2. home-theater
  3. 1149952894

Air conditioning a home theater.

I have converted my den into a dedicated home theater and listening room. It is posted on Audiogon's Member Systems under Home Theater, Marc's Media Room Madness. The room is great but, since the warmer weather started, we discovered that our home's central air conditioning system is inadequate for cooling that room. Perhaps enclosing the previously open entrance to the room and the addition of carpeting and black out curtains is retaining heat more than before. There are various solutions. The two we are considering are to turn our central system into a zone system or install a "mini split" system. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who can weigh in on which system is more efficient and, most importantly, which one is quieter. Thanks.
marcgerber
aroc
760 posts
 
Mr. Slim has got to be quieter than central air (I guess this would be a split-mini or a ductless system). They are quite popular in Japan, from what I understand.

I can't comment on the efficiency of energy consumption though.
myraj
351 posts
 
There are other alternatives to consider that are less expensive too. Without knowing your house layout (1 story or 2, location of room, etc) I'd venture to say the carpet and drapes present NO problem at all. The drapes probably BLOCK heatflow through the window, if it is on a southerly-exposed wall. If so, even planting a diciduous tree of the correct size by the window will help with the cooling.
Also, you could divert MORE of the AC TO your AV room and let your other(s) room warm up more, if your lifestyle would allow that. That can be accomplished by having an AC tech install dampers in the ductwork, allowing you to direct the flow to the rooms you choose.
Hope that helps or gives you some ideas.
Good Listening & L@@king!
zieman
339 posts
 
Marc, Zone the house, use acoustic rigid duct for this room. Your HVAC contractor will know. Up the tonnage. This will cost a few dollars, but depending on the age of existing unit, utility bill will drop. You will also need a door to this room. Having common supply or return defeats the purpose. Z.
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