3 Innovative Trends in HVAC Design

HVAC design has changed drastically over the years as heating and cooling systems have evolved. One of the major benefits of this change and evolution has been that storage facilities are now safer than ever for home goods that are highly susceptible to mold and mildew, such as couches, linens, and wood furniture.

But what exactly are these major changes? Check out 3 innovate trends in HVAC design below to find out.

Undersizing & Complimenting with Dehumidification

This one can be a little technical, but stick with us here. A normal HVAC system covers 750 square feet of space per 1 ton of cooling (12,000 BTUs). Under-sizing the system would mean using 1250-1500 square feet of space per 1 ton of cooling. That would seem like it wouldn’t work.

But here’s the real innovation: By complimenting this undersized system with a dehumidifier, HVAC designers are able to more easily lower the relative humidity and keep stored items safer from mold and mildew, compared to a traditional setup. That’s because mold and mildew have little to do with temperature and everything to do with relative humidity. By maintaining a low humidity level, stored items are safer. Logis-Tech writes a nice article on this concept .

Mini-Split Systems

Mini-split systems are often found in old apartment buildings and homes that don’t have ductwork, because they don’t need them. Installed indoors high on walls, these systems offer both heating and cooling without the necessity of ductwork, which means they’re perfect for small spaces.

One of the major benefits of a mini-split system is their efficiency and affordability. A ductless system uses less power than a traditional HVAC system because they’re not forcing air into a large space. In addition, it’s very easy to adjust the settings on one space that may get hot and another that is usually cold, as needed. And that means that inconsistency is no longer an issue. Sizing this unit correctly still applies to a mini-split system so make sure you under-size the equipment and allow a dehumidifier to control moisture.

Decentralized/Segmented Systems

In the old days, self-storage units often used one big centralized HVAC unit which connected to all of the self-storage units. The problem with this setup is that there’s no temperature or humidity regulation within each compartment, which means it’s very difficult to keep humidity out of each unit.

More commonly today, self-storage companies are utilizing several smaller units, such as a PTAC, which controls heat and air conditioning in one unit. By pairing this with a dehumidification system, you can ensure that each self-storage unit has a low relative humidity and that the items stored within will be safe from mold and mildew.

Take Advantage of Innovative Trends

By taking advantage of innovative trends in HVAC design, you could save money and time. But don’t just take our word for it! Contact the team at Therma-Stor now to find the right product for your space.