Residential HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical All material Copyrighted (c) by the Tuckey Companies, 2015. Is central air really better than window units? Generally, yes – central air conditioning systems are better (mechanically, functionally, and with respect to efficiency) than window units. However, it’s important to remember that “better” can be defined in many different ways. There are indeed some circumstances where a window unit might be the best option for your cooling needs. First and foremost, keep in mind that window units are intended primarily for cooling a single room (or area of a room). Window units are not intended to cool multiple rooms in the same building (or even an entire room if the room itself is large). If your goal is to cool a large area or multiple rooms, you should be considering your central air conditioning options, which may include ductless systems in addition to more traditional HVAC systems. Some people assume that today’s ductless systems really just represent an evolution of decades-old window units.

Like window units, ductless systems are also intended to cool only a limited space (such as one room or one portion of a room). best heating ac unitsHowever, ductless systems are much more efficient than window units and can be installed as zoned systems with multiple indoor wall units. ac units for small roomsDuctless systems will also be much quieter to the indoor ear versus window units.ac units for the house Aesthetically speaking, window units carry the obvious baggage of having a large plastic-and-metal box jammed into your window frame – they block your view of the great outdoors, and they block sunlight coming into the room as well. Additionally, window units are louder to building occupants because their compressor is located within the unit itself (not outdoors or in a separate location).

There are some limited situations in which a window unit might be the best fit for your cooling needs, including situations where you’re only concerned about cooling one room or where you’d like to supplement other cooling systems in hard-to-cool areas like a four-seasons room or a spare room over a garage. If you’re cooling multiple rooms and if the budget allows, central air conditioning is the more efficient, less costly-to-operate option to pursue. If you’re a typical homeowner, central air is the most cost effective, energy-efficient way to go. Additionally, central air is the lease intrusive and most aesthetically-pleasing home cooling option. For professional assistance with this and other home maintenance work, Tuckey is the local expert to call. Keep our number handy – you never know when you might need us! All material Copyrighted © by The Tuckey Companies, 2015. [/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons] DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as a reference guide only. 

All mechanical, plumbing, electrical, remodeling, and restoration projects should be handled by a qualified, professional contractor like the Tuckey Companies.  Information presented here is of a general nature that may not be applicable in all situations. Tips, articles, and accompanying information do not represent an official recommendation of the Tuckey Companies.Do you currently use a window air-conditioning unit?  Summers seem to be getting hotter. Utility bills are skyrocketing. Perhaps its about time you thought about installing central air conditioning. You know that a central air conditioner would make your home much more comfortable. It would circulate air evenly throughout your entire home. Humidity would be well controlled. You would experience much better cooling than a window unit can possibly provide. But would central air be cost efficient? This article will help you answer that question. In today's economy, energy costs are rising uncontrollably. Experts expect this trend to continue.

Will central air conditioning cost you a ton of money? Central air conditioners today provide utility savings of up to 60% versus older models. But can central air actually save you money on utility bills? The answer is: “It depends.” Window air conditioning units can work extremely hard throughout the day, trying to keep up with the cooling demands placed upon them. This nonstop action costs money. Maybe you are only cooling one or two rooms. In this case, your window unit probably keeps these rooms at a reasonable temperature. However, if you have more than two rooms to cool, the rest of your house probably experiences a heat wave. To remedy this, you must buy additional window units. If you live in a very small space, you won't see savings by installing central air. Conversely, when you start adding multiple window units for larger areas, a central air conditioner quickly starts to rack up savings. Depending on your home's layout, central air can begin saving you money with as little as 800 ft.² of floor space.

If your house has multiple levels, then central air becomes even more desirable. Window air conditioners become much less efficient with this type of layout. One unit may not entirely cool a single level. On the other hand, a smaller level may be over-cooled, resulting in wasted energy. Lastly, if you ever sell your home, buyers prefer houses with central air. Your home will have a much higher resale value. This may make up for the cost of the central air conditioner all by itself. Additionally, the real estate agent will be more apt to show your house. This will result in your home being sold more quickly. Homes that sell more quickly are more likely to sell closer to their list prices. You already knew that central air conditioning can make you feel much more comfortable during the summer. You now also know some of the financial factors that can influence your decision to buy a central air conditioner. Central air can potentially save you money. Central air conditioners are better as a home becomes larger.