The efficiency of window units vs. central air is an ongoing debate There are many variables that come into play when determining which system is right for you. These include the size of your home, its insulation, and the average humidity of your climate. Central Air Energy Usage On average, a 2.5 ton central air conditioning unit uses about 3,500 watts to cool a typical 1,500-2,000 square foot home. A medium size window unit will use about 1,000 watts to cool an average 400 square foot room. If you’re looking to cool just one or two small spaces, a window unit can save some energy, however if you’re looking to cool more, a central air system will be more efficient, effective and save energy. To make your central air condition even more efficient, consider installing a programmable thermostat, which can be set to increase the temperature in your home while you’re at work or on vacation as well as adjust it back before you arrive home. Both central AC  and window units need to be properly insulated to work at their best.

Poorly insulated ducts can drastically reduce the efficiency of central air systems. Its a good idea to inspect duct work for holes, unsealed seams, and inproper insulation. A well insulated duct system will greatly improve the performance of your unit. If you’re looking to build a new home or are considering installing a new central air system, it's a goode idea to position the ducts inside the home’s conditioned envelope, as systems with ducts in unconditioned attics can lose about 20% of the cooling output. On the contrary, window units need to have insulation installed around the unit to block hot air from seeping in from the outside. Air leaks can lead to longer run times and reduced efficiency. As residents of Hanover County and metro Richmond, we can attest to the fact that humidity is an issue during the summer months. The general consensus when describing an RVA summer is “it’s not the heat, but the humidity” that is so stifling. Unlike central ac, window units are not ideal for areas subject to high humidity because they tend to sweat, which can infuse the air with even more moisture.

AC "sweat" can also makes it difficult to get a tight seal around the window unit, resulting in more hot and humid air coming in from the outside. If your unit is overworked, the sweat issue is an even larger problem, as it runs longer and less efficientl, and can create a cold clammy room.repair window unit air conditioner Choosing Between Central & Window Air Conditioningcommercial wall ac units When it comes to your comfort, health and savings, the HVAC experts at Howell's Heating & Air believe central air conditioning systems win out. ac unit not coolingA well designed central air conditioning system is far more efficient at controlling humidity. It also provides the added benefit of filtering pollutants and allergens. From a budgetary standpoint, if you’re looking to cool your whole home, rather than just one or two small rooms, central AC can help reduce your energy usage and lower your utility bills.

Want more insight on adding a central AC system to your home? Contact us online today for more information, or call 804.715.1995 source: infographic - Leffler EnergyDo 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. The layout of your home has a substantial effect on your choice. Central air will also allow you to sell your home for more money.