Choosing An Air Conditioner For Your Home
Air conditioning is more like a necessity rather than a luxury. Even if you enjoy opening your windows to let cool air inside, it might not be a good idea to do so from a home security standpoint, especially at night or when you're not at home. You can choose from a few different types of residential air conditioning. A popular option is central air, but you might also want to consider a ductless system or even window air conditioners. Here's a look at how these compare.
A Central AC System Is Convenient
When you want to control the temperature in your entire home and you want the unit out of sight, then a central air conditioning system with ducts is the best way to go. These air conditioning systems are popular since they can share the ducts and air handler with your furnace for efficiency. Today's air conditioning systems are better controlled than central systems in years past. You can have a zoned system if you want to control parts of your home separately, and you can install a smart thermostat for remote control and programmable functions.
A Ductless Heat Pump Works Without Ducts
One reason to install a heat pump for your air conditioning needs is if you want to avoid adding ducts. The design of your home may not allow discreet placement of ducts or you may want to add AC to a home addition and not want to connect to your current air conditioning system. A ductless system works by hooking the outdoor unit to an indoor blower directly through the wall. A drawback to this type of system is that the blower mounts on the wall and is visible, so you might find it unattractive.
Window Air Conditioners Are The Least Expensive
If you need an economical way to cool down a room or two, then window air conditioners might be the solution. However, these may not be permitted if you live in an HOA community since they make your windows unattractive inside your house and outside as well. These units can be operated with a remote, and they can be programmed to shut on and off to save on operating costs.
Window units are affordable, they are bulky and not as discreet as a central air conditioning system and you have to sacrifice a window to install one. Once the air conditioner is in place, it's very inconvenient to move it or take it out just to let in a cool breeze through the window.
While your budget may influence the type of air conditioner you buy for your home, there are other factors to consider too, such as how much space you want to cool, your family's safety and comfort, as well as how the system affects the value of your home. Consult a professional such as I C E Heating & Cooling, to make a decision. Window air conditioners work great for temporary use, but a central system is often the best choice for the average home.