There are many ways to cool your space, and just as many ways to go about getting it set up, Professional installation can be costly, but often offers the most benefits. Window and portable units are easy to set up, but have disadvantages. If you want to try heating a larger space with fewer units, it might be advantageous to consider a DIY ducted air conditioning project.
So, how should you get started? Well, the first thing you generally want to do is decide on what kind of ducting you want to you. For any DIY ducted air conditioning system, there are several kinds of ducts that you can use. A common option is sheet metal ducts, but those can be expensive and have their own drawbacks. Spiral ducts are also metal, but can be more versatile in how you can move the ducts. Insulated ducting is the most common, however, and is usually made of flex ducts or fiberglass ducts, which are lined with foil. These systems use a combination of ducts to move the cool air more effectively.
In any DIY project, it can be very helpful to sketch out what you’re going to do, as a way to avoid costly mistakes and backtracking. This is especially true in a DIY ducted air conditioning project. Having a good sketch of what you want to do can help you figure out exactly how many rooms you’ll need to cool and what the best method of doing it will be.
Obviously, the biggest part of this task, as with any DIY project, is going to be actually doing the work. With a DIY ducted air conditioning project, you’re going to want to make sure that you follow the old adage and “measure twice, cut once,” when it comes to your main ducting. Avoid mistakes wherever possible so that you can save on installation costs, and make sure to install adequate supports for your main ductwork. As with any ducted project, also make sure any seams are properly taped off.
So, while a DIY ducted air conditioning Brandon project might not be for everyone, it can also be a more cost-effective way to get the cooling that you want in the places that you need it. Consider it if you have the time and ability to undertake such a project.