Central AC Vs. Window Units

Posted on: 6 February 2018

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If your home needs AC, it can be hard to choose between installing central AC or ductless window units. Both have their usages, and either can be the ideal solution for some properties. Of course, they have a lot of major differences that you need to consider. This article compares central AC systems with window AC units.

Does Your Home Already Have Ducts?

First of all, central AC systems are really practical on properties that already have a duct system within the walls. If you have heating ducts, they can be retrofitted to work with an air conditioner. The installation of a new AC system is going to be more costly than the installation of window units. In fact, central AC needs to be installed by professionals, but window units can actually be self installed.

Long-term Costs

Even though central air conditioning is more expensive to install, it is going to be cheaper to run in the long run. That is, you can cool your home more efficiently. Central AC is definitely the way to go if you have a home with multiple stories and multiple rooms. Most single-family dwellings are going to be far more efficient if they have central air conditioning. However, central AC unit might be unnecessary in small studio or one-bedroom apartments. Also, if there is really just one room in your home that needs to be cooled down, you probably don't need central AC throughout the entire property. In fact, homeowners in mild climates will often just use window units during the summer. They are extremely convenient and easy to install and uninstall. They can be bought over the counter and installed with minimal tools. Most units can fit within any sliding window.

Multiple Window Units

It is important to note that window units are only suitable for cooling off one room at a time. That is, if you will need a unit for every room, it can be expensive, since they will all run on electricity. This is also problematic to many homeowners because they don't like the way that window units look. Having a big plastic appliance sitting in your window frame is typically not going to add any style to it. Additionally, if you have a large home with multiple rooms that need AC, installing a unit in every single room is not going to be the most energy-efficient approach.

Contact a company like Indoor Weather Professionals for additional advice.