Blog

Whole Home Air Conditioner Vs. Window AC Units

Whole Home Air Conditioner Vs. Window AC Units

A home cooling system feels like a necessary purchase for the long, hot days of summer. Not only do air conditioners keep you and your family comfortable, they also provide safety from the skyrocketing temperatures.

Air conditioners weren’t always as popular or as attainable as they are today. If you have an older home, you may not even have an air conditioner.

If you’re looking to say cool and comfortable this summer, you have a couple of great options to choose from: window AC units or a whole home air conditioner. There are, of course, positives and negatives to each. Here are a few of the pros and cons to consider about each option before you invest:

Window AC Units

Window AC units are single-room, temporary solutions for your home cooling needs. On average, a window AC unit will cost between $150 to $750. Since window AC units aren’t a permanent solution, you can opt for a cheaper unit and lower your upfront investment costs.

Window AC Units are a great option to consider if:

  • You have a rented home or apartment
  • Your home already has a whole home cooling system – but certain areas require extra cooling for your individual comfort level
  • Your house doesn’t have the space or design to sustain the ductwork of a whole home air conditioner
  • You live in an area where cooling is only needed for a short period of time

Pros of window AC units

  • Cost less
  • Installation is a DIY job
  • The units can be installed quickly – ASAP after you purchase your window AC unit

Cons of window AC units

  • They’re not a solution for whole home cooling
  • Because they’re installed in the room they’re supposed to cool, you’ll end up with a lot of operating noise.
  • Installation is temporary so the units can easily be moved – but this also makes your home more susceptible to burglary, as thieves can just move the A/C unit easily out of the way and gain easy access into your home
  • AC units aren’t exactly aesthetically pleasing – they’re typically installed in plain sight
  • They don’t provide the consistent cooling that a whole home air conditioner can. You’re more likely to experience hot and cold spots throughout the room.
  • Window AC units don’t provide the same quality of air filtration that whole home air conditioner units do. The filters don’t improve indoor air quality and can actually reduce it if you’re not diligent about cleaning out the filters regularly.

Whole Home Air Conditioner Units

A whole home air conditioner unit is a permanent solution to your home cooling needs. The system provides cooling throughout your entire home. The initial cost can be daunting but the payoffs are worth it.

Pros of a whole home air conditioner

  • For whole home cooling, a whole home air conditioner is the best solution.
  • Consumes less energy compared to using multiple window units throughout your home, which can save you quite a bit of money
  • Whole home air conditioners offer more features for your comfort and convenience
  • Delivers even temperatures throughout your home so experience little no hot spots
  • Provides air filtration to reduce allergens and alleviate symptoms
  • Helps keep humidity levels in check

Cons Of a whole home air conditioner

  • The initial cost can seem daunting, but it’s worth it to have a permanent and effective home cooling solution
  • For optimal system performance and your own safety, it’s best to have a professional HVAC technician perform installation.

For more information about whole home cooling systems, contact an expert HVAC company like A-Abel.