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. outside ac unit not startingIf 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.ac window unit for sale Choosing Between Central & Window Air Conditioninghow do window unit air conditioners work When it comes to your comfort, health and savings, the HVAC experts at Howell's Heating & Air believe central air conditioning systems win out. A 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 EnergyWindow Air Conditioner Operation A window air conditioner, also known as a window A/C or a room air conditioner, is designed to cool a single room and can be a good, easy-to-install option if a central air conditioning system is not practical or if you want to cool a single room rather than the whole house. Depending on the model, a window air conditioner can operate in different modes. The cooling mode takes in room air, cools it and directs it back into the room. Some models allow you to select from several preset cooling levels; the air conditioner cools at the selected level until you change the setting or turn the unit off.

Other models let you set a desired temperature for the unit to maintain. The air conditioner operates until it senses that the air is at the desired temperature and then cycles off, cycling back on when the temperature rises above the specified setting. A fan-only mode uses less energy because it doesn't provide cooling. The appliance simply circulates and filters the room air. Some window air conditioners have a heating mode. As with the cooling function, you set the desired temperature and the heating system cycles on and off to maintain it. CautionFollow the air conditioner manufacturer's instructions for safety, installation and operation. Choosing a Window Air Conditioner The right air conditioner helps you cool a room efficiently. An undersize unit won't cool adequately while one that's too large will not remove enough humidity, leaving the air feeling damp. To find the proper air conditioner, determine the square footage of the room you want to cool by multiplying the room length by its width.

You also need to know the air conditioner's BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating, which indicates the amount of heat it can remove from a room. A higher number means more cooling power for a larger room. Compare your room size to the BTU rating: 150 to 350 sq ft: look for a 5,000- to 8,000-BTU unit 350 to 550 sq ft: look for an 8,000- to 12,000-BTU unit 550 to 1,050 sq ft: look for a 12,000- to 18,500-BTU unit 1,050 to 1,600 sq ft: look for an 18,500- to 25,000-BTU unit Consider conditions that may reduce the cooling need — the room is always shaded, for example — and those that may increase it — the room receives a lot of direct sunlight or regularly has more than a couple of occupants. Keep in mind that as the BTU rating increases, the size and weight of the air conditioner does as well. Good to KnowEER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. A higher EER indicates a more efficient air conditioner. Window Air Conditioner Considerations Most window air conditioners are designed to fit double-hung windows, which have a sash you can raise or lower.

Measure the inside dimensions of the installation window carefully to make sure you find a model that fits. Don't rely on estimates. Here are some other things to think about: Window air conditioners are heavy. Enlist a helper when carrying and installing the unit. Installing the air conditioner in a shaded window will help it operate more efficiently. A window facing north will be in shade most of the day The window you select for installation needs a suitable power outlet nearby. The manufacturer may specify that you plug the device directly into the outlet with no extension cord. The circuit the outlet is on must be able handle the electrical load of the air conditioner. Different models have different plug configurations. Make sure the air conditioner you select is compatible with your outlet. Check the product packaging for the plug design. CautionNever alter an electrical plug. Contact a licensed electrician if you have any doubts or questions about the circuit or outlet or if work such as installation of a new circuit or plug is necessary.

Window Air Conditioner Features A programmable timer lets you set the unit to turn on and off at specific times, helping you reduce energy consumption by operating the air conditioner only when it's needed. Mechanical controls allow you to adjust fan speed and cooling level and are simple to operate. Electronic controls give you more flexibility, allowing you to set a specific temperature for the air conditioner to maintain. A sleep setting increases the specified temperature incrementally over a period of time before returning to the original setting several hours later. This feature keeps the air conditioner from maintaining an unnecessarily cool temperature in a room where the occupants are sleeping. It also reduces noise since the unit is running less frequently. An electronic ionizer helps the air conditioner more effectively remove impurities such as pollen from the air. Venting options let you choose between recirculating room air, pulling outside air into the room and exhausting room air to the outside.

Air conditioners remove humidity from the air as they cool it. Different models have different dehumidification capabilities. Look for a rating measured in pints and ounces of moisture removed per hour. A remote control adds convenience — you can adjust settings and turn the air conditioner on and off from across the room. Some remotes can function as temperature sensors, activating the air conditioner when the air around the remote is warmer than the temperature specified in the settings. A filter alert lets you know when the air filter needs cleaning. An extra-long cord helps you reach a power outlet. Window Air Conditioner Operating Tips There are several things you can do to help a window air conditioner cool your home: Make sure the air can flow freely around the air conditioner. Outside of the home, keep the unit clear of obstructions such as shrubbery. Inside, make sure obstructions such as window treatments and furniture are clear of the unit.

Help keep the cool air in the room by closing fireplace dampers and floor or wall registers. Reopen them when using the fireplace or home heating or cooling system. Consider closing window treatments when it's sunny outside, but remember to avoid blocking the air flow around the air conditioner. Keeping the exterior of the room you're cooling shaded will help the air conditioner keep you cool, but make sure that airflow around the exterior of the unit is not restricted by trees, shrubs or other obstructions. Maintain correct insulation and weatherstripping throughout your home. See Install Insulation to learn about insulating your home. Read Weather Strip Your Doors and Weather Strip Your Windows to learn about sealing air leaks in your home. When possible, reduce the workload of the air conditioner by using appliances such as dishwashers, ranges and dryers during the cool hours of the day. Use accessories such as weatherstripping and foam side panels to help you seal and insulate the area around the air conditioner.