Why Should You Give Up Your Portable ACs Or Window Units?
If your home doesn't have a central air conditioning system, then the extreme summer heat may be enough to make you consider installing one. Although these systems are standard in most new construction, many older homes get by with window units or portable air conditioners. Although these coolers can be effective, there are plenty of reasons to consider an upgrade.
Even if alternatives are currently working for your home, you may still want to think about installing central air conditioning. Here are three reasons why this upgrade may ultimately be better for your home over the long run.
1. Better Efficiency
Unless you're only cooling a single room, central air conditioners tend to provide better efficiency than window units or portable air conditioners. Since central air conditioners locate their condenser coils and compressor outside, there's no risk of hot air bleeding back into your home. When placed correctly, the outdoor condenser unit acts as an ideal heat exchange device.
Window units create a potential hole in your home's envelope, allowing heat to enter and cool air to escape. A central air conditioner does not have the same impact on your thermal insulation since it only requires a small, sealed opening for refrigerant lines and power.
2. More Cooling Power
The typical central air conditioning unit has a much higher capacity than a window or portable air conditioner. In the case of portable air conditioners, the difference is even starker since the portable units tend to be highly inefficient and must be oversized to provide equivalent cooling. The largest window air conditioners usually only approach the capacity of small central units.
More cooling power does more than just keep you comfortable, however. An undersized air conditioner runs more often, wasting energy and wearing out its components more quickly. The extra cooling power provided by a split central system means your air conditioner doesn't need to work as hard to keep your home cool.
3. Works With Existing Ductwork
If you already have a forced-air heating system, installing a central air conditioner is often a cost-efficient addition. Your new air conditioner will work your existing ductwork, eliminating the most expensive part of a typical retrofit install. You can also tie your new air conditioner into existing heating zones, providing even more comfort and efficiency for your home.
Upgrading to a central air system offers many benefits and few drawbacks. If installing one of these systems fits within your budget, then it's an excellent way to add comfort, energy efficiency, and value to your home.
Contact a local HVAC technician to get help with an HVAC system installation.
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