Across the country today, most buildings and houses are equipped with central air conditioning. There are some areas though, where ductless window units still make a perfectly acceptable alternative.
So, if you are currently faced with the dilemma of deciding whether to spring for central AC or go with a less expensive window unit, Wolfgang's Cooling & Heating is here to help! Read on to learn more about the costs and benefits of central cooling versus window units.
Why Choose Central Air Conditioning?
Central AC offers many benefits over window units. Those benefits, however, also come at a substantially higher price.
Whether or not the higher cost of installing, running, and maintaining a central AC unit is worth its rewards is up to you to decide.
Let's break it down and compare the pros and cons of central cooling.
Pros
- Filter out dirt, dust, and other allergens better than window units.
- Offer better air circulation, so that each room has a consistent temperature throughout.
- One central unit cools your entire home consistently.
Cons
- More expensive than window units all around- From costly installation to higher monthly energy costs, too expensive repairs and regular maintenance.
Why Choose a Window Unit?
Still not sure if central AC is worth the investment? While central cooling is generally seen as a better option, ductless window units have their advantages as well.
Let’s take a look at some of the costs and benefits associated with window units as well, and see how they compare.
Pros
- Far less expensive than central AC units. They cost less to run and don't need to be installed by a professional, saving on installation fees.
- Window units are more eco-friendly because you can heat only the room you're in, rather than wasting energy cooling the entire house all the time.
Cons
- While newer models are equipped with better air filters, window units can’t compare with central AC when it comes to indoor air quality.
- Air temperature may vary across your home, and even within the same room, due to poor air circulation. Window units also take longer to cool a room than central AC does.
- Window units are not ideal for areas with higher humidity or pollen levels.
Making The Decision
Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the strengths and weaknesses of both types of air conditioning units, it’s time to come to a decision about which unit is a better fit for you, your home, and your lifestyle.
If maintaining an eco-friendly household is important to you, and you don't mind sacrificing air quality or consistent cooling for it, then a windowless unit may be an ideal choice for you.
Keep in mind though, that during the more humid months of the year, you may need to buy a separate dehumidifier to keep your home from feeling steamy.
On the other hand, if you prefer better indoor air quality with less humidity, and don’t have a problem paying more for it, you should probably invest in a central AC unit. Just make sure that you keep up with your HVAC system’s regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs.
