The addition of air conditioning to older buildings may present certain challenges but none of them need to be insurmountable.
Check Consent First
Check Consent: For external use, listed buildings and many older commercial properties in conservation areas require consent for the fixing of external air conditioning units and wall penetration by air conditioning pipes.
Choose Low-Profile Indoor Units
For interior design Slim and High-wall cassette units are ideal. They are much slender than conventional air conditioners and will fit into most period rooms. Many of the Slim models can be recessed into a wall and can be concealed behind a decorative grille and blend in with the cornicing and joinery.
Route Pipework Carefully
Cable and refrigerant pipe routes can easily be damaged to lime plaster and original timbers. Plan these routes to run within natural voids created within the building, or along skirtings and other concealed locations. Ideally select a contractor experienced in working with heritage materials.
Account for Thermal Mass
Many older buildings are constructed of thick stone or brick. This type of construction has a high thermal mass, meaning it absorbs heat and then releases it slowly. The position of room sensors and the typical running times of systems within older heritage properties must take this into account and allow for longer than normal running times.
Size the System Correctly
When specifying air conditioning for older properties in Gloucester such as those with high ceilings and poor insulation, installers must calculate the room load correctly to ensure the chosen system can deliver adequate cooling. There is more on Air conditioning Gloucester at https://acecc.co.uk/.
Getting the specification right the first time will save a lot of problems in the long run.
