Window Units vs. Central Air Conditioning: What’s Better? 

Sep 30, 2022 | AC, Air Conditioner, Central Air, Cooling Power, Coolings, Huber Heights, Installation, Ohio, Pros and Cons, Temperature, Window Unit

If you have found yourself caught in a place where you are presently considering getting your previous central air conditioner replaced, and you are unsure of the best option between using air conditioning window units or using central air conditioning, this is the article for you! If you aren’t looking for a replacement but need to add an air conditioning system to your home, keep reading as. Because whatever the reason that brought you here is, knowledge is key, and understanding the difference between both types of units will aid you in making the best-informed choice possible. Size, efficiency, and costs – they all need to be considered when choosing the best option for your home. So, accompany Huber Heights Heating & Cooling as we mull over the pros and cons of window units versus central air conditioning.  

WHAT FACTORS SHOULD HOMEOWNERS CONSIDER WHEN WEIGHING THE PROS & CONS OF WINDOW UNITS VS. CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONERS? 

How about Home Ownership? – Number one is so important! You need to own the home. So, before considering having a central AC installation or replacement, it’s crucial to know that you must be the owner of the home. If you are renting the house you are residing in, you need the permission of your landlord. Furthermore, if they give their permission to do, you will likely shoulder all the costs. Plus, transferring central air conditioners is not really recommended, so you likely won’t be able to bring the system with you if you move in the future. 

How about Vents & Ductwork? This next point is crucial, though it may not even be applicable to you. Because if you are looking to replace your old central AC unit, then this means you already have vents and ducts in your home. However, if you are considering installing one in your home that does not already have central air conditioning, then it’s possible your home does not already contain the necessary vents and ductwork required for central air. So, if you have your mind set on central air, keep in mind that this will be an additional cost to have the required work done before a unit can be installed. There is a bright side though; when you have central air put in an older home, it will increase your home’s resale value!  

How about Size & Layout? – As we mentioned above, the size and layout of a home have a significant role in what type of cooling system needs to be considered. This is due to the fact that window units only cool the room they are placed in. While this can be considered a pro for one person, it may be considered a con for another. You see, it’s all based on your cooling needs. Depending on what they are, these two factors may be what ultimately sways your decision to make the choice.  

How about Costs? – With central air conditioning, it’s not a secret that initial costs are rather high.  Initial costs can discourage many homeowners despite the worthy investment. In consideration of the other end, window air conditioning units are smaller and, because of this, more affordable. For this reason, many homeowners tend to weigh the benefits of window ACs instead of further weighing all pros and cons. We get it, though; upfront costs can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to heavy equipment like air conditioners. Window units are, in fact, a fantastic option when they meet the right cooling needs. But it’s imperative you are aware of all the costs that accompany them. In addition, upfront costs are not the only costs you should be thinking about. For example, if you choose to cool five or more rooms, keep in mind that doing this with a separate window unit for each room can end up costing more than it would take to cool your whole home with a central air conditioning system. Therefore, you must also consider the monthly maintenance costs as well as upfront costs.  

How about Temperature Regulation? – Additionally, temperature regulation is another factor we believe is important to consider. Certain circumstances such as transitioning seasons throughout the year and your location can adversely impact your home’s temperature and air quality. For this reason, you should pick an air conditioning model that not only has good temperature regulation but also controls humidity consistently.  

How about Air Circulation? – Unfortunately, air conditioning window units are not known for circulating air very well. Although window air conditioning units provide relief when blown directly on you, they are not known for even air circulation. Window units can cause uneven temperatures throughout the designated room, which are known as “hot spots.” Luckily, this is not the case with central air conditioning. But because a series of vents and ductwork is required to channel the air throughout the home, proper circulation with central air conditioning isn’t a problem. 

How about Installation? – Last but not least, the final point we want to go over is installation! Most window units are actually simple to install. So, if you think of yourself as a handy person, you could certainly take on the job yourself. Your model should come with manufacturer instructions that will help make it an easy task to complete. Another good benefit of window units is that some models may be installed on walls. So, if the layout of your room is a little more unique, or perhaps you’d like to keep the functionality of a window free, this may be a great choice for you!  

Installation can take several hours with central air conditioners, but the good news is you don’t have to do any leg work. Central air conditioners need to be installed by a licensed professional as this ensures everything is hooked up correctly and is up to par with current safety standards. If this is the choice you are leaning toward, Huber Heights Heating & Cooling makes it a seamless process for our valuable customers. You can kick your feet up and relax, knowing we’ve got you taken care of! 

Perhaps you still have more questions about air conditioning before you dive in? We are pleased to say Huber Heights Heating & Cooling offers free estimates for central air conditioning equipment! When a free estimate is booked with us, we will send a NATE-certified technician to your house to assess the size and layout of your home. We will then go over and discuss the best choices with you! In addition, our trained technicians will be glad to answer any further questions. So, call us today! Reach us at (937) 226-9675, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here