04
Apr

6 Tips for Heating & Cooling Your “She Shed”

What started as a Pinterest craze, she sheds have become the rage, creating stylish backyard getaways for gals throughout the U.S. The goal of many a she shed is to create a comfortable oasis outside the main home – what’s comfort without the right heating and cooling? HVAC.com helps you transform comfort in smaller spaces with these she shed heating & cooling tips.

1. Go Ductless

Ductless heating and cooling systems are often installed in new home additions to extend comfort and temperature control where the main HVAC doesn’t go. This technology also works for detached buildings, such as for she shed heating and cooling.

One major plus to ductless heating and cooling is that these systems do not require ductwork – a big bonus when space is limited, as is the case in she shed design. If your she shed is a permanent fixture in your back yard, going ductless may be the best option for comfort year-round. Ductless systems combine an outdoor unit with an interior air handler that can be mounted on the wall or in-ceiling for additional space savings. These energy efficient HVAC systems provide precise heating and cooling whenever the space is in use.

2. Portable Comfort

Portable heating and cooling is another option that works well for smaller spaces, fulfilling she shed heating and cooling needs. Portable air conditioners pack quite the punch, quickly cooling down your space. These small units are vented to the window and sit on the floor. Also, window air conditioners are an option for she shed HVAC. Both types of portable air conditioners are easily installed by a DIYer.

In the cooler months, a space heater can deliver the warmth you need to continue enjoying your she shed once temperatures drop. Purchase a portable heater that is sized correctly for the size of the area you’re heating, and make sure to follow all safety directions when in use. As she sheds are all about style and ambiance, you may like a portable fireplace heater that delivers the same mood as a real fireplace!

3. Windows for Ventilation

Make your she shed more energy efficient when you install high-efficiency windows. Plenty of windows allow natural light in while working to retain your heating and cooling energy. The right windows help you reduce electricity spend while you enjoy the space.

Windows also allow you to enjoy the natural breeze for better comfort on mild days. Open windows on each side of your she shed to create a cross breeze that moves hot air out while bringing fresh air in. This natural ventilation helps improve the comfort of your small space.

4. Insulation

Make sure your she shed is well insulated so it will retain the heating and cooling energy your she shed HVAC systems create. Add insulation to the walls and ceiling or attic space to help your building hold in conditioned air, keeping your space comfortable for longer.

Seal any gaps around windows and doors, as well as other cracks and exterior penetrations that could let energy out and outside air in. Plus, this will help keep pests out of your she shed.

5. Indoor Air Quality

Pay special attention to the air quality in your she shed to ensure you create the most comfortable indoor environment possible. When used as workshops, lots of dirt and other debris can be tracked in your she shed. Portable air purifiers don’t take up a lot of space and work to remove impurities from your indoor air supply. These systems are a comfort saver especially if you suffer from allergies, as they can remove a significant amount of the contaminants that enter your she shed.

6. Humidity Control

Moisture in the air is a big concern for she shed HVAC. Too much moisture inside your shed can aggravate allergy symptoms as well as create an ideal environment for mold growth, causing major damage to your structure and interiors. A portable dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air to cut these risks. Find a portable dehumidifier that is the appropriate size for your she shed, and make sure to empty and clean it on a regular basis so it works properly.

Writen by: Will Housh
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