If you are in a position where you currently have to consider getting your old central air conditioner replaced, and you are stuck between opting for air conditioning window units or going with the central AC replacement, then look no further; this is the blog for you! Perhaps you aren’t looking for a replacement but need to add air conditioning to your home. Then this is also the blog for you! Whatever reason led you here, knowledge is power, and knowing the difference between the two can help you make an informed decision if ever the need arises. Size, efficiency, costs – there are so many factors when picking the best option for you. So, take a little journey with Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air as we go over each aspect of window units versus central air conditioning.
WHEN IT COMES TO AC WINDOW UNITS VS. CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING, WHAT FACTORS SHOULD YOU CONSIDER?
What about Home Ownership? – Before even considering having a central AC installed in your home or replacing one, it’s vital to note that it is required you own the home. If you are only renting, you not only need to have your landlord’s permission, but you likely won’t be able to bring the system with you if you move later on.
What about Vents & Ductwork? – This next point is essential. Although, it may not apply to you if you are replacing an existing central AC unit. But if you are considering having one installed in a home that does not already contain central air conditioning, keep in mind that vents and ductwork need to be channeled throughout the house before a central AC can be installed. This is because central air conditioning requires vents and ductwork throughout the home in order to make central air an option. This is usually a costly project, but it does significantly boost your house’s resale value!
What about Size & Layout? – As we mentioned earlier, the size and layout of your home play a huge role in what type of cooling system you should consider utilizing within your home. This is because window units can only cool the room they are installed in. Now, this can be considered a pro for one person, while at the same time, it may be a con for another. You see, there is no wrong answer. It just depends on what your cooling needs are. Suppose you need to keep your whole home cool. If this is the case, then central air conditioning would be the best route for you to go.
What about Costs? – Upfront costs are often intimidating, especially regarding complex equipment like air conditioners. With central AC, it’s no secret that upfront costs are a bit high. Naturally, it makes sense considering a central air conditioner is a heavy machine that functions to cool your whole home. Nonetheless, upfront costs can still dissuade many despite the worthwhile investment.
On the other hand, window air conditioning units are much smaller and, therefore, much more affordable. Due to this, many homeowners weigh the benefits of window ACs. If this resonates with you, we get it. Window units are a great option when they meet your cooling needs. But you must be aware of all the costs that come with them. For example, if you need multiple rooms cooled but are not looking to cool your entire home, bear in mind that cooling five or more individual rooms with a separate window AC for each can equate to or cost more than it would require to cool your whole home with central air conditioning every month. Therefore, you must also think about the monthly maintenance costs!
What about Air Circulation? – Unfortunately, window units are not known for good air circulation. Though window air conditioners can provide a good amount of relief when blowing directly on you, they are not well known for evenly circulating air around the room. This often leads to uneven temperatures throughout the designated space known as “hot spots.” Fortunately, this is not the case with central air conditioning. Because of the series of vents and ductwork channeled throughout the home, central air is just that – centralized air that is carried and evenly circulated throughout your home, keeping you and your family consistently cool and comfortable.
What about Temperature Regulation? – Furthermore, temperature regulation is another factor that should absolutely be weighed in the decision process. Throughout the different seasons of the year, and based upon your location, certain circumstances with heat and humidity can negatively influence your home’s temperature and air quality. For this reason, you want to pick an air conditioning model that regulates the set temperature sufficiently and controls humidity well. So, keep this in mind whether you choose a window or central air conditioner. Also, window units are not well known for good humidity and temperature regulation.
What about Installation? – Finally, the last thing we want to go over is installation! Window units are fairly easy to install. If you consider yourself quite a handy person, you could probably take on the task yourself. The model you choose should come with instructions from the manufacturer, making it an easy task to accomplish. Another great advantage of window units is that some models can be installed on walls. So, depending on the layout of the room, this may be an added benefit for you, saving space and freeing a window so you can continue utilizing it for a fresh breeze occasionally.
On the other hand, central air conditioning installation takes several hours, and it must be installed by a licensed professional to ensure that everything is hooked up properly and up to code with current safety regulations. Luckily, if this is the route you are considering, Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air makes It a seamless and simple process for our valued customers. So, you can kick your feet up and relax and let us take care of all the hard work!
Still, have a few more questions before you make the ultimate plunge? We are happy to let you know that Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air provides free estimates for central AC equipment! When you book an appointment with us for a free estimate, we will send one of our NATE-certified technicians to your home to assess the size and layout of your house and discuss the best option with you! Furthermore, our well-trained technicians can answer any of your questions. So, please don’t delay any further; call us today! Call (614) 490-7520, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
