Air conditioning for a family house: options and recommendations

Separate air conditioners or a multi-split usually suit a family house best, depending on the number of rooms and the space for outdoor units. In a family house you have more air conditioning options than in a flat – more room for outdoor units, shorter or longer pipe routes, and often an attic that overheats the most in summer. The right solution depends on which rooms you want to air-condition and how you use the house.

Which rooms to air-condition

Most often these are bedrooms, children’s rooms and the living room. In houses with a converted attic, air conditioning in the attic is often the first priority, because the roof heats up strongly in summer. Read more in the article Air conditioning in an attic: how to cool the hottest rooms.

Separate units or multi-split

• Separate split air conditioners – each room has its own outdoor unit. If one unit fails, the others keep working.
• Multi-split – several indoor units on one outdoor unit. Fewer outdoor units on the facade, but the design must take account of pipe lengths and rooms being used at the same time. See multi-split for a house.

You will find a comparison in the article Split or multi-split air conditioning: the differences and when to choose which.

Ducted air conditioning in a new build

If you are still building or renovating the house, you can consider a ducted unit hidden in a suspended ceiling. Air is distributed through ducts to several rooms and only the grilles are visible. It is a rather exceptional solution and its suitability has to be assessed individually. It must be planned at the project stage. Read more in the article Air conditioning during a renovation: what to prepare in advance.

Outdoor unit location

At a house, the outdoor unit is on the facade, on a bracket on the ground or on a flat roof. You need to consider noise towards the neighbours and your own bedroom windows, condensate drainage and access for servicing. You will find tips in the article Where to place an air conditioner: indoor and outdoor unit.

An air conditioner and a heat pump

If you heat the house with an air-to-water heat pump, an air conditioner can complement it in summer in rooms that need cooling. We explain the difference between the two in the article What is the difference between an air conditioner and a heat pump?.

Which indoor unit to choose

• A wall-mounted unit is the most common choice and can also be added to a finished house. See wall-mounted air conditioners.
• A floor-standing unit is suitable under a window and where you also want to heat with the air conditioner, because it warms the air near the floor.
• A ducted unit is hidden in a suspended ceiling, but it has to be planned during construction or renovation.

What to consider in a new build

During construction or renovation, the pipes, condensate drain and electrical supply can be prepared before plastering. Later installation is then cleaner and the pipes are not visible on the wall. If you are not planning air conditioning straight away, preparing the pipework keeps your options open for the future. See Air conditioning pre-installation.

Questions before the design

• Do you sleep in an attic or on a floor that overheats in summer?
• Will you cool all rooms at once, or only some?
• Where will the outdoor unit not disturb you or the neighbours?

Procedure

1. We determine which rooms you want to air-condition and how.
2. We propose the type and output of Daikin units and locations for the outdoor units.
3. We prepare a quote with the exact scope of work.
4. We install and commission the system.

We work in Bratislava and in the towns and villages of the Bratislava Region. You will find an overview of models in the air conditioner catalogue. Request a free quote or see Daikin air conditioners.