When you are in a position where you must make an informed decision between choosing a window unit or a central air conditioner, it can be a little bit overwhelming. Both window units and central air conditioners come with their own lists of pros and cons. So, keep reading the following from your Bridgetown Heating & Cooling local service experts as we dive into all the ins and outs of window units and central air conditioning.
WINDOW UNIT VS. CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING: WHAT FACTORS SHOULD YOU CONSIDER?
There are a couple of points to consider when debating what type of unit to buy:
Efficiency: Remember that just because a cooling unit produces cooling power, that doesn’t mean it’s energy efficient. The type of device you select should be based on its capacity to efficiently cool your home. Furthermore, size and the ability to keep the temperature consistent are both important factors.
Costs: It’s likely that you have a budget allotted for the purchase of a cooling unit. Keep in mind that there are other cost factors besides just upfront costs. However, that should also influence your decision (such as monthly power costs). So, if your final choice is made due to a lower price tag, you may end up paying more every month in power bills. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the upfront and monthly costs as well!
WINDOW UNITS: WHAT PROS & CONS SHOULD YOU KNOW?
Pros: There are several benefits to window units. Most notably, as the name suggests, they can be installed on windows, and some models can even be affixed to walls. Therefore, depending on the room’s layout, this might be a more beneficial option for you. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that one window unit can only keep one room cool at any given time; however, they are good options for cooling smaller areas overall. Window units are cheaper in terms of initial costs. Furthermore, installation and maintenance take less time and money than if you were to install a central air conditioning system. The adage “You get what you pay for!” is relevant when it comes to deciding which type of cooling unit will serve you best. Because of this, you should make it a top priority to not simply pick the cheapest option. But consider your cooling needs and the unit’s efficiency when making your selection. There are many high-quality window units available for purchase.
Cons: As one might imagine, with every advantage comes a related disadvantage. Let’s continue and explore the potential problems with using window units. For example, when you opt to use a window unit and install more than five window units throughout your home in order to cool various rooms, you may end up paying equal to or more than what you would pay for if opting into a central air conditioning system. In other words, the expenses might not justify the means. Besides, window units are less secure safety-wise because they leave a large hole if they are removed. So, from a security standpoint, they may not be the most favorable option. And finally, you will lose the function of the window where it will be installed. So, if you like opening your windows to let in the fresh air sometimes, this might not be the best option for you.
CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONERS: WHAT PROS & CONS SHOULD YOU KNOW?
Pros: These next few pros tackle the subject of central air conditioners. Central air conditioners are larger cooling units whose function is to cool your entire home by working in tandem with other HVAC components, such as ductwork, vents, and thermostats. Consequently, this creates a much more powerful cooling system. In comparison, central air conditioners have the ability to cool an entire house, rather than simply one room like a window unit. Additionally, central air conditioners are automated and use thermostats to maintain your desired temperature, meaning you don’t have to worry about constantly turning them off or on.
Cons: There are a few drawbacks to central air conditioning that we need to talk about too. It wouldn’t be fair to only focus on the pros, after all. The first thing is that they can be quite expensive upfront. This often leads homeowners to second guess buying one because of the higher price tag. The second disadvantage we’d like to mention is that if your home does not currently have ductwork and vents, you will have to spend a significant amount of money before the central air unit can be installed. As a result, you’ll need to plan ahead of time and think about things carefully when budgeting for it. But don’t let it put you off; there’s a silver lining to every dark cloud! If you install vents and ductwork in addition to the additional central air conditioner, your house’s resale value will increase.
Keep in mind that if you need to cool multiple rooms, using several window air conditioners will end up costing more money due to the higher energy usage. But it all comes down to what your cooling need is for your home. So, if you have any additional questions or would like a free estimate for new central cooling system equipment, don’t hesitate to reach Bridgetown Heating & Cooling at (513) 273-1335 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!