You may be purchasing a new home, remodeling, or upgrading your current air conditioning system. Our team at Cool Power LLC has put together a list of pros and cons for each type of air conditioning system. Whether you want something for a small area or a large home, we can help you find an AC system that works well for the square footage you want it to cover. The different types of AC units that we include pros and cons for are central air conditioning, ductless mini-split systems, window AC units, and portable AC units.
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning is the most typical type because it covers a whole home and offers many conveniences. This type of air conditioning system is best if you have a lot of square feet you’d like to cover, you’re having a new home built, you have ductwork, or it’s easy to install ductwork for the central AC.
Pros
If you decide on central AC, then it is easy to keep your home at a consistent temperature year-round. Central AC is the best way to ensure that each room in your home is at the same temperature. It is also great to ensure you are comfortable as you move from room to room in your home.
Another positive feature that comes with central AC is filtered air. The AC system filters air as it circulates through the ductwork. This means your indoor air quality will improve, and you should notice fewer allergens and dust particles in the air. Humidity levels will also improve because of the filtered air.
A programmable thermostat is a great feature that comes with modern-day central AC units. You can adjust the temperature on a timer instead of manually. You can also program it to turn on and off at certain times when there is no one in your home to help save on energy bills.
Cons
Energy bills are more expensive if you decide on central air conditioning. Essentially, the longer you run the air conditioner, the more you’ll spend on your energy bill.
If a central AC is not regularly maintained, it may develop issues with mold and mildew. Both of these things are harmful to the health of your household, so it is important to have central AC maintained regularly so that your indoor air quality stays good.
The installation of ductwork and the AC unit is more expensive than the other options. The ductwork for a central AC is a huge job if your home doesn’t already have it. To counter the cost of the ductwork, your home’s value should increase if you have central AC installed.
Ductless Mini-split Systems
If you are looking for an energy-efficient and versatile cooling and heating solution for your home, a ductless mini-split system may be the answer. This type of system is flexible, and there are several advantages over traditional air conditioning units.
Pros
Easy installation is a great benefit to a ductless mini-split AC system. A ductless mini-split system efficiently and quickly installs, while a traditional central air HVAC system may require extensive ductwork for installation. The quick installation consists of just a few components, which are the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, and the conduit.
Another benefit of a mini-split system is that it’s energy efficient. This helps with cooling costs during the summer months.
A mini-split system also helps you focus the cool air to the rooms you want to make cooler. This also helps save money on energy bills because you are only cooling the spaces you need to cool.
Ductless AC units help improve indoor air quality because there isn’t ductwork. Therefore, there is no chance for pests, dust, mold, and other allergens to hide and cause respiratory issues.
This is a great solution if you add a room or addition to your home. Instead of running more ductwork, it may be a much smarter and budget-friendly solution to add a ductless mini-split to that addition.
Cons
A ductless mini-split AC may be more expensive than other options. While the initial costs may be high, the long-term savings and benefits could trump the short-term expenses.
One of the biggest issues people have with a ductless mini-split AC unit is that they are an eye sore to some. They may not fit in with the aesthetic of your home, but there are creative ways to camouflage these units.
In extreme temperatures, a ductless mini-split may have limitations. If there is an extraordinarily hot day, you may notice that your ductless mini-split isn’t keeping up with the demand for cooler air.
Window Air Conditioners
A window AC unit is a small air conditioner that you place in the frame of a window in your home. It works by drawing hot air out of the room and blowing in cool air.
Pros
A window AC unit is great for a small room. They are highly effective because they only have to cool one area.
The water from an AC unit drains outside, so you don’t have to worry about leaks in your home or emptying a drip pan or tray.
A window AC unit is not expensive to run. Most of these do not cost a lot to keep running during the heat of the day. If you need more than five units, then you may want to consider other options.
Window units are low maintenance. The only maintenance is cleaning the filter and coils, and if there are other issues, it’s much cheaper to fix than central AC.
Cons
The biggest negative to having a window AC unit is the chance of it falling. The units are heavy, and the proper installation is very important for safety reasons.
Security is another con. If you use window units on the first floor, then it is easier for someone to access your home if you choose to use a window AC unit.
Having a window AC isn’t visually appealing on the exterior of your home. A good solution is to use window AC units in the rear of your home to maintain the curb appeal.
Portable Air Conditioners
A portable AC unit is an air conditioner that you can easily move from room to room in your home. They are a great option for small spaces or homes.
Pros
A portable AC unit only takes a few minutes to install because you won’t need to make any permanent alterations to your home.
Portable AC units are cost-effective because there is no installation needed like the other AC options.
A portable AC allows you to move it around to where you need it the most.
Cons
The portable AC is not as efficient as the other types of AC units. They do not cool as well as the other options because they have lower energy efficiency ratios and seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER).
If you purchase a portable AC unit, it may be noisy. This can be an issue if you need air conditioning in a room that you need to keep quiet, like a room for an infant or remote work.
If you need to cool a large room, a portable AC unit may not get the job done. These units are typically for small spaces and have to work hard to keep up with the cooling demands of a large space.
At Cool Power LLC in Ronkonkoma, NY, we provide AC installation, repair, and maintenance services for homes in the area. Our friendly team also provides furnace repair, installation, and maintenance services. Contact Cool Power LLC for more information today!
