Working from home is here to stay for a lot of Americans. Are you one of them? If you are, then you’ll definitely want to make sure you have a comfortable workspace. Being hot and sticky in the summer or shivering cold in the winter will distract you from your work and definitely bring down your level of productivity. Let’s explore some options to boost comfort and production by choosing the best heating and cooling option for your home office!
What Are the Most Popular Home Office Heating and Cooling Options?
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning is one the most popular types of cooling systems in the United States. The system uses ductwork to treat and then force heated or cooled air throughout the home. Controlled by a single thermostat, the goal is for the entire home to be the same temperature. However, this is not always attainable, as traditional HVAC ductwork is susceptible to air leaks. If your home office is in a basement or corner of a home, it may not reach the same temperature as the main living area. And, when it comes to winter weather, an air conditioner does not provide heating capabilities, thus requiring a supplemental heating source.
Window Air Conditioner & Floor Furnace Combo
Window air conditioners are a popular option for additions and home offices. They are cheap and easy to install. However, they tend to be noisy, which can be an inconvenience when you’re in a meeting. They are also not the most energy efficient system on the market. In addition window air conditioners pose a safety threat. They can easily fall when installed incorrectly, or can even provide an easy access point for burglars – especially when your expensive home office equipment is visible!
A window air conditioner only provides cooling. That said, most who have this type of system also install baseboard heating or rely on a space heater to keep them cool in the cold weather. Although both of these systems are relatively inexpensive to install and set up, they have very low energy efficiency and rack up the monthly utility bills tremendously.
Ductless Mini-Split
A ductless mini-split system is relatively small and does not require any ductwork. Thus, it is much easier to install than a central AC system. This system requires one or more indoor ductless units to connect via refrigerant and electrical lines to an outdoor unit. Because the lines only require a 3” hole in the wall, safety and security is not of concern. In addition, ductless systems are quiet and also incredibly efficient. In fact, most homeowners typically see around a 30-50% decrease in monthly electricity bills as compared to while using other heating and cooling options. Lastly, ductless mini-splits provide both heating and cooling, so there is no need to install multiple heating and cooling sources.
Can I Deduct My Home Office Heating and Cooling System?
Are you taking advantage of home office tax deductions? If you have a dedicated home office, used exclusively for business purposes, there may be some tax deductions that you can claim for installing a ductless heat pump, as long as they fall under the correct category of direct or indirect home office expenses. To ensure you’re understanding the latest tax laws and claiming the correct deductions, consult with a certified tax professional!
Get a Free Estimate to Install Ductless Heating and Cooling
Located in the Pacific Northwest and providing energy efficient heating and cooling solutions for over a decade, Alpine Ductless technicians are experts in ductless installation, maintenance and repair! If you’re interested in a ductless heat pump to heat and cool your home office, get your free estimate today!
We proudly serve the Thurston, Pierce, Mason, Lewis and South King county areas. Our goal is to help you determine the best system for heating and cooling your office.
Want to learn more about ductless air conditioning? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Ductless Heating and Cooling.