allow for unit ventilation. Even if the unit is heated by gas, it requires outside air. It is referred to as combustion air and must not come from indoor air. As a result, louver doors are needed. Slats on the door can be used as a workaround. The upper half is the entire door, but the lower half can include a louver. On the surface, you don’t have to remove the louver door immediately. You can make rattan fabric out of the louver. This style also works well with double-leaf doors.
You can also look for shutters that do not have slats. These have a door-like artistic design. You will receive two parts that can be opened independently. Alternatively, you can change the design and dimensions. The slide gate also helps to conserve space. It also reduces noise from outside because it is made of thick wood. Even better, you can change the size to suit your requirements. A bypass door is another type of wooden door that can be used. You do not need to open the door with this type. Change the door’s color to match the theme of your home’s interior design.
You can design hidden doors in your HVAC closet with some imagination. Why not build a bookshelf or add a door shelf? Nobody needs to know that an HVAC unit is included if you don’t advertise what’s behind the racks. Another unique way to dress up a closet door is to make it a large panel. On the doors, some do-it-yourselfers used homemade blackboard paint. Trim around the panel area will enhance the appearance.
Solutions For Reducing The Sound Your HVAC Makes
Soundproofing the door is one of the steps you can take. Install a weather seal at the bottom of the door to accomplish this. Another option is to apply acoustic sealant around the door.
Furthermore, anti-vibration mounts will help to reduce the sound of the HVAC unit. Rubber and steel are used to make the mounts. This suggestion is simple and inexpensive. You can reduce the noise by using the best soundproof insulation.
You can significantly reduce noise in the closet by adding more drywall. You can either add drywall to the cabinet or build a drywall box around the unit. Some homeowners also believe that the HVAC unit does not cause noise. The louver could be loose, causing an annoying vibration.
Repair the issue by tightening the louvered vent against the wall. Alternatively, you can place some mass against the metal vent to reduce vibration frequency.
Solutions For Reduced Floor Area
As previously stated, installing an HVAC cabinet in the living room saves floor space. Shelves and multipurpose furniture can be added to compensate for the space loss. The bookshelf doors we propose offer more storage space for all of the items you are considering. You can personalize the chair that doubles as a storage space. Shelves placed around the finish can also help to reduce noise. You don’t want to block the vents, so make some improvements.
Also check: Mr. Cool Vs. Goodman – Which to Choose?
Choose HVAC Closet Door that Suits you the Best!
Placing the HVAC system in the closet frees up space for ducts and other necessities. Furthermore, ventilation must be provided even if the device is placed in a closed area. Leave enough room around the unit for future repairs and maintenance if you choose a cabinet door. There are numerous designs to select from. Alternatively, you can personalize the door by changing the color.
