Air conditioning is important for your comfort and health. If you're having an addition built or you're finishing a basement or garage, you'll need to think about how you'll air condition the space. You have a few options depending on your HVAC system and budget. Here are ways to add air conditioning to a space that doesn't have it already.

Add Window Units

While window units aren't the aesthetic ideal, they are the least expensive option. Window units may not work for a basement renovation, but you might use a portable unit instead that just has to vent to the outside. Window units have pros and cons, but they can be acceptable, especially if you won't use the area all of the time and just need the AC occasionally or just at night.

Hook Into Your HVAC System

You'll need an air conditioning contractor to assess your system to determine if it can handle the additional space. If so, you can have the addition hooked up to your current ducts. You won't be able to do this with a finished garage if you still intend to use it as a parking space occasionally as that would be hazardous. Fumes from the car could be spread through the duct system into your home.  However, this might be a good option for a basement renovation so the area stays dry and comfortable.

Get A Mini-Split Heat Pump

A mini-split heat pump could be worth considering. It can be the most expensive option, but if you can't hook into your home's existing system, it might be the easiest choice so you don't have to replace your old HVAC. A mini-split can operate without ducts. The blower mounts on the wall and refrigerant lines pass through the wall to the condenser outside.

You could cool your whole house with a mini-split, but for an addition, you'd just need a small unit with a single blower. This type of air conditioning system works with a remote control that allows you to adjust the temperature to your liking and shut the system off when you're not in the space. This could help keep your power bill as low as possible even though you're cooling all that additional space.

An air conditioning contractor can help you decide on the right way to cool your addition depending on how you intend to use the space and what your budget will allow. They'll also make sure you choose a safe option and have heat supplied by the same unit in the winter if that's what you need. 

For more information on air conditioning, reach out to an HVAC professional in your area.