When to Choose Central Air Conditioning Over Window Units
by Greg Leisgang on June 13, 2013
Posted in: Air Conditioners
If you rent a room or small apartment in Greater Cincinnati, a window A/C unit may be all you need. However, if you're looking to cool an entire household, you'll likely want to choose central air conditioning. The following factors can make this decision easier.
- Ductwork - Does your home already feature ductwork? If so, going the central air route is recommended. Central units use one outdoor condenser, a fan-and-coil system and ductwork to cool the entire house at once. Ductwork is an essential component in that it delivers the cool air into each room, then returns said air to the system for re-cooling.
- Forced air furnace - If a forced air furnace is already present in the home, it may be best to choose central air conditioning since the two systems share components. If your home doesn't have a forced air furnace, the system's fan and cooling coils will probably be installed in the attic.
- Budget - If finding the money to purchase a central air conditioning system is a concern, room A/C units may be your best option. A combination of room units in a home or apartment can provide the cooling you require, though they're significantly louder and require more energy to run than central A/Cs.
- Maintenance - Central air units are virtually maintenance free aside from an occasional filter change once installed. There have also been instances of window units falling on people. Central systems are much quieter as well.
- Programmable thermostats - While central air systems may cost more up front, they can ultimately help you save on utility bills through the use of programmable thermostats. These thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature in your home as desired.
For more expert advice on whether you should choose central air conditioning for your home, or for answers to other home comfort issues, please contact us at JonLe Heating & Cooling. We've served the Greater Cincinnati area since 1959.
Image via Shutterstock.com