Summer in the Southeast can be pretty sweaty. With temperatures in Florida ranging from highs of 73 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, a home cooling system is a worthwhile investment. Air conditioners also help filter the air to remove dust, pollen and other particles that degrade air quality. So, beyond a more comfortable living space, air conditioning can improve your health by enhancing the quality of the air in your home.
However, many air conditioning solutions are available, and they don’t all offer the same efficiency. So, you might wonder which is the best choice — central air conditioners or window units. Central air can come with hefty price tags, but less costly window units might offer less efficiency.
In this post, we compare these cooling solutions so you can make the best investment for your home.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home cooling systems. The primary factors to consider are your budget, the size of your home and your cooling needs.
Window air conditioners are small movable air conditioning devices that fit inside the frame of a window. They work by pulling hot air from a room and returning cold air. The hot air moves through the unit, passing over cooling coils, and a fan blows cool air back into the room. The control panel and thermostat inside the unit make it possible to adjust the temperature of the cold air.
Window units are an affordable way to keep a small room cool. They are efficient and cost a few hundred dollars. The pricier models may offer extra features like built-in timers and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Even though they offer more cooling than the average fan, they are less powerful than central AC systems in large rooms. So, if you’re looking to cool larger spaces or multiple rooms, central air might be more suitable for your home. The costs of running several window units will likely exceed those associated with a single central air system.
Aside from affordability, window models are easy to maintain. You only need to change the air filters and clean the coils annually. When it comes to larger issues, purchasing a new air conditioner is often cheaper than the cost of repairs.
Durability depends mainly on the model and its quality. However, you can expect to budget for a replacement every eight to 10 years. Considering the low purchase price, window units offer value for money for cooling small spaces.
Aside from their restriction to small spaces, one of the primary downfalls of window units is their appearance. Unfortunately, these air conditioners are not the most visually attractive room features. They restrict view and natural light because they are installed in the window.
Central air conditioners provide cool air to the whole home. The main unit is installed outside, and the ductwork travels through the house to deliver air to different areas. It works by drawing in warm air with cool air that moves over cold coils, similar to a window unit. The cold air is then pushed through ductwork to vents in different rooms.
A programable thermostat with a control board allows temperature control. You can install the thermostat anywhere in your home for maximum convenience.
Central air is unarguably the more expensive cooling option, although it is a worthwhile investment. Most homeowners spend several thousand dollars, depending on the size of the home. The costs are lower for homes with preexisting ductwork.
If you don’t have ducts, you could opt for a ductless mini-split model. The refrigerant, drain and electrical lines connect the indoor unit to the outdoor unit through a small hole in the wall, so there’s no need for ducts. These air conditioners offer zoned air conditioning, so you’ll need to install one in each room you want to cool, as with window models.
The average central air conditioner uses a lot of power but is more efficient at keeping large spaces cool. Despite the higher purchase price, central air is more affordable than running multiple window units.
Central air comes with a bit more maintenance than smaller window models, but you can let an expert HVAC technician handle this for you. If you decide to do it yourself, some important tasks range from inspecting and cleaning the fins and coils to replacing the air filters and keeping the drains clean.
Central air is the more durable choice. Although a technician can extend the life span by repairing various system components when they fail, these cooling systems can last up to 20 years.
The main unit is situated outside. While the outside unit is also not very aesthetically appealing, very little of the system is visible inside. The only visible interior components include the thermostat, vents and registers. So, central air is a more visually appealing way of keeping your home cool and comfortable in summer.
When choosing an air conditioning solution, the key influencing factors are the size of your home and your cooling needs. If you have a small home or want to keep a single room cool, window units are an affordable option. However, these smaller air conditioners can be noisy and an eyesore.
Central air is the most economical and efficient solution to cool a larger home or multiple rooms. The purchase price is higher, but these systems also offer more longevity. Because they are permanently fixed, they add value to a property by making it more sellable. They also provide quieter operations and reliable indoor temperature control.
An efficient central air conditioner keeps your living space cool throughout hot summers. It’s wise to choose professional installation as an investment in everyday comfort. Quality installation ensures optimal efficiency. Relying on experts is even more important if your home does not have existing ductwork.
Strada Air Conditioning & Heating can install your new central air system and help you maintain and repair it over the years. We offer a 10-year warranty on our labor services and have more than two decades of industry expertise, so you can trust our technicians to handle all your AC needs.
For AC services in the Southeast, call us today at 860-200-2854 to learn more or schedule an appointment. Let our experts keep your home cool and comfortable.
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
