Window air conditioners versus central air conditioning – is one option better than the other? That’s a great question! If you’ve ever wondered what’s the better choice of the two, the truth is, there’s no wrong answer. It really all comes down to your home’s size and layout, as well as your specific cooling needs. For example, do you need to cool your whole home or just one room? Knowing exactly what factors to consider will ultimately pinpoint the most optimal choice for you, your home, and your family. So, keep reading these points from your Mason Heating & Air local service professionals as we go over the differences between window units vs. central air conditioning.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONER IS BETTER FOR YOU?
Remember, it all comes down to your cooling needs! If you are needing to keep your entire home cooled, then a central air conditioning system is absolutely the best way to go. Central air is advantageous due to its ability to evenly distribute and circulate air throughout the whole home. With central AC, you won’t have to worry about certain rooms being cooler or hotter than the other rooms.
Vents and ductwork are a prerequisite for central air conditioning. So, if central air is something you are considering but don’t already have it in your home, keep in mind that vents and ducts will have to be put in by a professional before a central AC unit may be installed. While doing this is considered a huge benefit in terms of your home’s resale value, this additional job will require you to dig into your pockets a little deeper.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER IS BETTER FOR YOU?
Window air conditioners are extremely convenient – although they are smaller, they can be installed in your window. In addition, some models may be installed on a wall, which can be beneficial if your room’s layout is a little funky. Pretty neat, right?
The only thing with window units is that they can only cool the room in which they’re installed. Now, this may be an added advantage for someone seeking only to cool a room or two. Remember what we said about cooling needs? It still applies to window units. So, again, depending on what you need, window units may just be the perfect choice for you.
HOW IS COST-EFFECTIVENESS A FACTOR WHEN COMPARING WINDOW UNITS VS. CENTRAL AC?
Next, let’s talk about costs. Although they are important, upfront costs are not the only costs we think homeowners should worry about. In addition to initial expenses, consider the monthly maintenance costs that accompany using a cooling unit. Energy bills can rise quickly whether you use a central air conditioner or a window unit. Therefore, choosing the most energy-efficient system for your cooling needs is imperative. So, when making your selection for a unit, bear this in mind. While window units are less expensive upfront compared to central ACs, if you plan to use multiple window units, you may end up spending more each month than what you would pay for using a central air conditioner.
HOW IS EFFICIENCY A FACTOR WHEN COMPARING WINDOW UNITS VS. CENTRAL AC?
Efficiency is really a determining factor with either type of cooling unit you opt to use. Whether using a window air conditioner or central air conditioner – you need an efficient model! Unfortunately, window units don’t do a fantastic job of keeping humidity controlled. Furthermore, they may create “hot spots” in the room they’re keeping cool, as the air may not be evenly distributed. The good news is temperature regulation and air circulation are not an issue with central AC. But no matter which kind of cooling unit you decide to use, be sure to thoroughly look over all available models as efficiency is key!
If you need a local HVAC professional that you can rely on, Mason Heating & Air is here to help you with all your HVAC needs. The great news is that we do free estimates for new central air conditioning equipment! Meaning we will come out to your house, assess the size and layout according to your cooling needs, and discuss the best options with you! Remember, we’re available to answer any questions you have. So, contact Mason Heating & Air today at (513) 496-2477, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
