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Air Conditioners: Window Units vs. Central Air
Having an air conditioner in your home can provide a cool and dry escape from the oppressive heat of summer. There are a few options to choose from when deciding on the best air conditioning solution, and there are a couple of factors that will affect your decision.
How many rooms you would like to cool, the space you have to work with, and the budget for the project will affect whether you should choose a window unit or a central air system. In this article, we will describe some of the advantages of each and some additional things to look for when making your air conditioning decision.
Air Conditioners: Window Units vs. Central Air
Window or Wall Units
If you only have one or two rooms, a window air conditioning unit might be the easiest and most cost effective choice. Before running out to the store to purchase a unit, you should measure length, width, and height of the space that you would like cooled. In this way, you will be able to purchase the appropriately sized unit.
A unit that is too small will have a tough time cooling your space on extremely hot days. Larger units will cool the room faster, but could lead to wasted energy and poor dehumidifying.
When buying your window or wall unit, you should check for Energy Star and Energyguide labels. They will detail the energy efficiency rating (EER) of the unit, which determines the amount of energy saved and wasted. The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit is, reducing costs by up to 20% in newer models. In order to maximize the efficiency of the air conditioner, you should make sure to change the filter every 90 days.
Listed below are some additional considerations for window or wall units:
- You should purchase a unit with a three-speed fan control (low, medium, and high speeds).
- A built-in thermostat will allow you to reach your desired temperature more effectively.
- Clean your filters on a regular basis, especially during high-use periods.
- Timers will allow you to start cooling your room before you get home, and will shut off the units while you are sleeping.
- Constructing a wall unit will allow you to avoid moving window units in and out with different seasons.
- Consider purchasing or building an insulated, weather-stripped interior cover for the window unit. This will allow you to leave it in longer during cooler fall months.
Central Air Systems
If you have enough space in your home, a central air system is a wise investment. Not only will it provide greater efficiency and cool a greater amount of space than a window unit, it will also increase the resale value of your home. Central air systems will tap into the existing ductwork of your home to distribute the generated air.
As with window units, an appropriately sized central air system will provide the most effective use of energy. You should consult with a contractor to find the best sized unit for your space. The seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) determines the efficiency of central air systems. The higher the rating, the more effective the unit is.
We will list some additional considerations for central air systems below:
- You can use central air conditioners as dehumidifiers as well as cooling agents.
- You can add an electrostatic filtering system to the central unit, which will help to filter out any allergens that may affect you or your family.
- A central air system can be noisy. When deciding on the best option, you should ask about the sound rating of various units.
- Models that have a thermal expansive valve (TXV) are a better choice.
- When installing the unit, you should ask the installer about ductwork access panels. This knowledge will help when cleaning out filters and ducts.
- Models with scroll compressors are better for dealing with difficult operating conditions.
- Check the furnace filter on a monthly basis to obtain the most efficient performance.
- You should have the system serviced every two years.
Adding an air conditioner can provide comfort for you and your family, as well as increase the resale value of your home. When deciding on the best option for your space, you should consider each of the points discussed above. In this way, you will be able to bring cool air into your space in the most efficient manner.