We’re fortunate to live in a modern society where efficient air conditioning can help us beat the Texas heat. When moving into a new home or an apartment, you may be trying to figure out whether an air conditioning powerhouse, central air conditioning system or a window unit is best for your home.
Central air conditioning is easily identifiable by vents installed in your home’s walls, floors, and ceilings. A window AC unit is located in a window, identifiable by its signature boxy shape. While most homes today are built to support central air conditioning, not every household has one. Homeowners must decide if they should invest in a central AC or install a window unit. In this article, we will highlight the pros and cons of both central air conditioning and window units so that you can make the best choice for your household.
Cooling Capacity
Central air conditioning units were designed to evenly cool an entire house. Regardless of your location in the house, you will feel and enjoy the effects of your central air conditioning.
A window unit’s cooling capacity is limited. Window units were designed to cool a specific area inside of a home. Usually, they are installed where people spend the most time in the house, such as a living room. While that room will feel cool, rooms farther away from the unit will still feel hot and sticky. This means that most of your family will spend time near the window unit, which can be problematic for families where privacy is essential. By investing in multiple units, you may end up running costs equal to a central AC unit, and your home will still have awkward warm spots.
Purified Air Capabilities
One of the best qualities of central air conditioning is that it helps to regulate the air quality within your home. This is accomplished through the air filter which helps remove allergens, such as pet dander, and other air contaminants. This is perfect for households who have individuals who suffer from respiratory issues or allergies.
With a window unit, you do not have the luxury of the air being cleaned before distribution into your home. This can be problematic for individuals who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, such as asthma. However, homeowners with window units can also invest in an air purifier to help remedy this issue.
Cost
Some disadvantages of a central air conditioning unit are higher installation costs and expensive repairs. An advantage of a central air conditioning unit is that it lasts longer than a window unit. They also generally come with warranties on the unit or parts, which can help offset the cost of the air conditioning repairs, should they be needed. With proper maintenance, your central air conditioning unit should be able to run for years with relatively no issues.
Window units are inexpensive and do not require a professional team to come in and install them. However, window units do not last as long as central AC units, and you might have to buy a new unit in as little as 5 years (or less, depending on how much the unit is used.) You will also have to invest in multiple units if you want to cool multiple rooms in your home. This can add up quickly, and what was originally a money-saving technique can turn out to be quite expensive.
Noise
Central A/C units are known for their quiet operation, allowing your hope to remain peaceful during the summertime. A window unit, however, is noisier and has a distinctive hum. While this has improved over the years, nothing quite beats the quiet reliability of a central A/C unit.
Home Value
Window units do not add any value to a home as they are usually uninstalled before a family plans to move. A central A/C unit, on the other hand, remains with the home and can help boost its value. Air conditioning is an extremely popular element within a house and most potential buyers will pass up a home that does not have it. (This is especially true in Texas where the heat can be brutal during the summer months.)
A Team You Can Trust for All of Your Air Conditioning Needs
Whether you decide to go with a window unit or a central air conditioner, the team at Cote’s Mechanical, LLC can help you make sure your home is cool for the summer. If you want to install central air conditioning before the summer months hit or someone to check that your unit is ready to combat the heat, contact our team today!
