ACMS Explains Difference Between Central Air Conditioning And Window Units

Houston, TX based Air Check Mechanical Service (ACMS) recently published a new blog post that highlights the contrast between a central air conditioning system and a window unit. The company informs their community that each serves a distinct purpose and should not be considered the ultimate solution for every situation. Should a homeowner wish to have a professional inspect their home to determine which is best suited for their needs, the company adds that their professional team will be pleased to help.

According to the company, most people realize they have to make a choice between these two cooling technologies when they find themselves on the cusp of the summer months. With higher temperatures approaching, homeowners who do not already have a suitable system installed will want to consider what is best for their property. On one hand, they may choose to install a central air conditioning system that increases the overall temperature of the entire house (or at least most of its used rooms). On the other, they may prefer having individual window units installed in the rooms they consider to need cooling the most, such as bedrooms and common living areas. ACMS states that most houses in Houston tend to go with a centralized system since these tend to be easier to operate. Here, a single, central controller is all that is needed to use the system.

Homeowners who have yet to make this decision should not make the mistake of assuming that this means window units are that much more of a hassle to operate. While they do take a marginal amount of increased effort, the company explains that many homeowners may actually prefer this as it gives them a finer degree of control over their house’s temperature. This is far from the only consideration they should take into account, however.

Air Check Mechanical Service explains that residents who have to deal with allergies, asthma and other respiratory concerns that necessitate better air quality should remember that central air conditioning systems are more effective at air filtration. Similarly, air can be circulated and distributed around the property far more efficiently since a duct network typically extends throughout a home. A window unit will not achieve this, instead only cooling the area closest to it. This also makes them ineffective at cooling the whole house since they usually cannot use duct work to direct their air flow in this way. ACMS points out that portable AC units can be used instead, but they too are limited to the area they are placed in.

One of the biggest drawbacks for central air conditioning, the company says, is how expensive they can be to install, operate, repair and replace. Since the system encompasses the whole house, an installation has to cover a wide area. Similarly, the company explains that a single repair may equate the cost of a new window unit by itself, given that the entire system has to be inspected for faults and any needed repairs to ensure it is fully functional.

This conversely means that window units are far more economical in most situations. Smaller properties, for instance (such as a studio or a bachelor pad), will only need a window unit. Similarly, they can be more affordable to use even in a modestly sized house since only the rooms that actively need cooling can have their window units switched on. Bedrooms, for instance, may not need cooling during the day if their occupants are at work or school. This is not possible with central AC as the entire system would have to be operational even if only a specific part of the home needs cooling.

ACMS clarifies here that window units may not be the more affordable option for all types of houses. Larger properties with more rooms, for instance, may see installation costs for individual window units outstrip the cost of central air conditioning. This may also mean they are not as energy efficient in such scenarios.

Customers are welcome to read the blog post in full on the ACMS website to learn more. Should they wish to consult with an expert regarding their own property, they are also welcome to contact Donald Compton of Air Check Mechanical Service directly.