Making sure just one family has heating and cooling to keep them all comfortable is challenging enough on its own. Providing HVAC for multiple families in the same building can be even more so. What are the best options for an HVAC system for multifamily homes? Let’s take a closer look.
Centralized HVAC
In a centralized system, heating and cooling originate from a single source, from whence they’re distributed to all the different units. Each family has their own thermostat and controls the temperature for themselves, kind of like a giant, multifamily zoning system.
One method of centralized HVAC involves pipes. One pipe carries hot or cold water to each of the units as needed to heat or cool their air, while another carries the water away again. A system of four pipes can take care of both heating and cooling simultaneously, so one family can warm their space, while the family in the next unit cools theirs.
Centralized HVAC is a great way to save energy, especially when it’s coupled with a geothermal system. Unfortunately, it’s also very expensive to install. While the extra money can be recouped over time in energy savings, that initial cost may be prohibitive for many homes.
Decentralized HVAC
In a decentralized HVAC system for multifamily homes, each family gets and operates their own separate heating and cooling unit. A wall A/C, for example, is a self-contained unit that goes on each family’s wall and provides cool air ductlessly. Heating might come from a baseboard heater installed on the floor. These units are easier and cheaper to install, but tend to be inefficient and waste energy.
In a centralized system, it’s the landlord or building manager’s responsibility to perform all maintenance on the unit. In a decentralized system, the landlord may still be responsible for repairs, but individual families may be responsible for their own basic maintenance on their HVAC, such as changing the filter regularly.
To learn more about the best HVAC system for multifamily homes, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve the Lorain area’s home comfort needs.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area