If you have or are thinking about adding a bonus room above your garage, you may be wondering how to cool it. Unfortunately, bonus rooms can get hot due to a lack of ventilation and insulation. Here are a few tips on how to keep your bonus room cool in the summer.
One of the best ways to cool a bonus room above a garage is by installing a ductless mini-split air conditioning unit. Ductless systems are efficient and powerful enough to cool a whole bonus room. In addition, they are easy to install and customizable to your liking.
Ductless cooling units are an excellent way to cool your bonus room, but other ways exist. This article will take a closer look at how ductless mini-splits work and other ways to cool a bonus room. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about cooling and heating a bonus room, so keep reading!
Cooling Bonus Room Above Garage
Cooling a bonus room above a garage can be difficult, especially during the summer. However, you can follow a few tips to make the process a little easier.
One of the most efficient ways to keep a bonus room above the garage cool is by installing a ductless mini-split. A mini-split is an air conditioner that does not require ductwork to function. A mini-split is similar to a central air system because it starts with an outdoor unit.
It then draws heat using a heat pump, removing hot air from the room and sending it outside. The unit then circulates cooled air back into the room. Next, an HVAC specialist snakes plastic tubing through the walls, making it unnoticeable. Then the tubing is connected to the wall panel that is high on the wall.
Ductless mini-splits have their thermostat for each unit so that you can customize the temperature in each room. They also come equipped with a remote control so you can change the settings without having to get up.
Mini-splits are not only efficient but are less expensive than having ductwork installed. Having an HVAC specialist install ductwork in your home can be expensive. In comparison, a single ductless mini-split can cost as low as $1,800 depending on the unit and the size of the room.
For a more in-depth look at the mini-split installation process, take a look at this YouTube video:
Bonus room heating and cooling units
There are other ways to keep your bonus room cool in addition to installing a mini-split. Let's take a look at them below.
Window air conditioner
Window air conditioners are a less expensive option for cooling a room. They can be installed in minutes by anyone and are perfect for smaller bonus rooms.
Window air conditioners work by drawing warm air from the room and releasing it outside. In addition, they come with a built-in thermostat to help regulate the temperature.
Window air conditioners are not as powerful as a mini-split, but they are an excellent option for people on a budget. They can be purchased for as little as $150 and range up to $1,000.
Evaporative/Swamp cooler
Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, are a great way to cool a room without using a lot of energy. They work by evaporating water and sending the cold air into the room. Swamp coolers are perfect for hot, dry climates.
They can be installed in minutes by anyone and do not require any special skills.
Installing Ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to circulate the air in a room to help cool it down. Ceiling fans work by pushing hot air up and pulling cooler air down.
Ceiling fans with the combination of a window air conditioner or a swamp cooler can be more effective in cooling the room.
Plant landscaping for shade
Planting landscaping in front of the windows of a bonus room can help to keep it cool. The plants will provide shade for the windows and keep the room cooler. In addition, the plants will help improve the room's air quality.
Install insulation
Installing insulation in a bonus room can help keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In the summer, insulation will help to keep the hot air out. And in the winter, it will help keep the warm air in.
Why is my upstairs bonus room so hot?
If your bonus room is above the garage, it can be difficult to cool during the summer. The garage is usually a warm space, and the heat will rise to the bonus room. Additionally, if your bonus room does not have any windows, it will be difficult to cool it down.
Having poor insulation is another reason why your bonus room might be hot. If the insulation is not installed properly, the heat can escape from the room.
Also, if there aren't any windows in the room, it can be difficult to get any airflow. This can lead to the room becoming overheated.
How do you ventilate a bonus room?
To properly ventilate a bonus room, you will need to ensure that the knee wall is adequately insulated. This is because the knee wall separates the bonus room from the attic. If the knee wall is not insulated, the heat from the attic will rise to the bonus room.
When insulating a new bonus room, be sure to hire a contractor that knows how to insulate bonus rooms. Unfortunately, not all contractors know how to properly insulate these rooms, leading to poor air circulation and the room becoming too hot or too cold.
In addition, you will need to install a window in the room. This will allow fresh air to enter the room and help cool it down. A window can also help to circulate the air in a room.
Why is the room above the garage cold in winter and hot in summer?
As mentioned earlier, if the room above the garage is not properly insulated, it can be difficult to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This is because the insulation will help keep the heat or cold in the room.
If there are air leaks in the room, it can also be challenging to keep it warm or cool. Air leaks can be caused by cracks in the walls or the window and door frames.
Having a bonus room with at least one window can help to keep it cooler in the summer. And, if the room above the garage is used as a bedroom, installing an air conditioner can help keep it cool during the summer months.
There are also ductless mini-split units that have heating and cooling. These units can be a great option for bonus rooms in regions that experience four seasons of weather.
Mini-split isn't working — What could be wrong?
If your mini-split isn't blowing hot or cold air, smells, or is making weird noises, then there is something wrong. Let's take a look at the possible culprits to this problem.
Frozen coils
If the outdoor unit is frozen, it will not blow out hot or cold air. The compressor and the condenser coils will be covered in ice. To fix this problem, you will need to turn off the power to the unit and wait for the ice to melt.
Once the ice has melted, turn the power back on and wait for the unit to start. If this does not fix the problem, you might need to call a technician.
Dirty filters
If the filters are dirty, it will be difficult for the unit to blow out hot or cold air. This is because the dirt and dust will block the air flow. To fix this problem, you will need to clean the filters. If this does not fix the problem, you might need to call a technician.
Bad wiring
Bad wiring could also be your issue. If the wiring is not done correctly, it could cause the unit to not blow out hot or cold air. To fix this problem, you will need to call a technician.
Faulty condensate line
If your unit is dripping, you may have an issue with the drain line. If the drain line is clogged, the water will not drain properly. To fix this problem, you will need to clear the line.
Refrigerant leak
A refrigerant leak can also be the cause of your mini-split not blowing out hot or cold air. If there is a leak in the system, it will not blow out air.
Mold issue
If your unit smells funky, then you might have a mold issue. Mold can grow on the evaporator coil if it is not cleaned regularly. If there is mold, you will need to call a technician.
Failing batteries
If your unit is acting up, the batteries may be on their last leg. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the batteries.
Final Thoughts
Bonus rooms can be a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of life. However, if your bonus room is too hot or cold, it can be challenging to enjoy. You can do several things to help cool down or warm up a bonus room.
These things include installing a ductless mini-split, swamp cooler, planting landscaping for shade, and installing insulation. By following these tips, you can help to make your bonus room a more comfortable place to spend time in.
Thank you for reading! For more articles like this one, check out our website:
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