As temperatures continue to rise, you may find yourself in need of an air conditioning unit and debating between a window unit or central air. It’s an important thing to consider, and it can often be challenging for many homeowners to know at what point a window unit isn’t enough.
Is a Window Air Conditioner Enough?
Ah, the humble window unit; cheap, reliable, and an acceptable choice if you only need one or two smaller rooms cooled during the summer, such as in an apartment or smaller house. Window units are easy to install on your own and are more affordable than central air. Some newer models also offer a heating function. However, running a window unit is far less efficient – and often uses more energy, resulting in higher utility costs than an efficient central air system. Additionally, there comes the point where a window unit doesn’t provide enough comfort. Here in Michigan, we have been experiencing longer and hotter summers over the last decade, with most studies suggesting that this trend will continue. Homeowners in the states South of Michigan rely almost exclusively on a central air system. As warmer weather and longer summers move North, so does the demand for better indoor air quality and temperatures.
The Advantage of Central Air Conditioning
Central Air cools the whole house rather than just one room and keeps that temperature fairly consistent between rooms leaving your whole house at the exact temperature you like. An added bonus is that most AC units nowadays are automated, so you don’t have to worry about maintaining the perfect temperature or remembering to turn it off before you go to bed to save money on electricity.
Air Conditioning & Air Quality
Central air units are equipped with filters that remove allergens and other irritants from the air that could cause your allergies or asthma to flare up. This is a major plus during the early months of summer, where many are being bombarded by pollen, oak drip, and more. Being able to take refuge inside not only from the heat but from allergens will be a significant selling point to many people.
Financing Is Available
The primary reason most people hesitate when it comes to central air is the price tag, and rightfully so. Central air units are more expensive to purchase and have installed. However, if you want your whole house to be cooled and are thinking of installing multiple window units instead, this is short-sighted for many reasons. As stated, window units are inefficient and can use up to half the energy per month cooling just one room that a central AC uses to cool your whole house. Having multiple window units running all summer will result in an electricity bill that would quickly exceed whatever money you saved by not installing a central ac unit.
So if you live in a house that would require multiple window units to keep cool, a central air unit is most likely the best option.
Conclusion
The decision to purchase an air conditioner is a matter of scale. If you have a lot of space you need to be cooled, have to deal with high temperatures for a large portion of the year, or suffer from allergies, then a good central air unit is most likely your best choice. We recommend and install Bryant Air Conditioning Systems, one of the highest-rated on the market. Here at Davison Heating & Cooling, we keep several models in stock and ready for quick installation. In contrast, if you only need one or two rooms cooled, you might be able to manage just fine with a window unit. If you live in Swartz Creek or Imlay City – or anywhere in between, Davison Heating is your community’s trusted partner for over 3 decades.
http://www.obryanlaw.com
