This is Part-10 Of Our Article 75+ Ways To Lower Cooling Costs. This is the last of our 10-Part Article — includes how to Cool 1 Bedroom at night.. Al’s Plumbing, in Plano, Texas Provides Full-Service Plumbing; Maintenance, Repairs, and Replacements For Every Plumbing Component In Your Home. We sell and install gas and electric water heaters. Al’s is near your home in; Far-North Dallas, Murphy, Rowlette, and Wylie, Texas. We service all homes in southern Collin County, TX, and northeastern Dallas County, TX with no additional travel charges.
Call Al’s Today To Discuss Any Concerns Or Problems You Have With Your Home’s Plumbing.
We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.
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If You’re Considering Replacing Your Central A/C — You May Be Interested In: AlsPlumbing.com These 8 Companies Make 24 A/C Brands.
Below Is A 3-Part Article — These 3 Solutions Can Notably Lower Cooling Costs.
Part-1 Details A Way To Quietly Cool 1 Bedroom.
The details are below within this article.
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
The
Part-2 Details An HVAC System That Cools & Heats — Up To 4 Bedrooms.
This Can Be done with a Ductless, Mini-Split HVAC. The details are below within this article.
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
The
Part-3 Details A Solution For “Hot Sleepers”.
“Hot Sleepers” Often Sweat Where They’re Touching The Mattress. Others May Sweat All Over.
To Minimize The Sweating — The Bedroom Must Be Kept Very Cool.
This Solution Features A Recirculating Chilled-Water Mattress Pad. The details are below within this article.
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Shown: ChiliSleep Cube Sleep System
Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
As An Amazon Associate, Als Earns From Qualified Purchases.
Shown: Large Home
Photo by Expect Best & Pexels.com
https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-view-of-balcony-against-sky-323775/
“Zone” Is An HVAC Industry Term To Describe: A Specific Area Of A Home — That’s Served By Its Own, Separate System.
- It’s common for large homes to have 2 Zones.
- 1 HVAC System serves the daytime living spaces / Zone 1.
- A 2nd HVAC System serves the bedrooms / Zone 2.
- This allows residents to reduce the amount of cooling/heating in unused areas.
- With automatic thermostats, the temperature can be adjusted for the times each zone is used.
Image Source: Shutterstock
SHOWN: Home With 2-Zone HVAC.
Many Homes Are Occupied By 1-2 People Who Are Using 1 Bedroom At Night.
To Cool 1 Bedroom — The Central HVAC Must Cool The Entire House.
In this article, We Present 2 Ways to notably Lower Cooling Costs — By Creating A Separate Zone For Only The Bedroom(s) Used. This allows you to have your bedroom as cool as you want — while your Central A/C can be set to 78 degrees overnight. We Detail How To Only Cool 1 Bedroom At Night AND How To Cool & Heat Up To 4 Bedrooms at night.
Image Source: Peter Weideman & Pixabay.com
How To Quietly Cool 1 Bedroom At Night
(No HVAC Company Is Required.)
Using A Window A/C To Cool 1 Room Isn’t News. But most window A/Cs make too much noise for a bedroom. Below We Discuss Perhaps The Quietest Window A/C Available.
** An Article Detailing The Quietest (conventional) Window A/Cs Features:
- Frigidaire’s FFRE123WAE (model) 12,000 BTU (Conventional Design) — creates an average: 58 dB noise level.
- Frigidaire is known for making quieter (conventional) window A/Cs. **
NOTE: The window sits on top of a conventional design window a/c.
** Source: https://learnmetrics.com/quietest-window-air-conditioners/
SHOWN: A Reasonably Quiet Window A/C. Noise Level: 58 dB.
Frigidaire FFRE123WAE 12,000 BTU Window A/C
TIP: This Frigidaire Window A/C Would Be Ideal In Other Rooms. It May Make Too Much Noise For A Bedroom.
Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
As an Amazon Associate Al’s Plumbing earns from qualifying purchases
Compared To How To Quietly Cool 1 Bedroom:
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
SHOWN: A Very Quiet Window A/C. Noise Level: 43.5 dB.
-14.5 dB Lower Than The Frigidaire Above. To Our Ears — That’s Notably Less Than 1/2 The Noise.
SHOWN: Midea 12,000 BTU, U-Shaped, Variable-Speed, Window A/C
Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
As an Amazon Associate Al’s Plumbing earns from qualifying purchases
- Midea offers this A/C in; 8,000, 10,000, & 12,000 BTUs.
- The noise level numbers above are for their 12,000 BTU 43.5 (average) dB. All 3 sizes make similar noise levels.
NOTE: In The Photo Above — You Can See The GAP Between The Indoor Part AND The Outdoor Parts. The Window Nearly Closes Between Them.
TIP: This Midea Window A/C Is Ideal In Any Room. It’s One Of The Quietest Window A/C Available.
TIP: This A/C Is Sometimes Out Of Stock and/or Priced Higher During Cooling Season.
For The Best Price & Inventory — Buy It Before Cooling Season Begins.
NOTE: +10 dB Is Perceived As Twice As Loud To Our Ears. ***
*** Source: https://www.chem.purdue.edu/chemsafety/Training/PPETrain/dblevels.htm
Want To Hear This A/C Quietly Cool 1 Bedroom?
A Noise Comparison Of Midea’s 10,000 BTUs (U-Shaped Design)
And LG’s 5,000 BTUs (conventional design) Window A/Cs
** An Final Note From The Quoted Article:
- In the article ** there is One (8,000 BTUs) A/C – that makes slightly less noise than – Midea’s 8,000 BTUs (43.5 average dB). **
- It’s less expensive than Midea 8,000 BTUs.
- It’s Less Energy Efficient:
- TaoTronices: = 12.1. EER
- Midea: = 15.0 EER
- It’s TaoTronics (brand) TT-AC003 (model) — (40.5 average dB).
- It’s a conventional design (not U-Shaped).
NOTE: Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) = BTUs (divided by) the number of Watts of electricity used.
** Source: https://learnmetrics.com/quietest-window-air-conditioners/
If You’ve Not Heard Of Midea — Let’s Introduce You
Midea Group Is The World’s Largest Manufacturer Of A/C & Home Appliances **
Consumers Reports Rates This Air Conditioner 86/100 (out of 100). Indoor Noise: 5 / 5. Predicted Reliability: 5 / 5. ***
- The World’s No. 1 Air-Treatment brand. *
- Annual production volume = 67+ million units. **
- World’s Largest Major Appliances Manufacturer. *4
- Over $50.6 billion in annual revenue. **
- #219 In The Global Fortune 2000. **
- Midea America is a Fortune 500 company.
- Midea Brand Products Include; Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, Ranges, Counter-Top, Over-Range & Built-In Microwave Ovens, Dishwashers & Washers & Dryers.
NOTE: Midea Doesn’t Make Central A/C. They make Ductless, Mini-Splits. Central A/C is not common in most countries.
- * Source: https://www.midea-group.com/about-us/manufacturing/residential-air-conditioning
- ** Source: https://www.forbes.com/companies/midea-group/?sh=567bb0c83dcc
- *** Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/products/air-conditioners-28969/air-conditioner-28666/view2/ NOTE: Article Can’t Be View Without A Subscription.
- *4 Source: https://www.midea-group.com/about-us/manufacturing/kitchen-appliances
This YouTube Video Shows The Installation Of The Midea U-Shaped A/C.
Image Source: YouTube Embedded Link
SHOWN: Media U-Shaped A/C — Installed.
NOTE: The Insulating Foam Blocks (shown under the bird) — Are Included.
NOTE: The Window CAN Be Opened With The A/C In Place.
Quietly Cool 1 Bedroom With Midea’s U-Shaped, Split-System Window A/C
Additional Features
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
SHOWN: MIDEA (brand) U-Shaped, 12,000 BTU’s, Split-System, Variable-Speed Compressor Window A/C (Also Available In 8,000 & 10,000 BTU’s)
Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
As an Amazon Associate Al’s Plumbing earns from qualifying purchases
The Website Says:
- The 12,000 BTU model cools rooms up to 550 square feet.
- It generates a breeze that can be felt up to 20 feet.
- Variable-Speed Compressor (called: “Inverter”) — Matches Its Cooling Output TO Current Cooling Demand.
- Smart A/C: Connected To Your WIFI — It Can Be Operated With A Phone or Voice Commands.
NOTE: For Voice-Command Operation — An Amazon Echo Alexa or Google Home Device Is Required. These convert your voice into signals the A/C understands.
- Operating Noise is as low as 42/43.5/45 dBA (similar to a Library). Actual dBa depends on the fan speed setting.
- Low noise level as a result of the Split-System Configuration.
- Foam Insulation (to close the 4″ gap under the window) is included.
- Up to +35% More Energy Efficient — than some conventional window A/Cs.
- Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER): 15.0
- Awarded With The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2022 Certification.
- Other Brands With The 2022 Energy Star Certification Include; Danby, Dreo, Frigidaire-Gallery (made by Midea), GE-Profile, and LG. **
- All have a Variable-Speed Compressor.
- NONE have the U-Shaped/Split-System Design.
- Only Frigidaire-Gallery (made by Midea) — has the split-system technology.
** Source: https://www.energystar.gov/most-efficient/me-certified-room-ac/results?is_most_efficient_filter=Most+Efficient
TIP: Use The Room’s (Square Footage) Size — To Determine Which Midea A/C Size You Need.
Midea Says Their U-Shaped Window A/C Can Quietly Cool 1 Bedroom — Sized As Shown:
- 8,000 BTUs — Cools Up To 350 Square Feet.
- 10,000 BTUs — Cools Up To 450 Square Feet.
- 12,000 BTUs — Cools Up To 550 Square Feet.
TIP: It’s Typically Not Best Not To Buy An Oversized A/C -EXCEPT- If It Has A Variable-Speed Compressor A/C (Midea’s has one).
A Variable-Speed Compressor — Matches Cooling-Output To Current Cooling-Demand.
TIP: If You Live In The Southern 1/3 Of The U.S. — Buy The Next Larger Size. Then It Can Adequately Cool During 100+ Degree Days.
This A/C Mounting-Bracket Is Included
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Includes Mounting Bracket Shown Above. The bracket braces itself against the exterior wall.
TIP: To Buy Only This Bracket — Click On Image Above To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
As an Amazon Associate Al’s Plumbing earns from qualifying purchases
Image Source: Shutterstock
SHOWN: Sliding Window
NOTE: This Bracket Style — Makes It Easy To Install Any Window A/C Into A (side) Sliding Window.
To Close The Gap Over The A/C (in a Side Sliding window) — use clear plexiglass or a solid panel made of any (weatherproof) material.
TIP: How To Reduce Noise Even More With This A/C Design
These Noise-Dampening Panels Can Be Added To The (nearly closed) Lower Window.
TIP: We Recommend Taping These Panels To The Glass (the silver side faces out).
They Are Self-Stick (on the black side) – BUT The Installation Is Intended To Be Permanent — So Would Be Very Hard To Remove.
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
SHOWN: Rubber Noise-Dampening Panels With
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Hear This Product’s Noise-Dampening Effect In This YouTube Video
Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video
SHOWN: Noico 80 Mil Sound Deadener Panel. 10 Sheets Of 14.5″ x 10″.
Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
Hear Noise Level WITHOUT This Sound-Deadening Panel — At Time: 0:58 / 2:59
Hear Noise Level WITH This Sound-Deadening Panel — At Time: 1:22 / 2:59
As an Amazon Associate Al’s Plumbing earns from qualifying purchases.
A Way To Cool & Heat 1 – 4 Bedroom(s) At Night
HVAC Contractors Sell & Install Ductless, Mini-Split HVAC Systems.
The Largest Mini-Split HVAC Systems Can Serve Up To 4 Rooms.
Mini-Splits Can Be Added To Any Home — Without Any Changes To Existing Central HVAC.
- Adding A Ductless Mini-Split Does Not Require Changes to the existing Central A/C.
- The owner’s bedroom is connected to BOTH The Central A/C AND The Ductless Mini-Split HVAC.
- The owner’s bedroom can be cooled/heated with either system.
90% Of U.S. Homes Have Central A/C and/or Window A/C.
In Other Countries — Ductless, Mini-Split HVACs Are The Norm.
SHOWN: Home With 1 Central A/C And 1 Ductless A/C.
Ductless A/C’s Outdoor Unit Looks Different Because It’s Designed For A Small Space + It’s A Heat Pump.
Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link
A Mini-Split HVAC System — Can Cool & Heat 1-4 Rooms/Zones.
Mini-Splits Are Permanently Installed. The Indoor Cooling Unit Is Mounted Onto A Wall.
Note: Additional Styles Of Indoor Cooling-Units Are Described Below.
There Are Many Brands, Models, & BTU Sizes Of Ductless, Mini-Split HVAC Systems.
Image Source: Shutterstock
SHOWN: Mini-Split’s Indoor Cooling Unit Installed.
Mini-Splits Are A Permanently Installed Alternative To A Window A/C. Nearly all Mini-Splits include a Heat Pump — so they Cool & Heat.
1 Ductless Mini-Split (outdoor unit)– Can Serve Up To 4 Indoor Cooling Units. Except For The Indoor Cooling Unit — Everything Else Is Outdoors (like Central A/C).
The Only Sound Heard Indoors — Is The Indoor Unit’s Fan.
- Because they’re Professionally Installed — Mini-Splits are more expensive than a Window A/C.
- Keep in mind that Mini-Splits also heat.
TIP:
- If Existing Ductwork Exists — It’s less expensive to replace an existing Central A/C with another Central A/C.
- If NO Ductwork Exists — It’s Less Expensive To Install A Mini-Spilt Than Central A/C. Because No Ductwork is required.
Some Mini-Splits Brands & Models Offer Whisper-Quiet Indoor Operation.
A Typical Mini-Split Indoor Cooling Unit — Noise Level: **
- On High: 40-50 dB.
- On Medium: 35-42 dB.
- On Low: 25-34 dB.
A QUIET Mini-Split Indoor Cooling Unit — Noise Level: **
- On High: <40 dB.
- On Medium: <35 dB.
- On Low: <25 dB.
As Compared to the Midea Split-System Window A/C:
- Noise (3 fan settings): 42/43.5/45 dBA
** Source: https://learnmetrics.com/quietest-mini-splits/
This YouTube Video Shows A (Beginning-To-End) Installation Of A Ductless Mini-Split HVAC System
Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video
To View The Video — Click On The White Arrow In The Center Of The Image.
There Are Different Styles Of Indoor Units — These Are The Most Frequently Used.
TIP: Shown In Photo Above — This Indoor Unit Is Wall-Mounted. It’s Mounted High On The Wall.
TIP: This Style Is Ideal For Hot Climates. Mounted high on the wall — it draws some of the warmest air in the room.
It Draws In Air At The Top And Blows (Cooled/Heated) Air Out At The Bottom.
It’s The Most Common Indoor Cooling Unit Style.
TIP: ALL Indoor Units Have A Filter That Needs To Be Cleaned Monthly.
Image Source: Amazon Embedded Link.
Shown At Top Of Photo Just Above — This Style Is Installed In The Ceiling — Its Grill Will Be Flush/Even With The Ceiling.
TIP: This Style Is Ideal For Hot Climates. Its Ceiling Location Allows It To Draw In The Warmest Air In The Room.
Shown At Bottom Of Photo Just Above: This Style Is Installed At The Floor.
TIP: This Style Works Best In Cold Climates. When Heating — Its Floor Installation Draws In The Coolest Air In The Room. The Warm Air Comes Out The Top.
Photo Source: Pixabay.com
This Is An Example Of Concealed Indoor Cooling Unit (Installed Inside A Soffit) Would Look Like.
Benefits Of A Mini-Split HVAC
Permanent Installation. Many people remove their window a/c in fall. A mini-split remains in place year-round. It’s installed inside cooled/heated spaces — so no heat gain/loss.
Increased Flexibility:
- Great for; Homes With 1-4 Bedrooms Being Used.
- Can supplement Central A/C in; room additions, or overly hot or cold rooms.
- Each room can be at a different temperature — or not cooled/heated at all.
- NOTE: Except For Variable-Speed Central A/C — Central Systems are designed & installed to be operated with all ducts open.
Quicker & Less Expensive To Install Than Central HVAC (in homes (with no existing ductwork. Mini-Splits don’t have ductwork — Refrigerant lines serve each room.
- Indoor Units are connected to the Outdoor Unit only by Refrigerant Lines & Electrical Wiring.
- Before fully cooled/heated air reaches the rooms — attic ductwork must be cooled/heated first.
- Ductwork can lose up to 30% of cooled/heat air through ductwork leaks.
Cleaner Indoor Air. Over time, ductwork collects dust. During summer, the dust may absorb dampness. Should this occur (it’s not common) — mold may develop.
- Mini-Splits are more energy-efficient than central a/c (expect the most expensive Central HVAC models).
- Mini-Split SEER Ratings: SEER 18–30.
- Central A/C SEER Ratings: SEER 13–26.
Variable-Speed outdoor units. Variable-Speed Systems match cooling/heating output to current demand. Only the most expensive Central A/C outdoor units are variable-speed.
Garage Can Be Cooled/Heated. With Central HVAC — a separate system is required. This is due to the risk of carbon monoxide (from cars) entering the home (through shared ductwork).
This 3rd Section Is For “Hot Sleepers”.
A “Hot Sleeper” (slang) is someone who may have a higher metabolism or perhaps higher weight. No matter how cool the bedroom is, we often sweat while sleeping. For some, sweating occurs only where we touch the mattress. For others, our entire body gets damp or wet with sweat during sleep. This Article’s Author Is A “Hot Sleeper” — And Owns A ChiliCube Mattress Pad System.
A Solution
Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
NOTE: If Amazon’s ChiliCube Link Shows As: “Unavailable” — Use The Link Just Below:
OR Purchase The Ooler (model) from Amazon Below.
Oller Is Controlled With A Cell Phone App.
OOLER Has 3 Fan Speeds: Silent, Regular, & Boost. ChiliCube Is 1 Speed.
Ooller Is Self-Cleaning. A UV Lamp Automatically Cleans The Water.
ChiliCube Requires You To Manually Put It Through A Cleaning Cycle Each Monthly (cleaning details below).
SHOWN: ChiliSleep (Brand) Ooler (Model)
Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
ChiliCube & Ooler Both Offer A Recirculating, Chilled-Water Mattress Pad.
The Chiller Is Shown On The Left Of The Photos Above. It quietly pumps chilled water through the mattress pad.
Amazon Sells Oller In; Queen, King, Califonia King Sizes — And a “Half” Size – That Covers Only 1/2 Of The Mattress.
As an Amazon Associate Al’s Plumbing earns from qualifying purchases.
Features:
- Chiller Unit Can Be Located At; at Footboard/bottom, Headboard/ top, or side of bed. Insulated hoses (included) connect the chiller to the pad.
FEATURES:
- Thermostat Controlled. Set it to the temperature you want — and the ChiliSleep System takes it from there.
- Chilled water flows through small, flexible pipes inside the mattress pad. The tubes are small and can hardly be felt (or not at all for this author).
- The Chiller Cools & Heats.
- The Cube (model) has a Remote Control.
Chilicube Performance May Differ Based On; room temperature, room humidity, and individual body mass.
Also Available Is ChiliBlanket — A Weighted Blanket That Can Cool or Heat
SHOWN: ChiliBlanket. Available With or Without The Cube Water Chiller Unit.
Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com
Click On Image To See More Product Photos.
The Website Says:
- Dimensions: 84” L x 48” W.
- Weight: 15lbs.
- Soft poly-blend, hydro-cooled/heated, weighted glass beads fleece blanket
- About The Size Of A Full-Size Blanket. NOTE: A weighted blanket is smaller because it’s designed to cover only your body.
- Choose from 55-115°F. The blanket must be used with a Water-Chiller/Heater Cube Unit.
- The Blanket includes a removable & machine-washable outer cover.
- The Blanket includes a (removable) fleece Duvet Cover.
NOTE: Operating Performance Can Be Impacted By The Room’s Ambient Temperature & Humidity.
This YouTube Video Is A Personal Review For Both The ChiliCube & The Ooler.
This YouTube Video Shows The (quite simple) Installation Of The ChiliCube In Your Home.
This YouTube Video Shows The Easy Steps For Monthly Self-Cleaning With Hydrogen Peroxide.
This was Part-10 — The Final Part Of Our 10-Part Article About Ways To Lower Cooling Costs. Al’s Plumbing, in Plano, Texas Provides Full-Service Plumbing; Maintenance, Repairs, and Replacements For Every Plumbing Component In Your Home. We sell and install gas and electric water heaters. Al’s is near your home in; Far-North Dallas, Murphy, Rowlette, and Wylie, Texas. We service all homes in southern Collin County, TX, and northeastern Dallas County, TX with no additional travel charges.
Call Al’s Today To Discuss Any Concerns Or Problems You Have With Your Home’s Plumbing.
We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.