Summer is coming… is this the year you finally get air conditioning in your house?!
About 84% of all homes in the US have some sort of air conditioning. For the past 4 years, yearly sales of window AC units have been above 5 million.
So, what is the best option for your house when it comes to central air vs window unit?
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Central Air vs Window Unit
There are many things to consider when looking into a system to cool your home. Thi includes your personal needs, as well as your house size, and where it is located.
Where Do You Live?
If you live in the south where is it hot and humid all the time, then you probably need an HVAC system for your entire house.
But if you’re in the North where you would only use AC for a few months out of the year, then a window AC would work better for you.
How Big Is Your House?
Do you need your entire house cooled or just one room? Are you the type of person who needs their entire house to be colder, or just one room?
What Is Your Budget?
How much does central air cost? If you already have ducts, you can be looking at a $3,000-$5,000 bill. If you don’t have ducts, your cost will likely be over $8,000.
Is a window AC cheaper? Yes, window ACs cost between $100-$500 depending on the size you need.
Installation
Window ACs can be installed in minutes. Central air and HVAC systems can take longer.
If you don’t have air ducts in your home, then an HVAC system is going to take a long time and be very expensive.
How Long Will It Last
Window Air Conditioners last 10 years on average. HVAC systems can last 20 to 25 years.
HVAC is definitely a longer-lasting option if you’re staying in this particular home for a while. Short term and for renters, a window unit woul be best.
Central Air
The type of HVAC system you get will depend on your existing heating structure.
Benefits of an HVAC system include even room temperatures, whole-house cooling, quieter, and air filtration. The downfalls of a central are system are that they are more expensive and will result in a higher energy bill.
Repairing a central air system can be complicated and costly when you have to have it serviced, so make sure you contact a professional. HVACS that are routinely maintained will last up to 40% longer, but only 42% of households in the US have their HVAC routinely maintained.
Window Air Conditioner
Window ACs come in various sizes for your needs. Newer window AC’s offer temperature control and some even have remotes.
Window ACs are a lot cheaper. They have no installation cost, and they use less energy.
Only cooling the room the air conditioner is very inconvenient. Window ACs also provide no air circulation and have to install in the spring and uninstall in the fall.
If a window AC breaks, typically, you would just throw it away and buy another one but before that, you would try to repair it from Air Conditioning Repair Denver CO.
What Should You Do?
What have you decided when it comes to central air vs window unit?
The convenience of central air is undeniable, but the cheaper price point of window ACs is very enticing. Deciding which one to go with will depend a lot on your budget, the location of your house, and the size of your home.
There is one thing we can all agree on. During those summer heatwaves, air conditioning is much needed.
Check out the rest of our blog for more tips and suggestions for every aspect of life!