When it comes to residential HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), there are a few options for cooling a home. One such option is to install a central air conditioning unit, which can be expensive upfront because it will require professional installation. An alternate solution is the window air conditioner.
These window units deliver cooling to a single room or area, but are they an adequate substitute for central air?
Window Air Conditioners vs. Central Air Units
Window air conditioners can provide adequate cooling to replace the need for central air conditioning. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making them an attractive option for those looking to save money on their energy bills. However, window units come with their own set of limitations.
Window Units Can Only Cool A Single Room
Since the window unit can only cool a single room or area, it’s not an ideal substitute for central air if you need to cool your entire home. It’s also important to remember that window units are less energy efficient than central air conditioning units, meaning your energy bills will likely be higher.
If you need to cool your entire home versus one room, you would need several window air conditioners to get the same effect as a central air conditioner. Using several window units is certainly far less efficient than running one central unit.
Window Units Don’t Last Very Long
Window a/c units also only typically last about eight years, and once they break down, they are not typically repairable. Often, the parts are unavailable, and the repair costs could come close to the cost of a new model. One of the most frustrating things about window a/c units that break is the expandable barriers that cover the part of the window that the functional part of the a/c is not wide enough. These get brittle and fall apart due to cheap quality. To make matters worse, if you have windows that slide left and right, you will want to come up with additional barriers to keep the cold air in your house, such as a piece of wood or plexiglass. This can look terrible, and it will not be an effective insulator unless you create something more complex.
On the other hand, central AC units can be repaired and serviced. A residential HVAC technician can typically repair your unit or find a replacement part as needed. This allows your central AC unit to last roughly 15 to 20 years.
Both types of AC units are relatively easy to maintain and require you to check for debris clogging the filter and for damage to the find or coils. With a central air conditioning unit, you must also replace the air filter inside the home to prevent clogging.
Window Air Conditioners Can Damage Your House
Window A/C units, if installed improperly, can also cause damage to your house. Your window ledge can take a beating when you are sliding the window air conditioner around, trying to get it to fit. If you have horizontal windows and created a barrier above the air conditioner, as mentioned above, and you choose to tape or screw this into your wall or trim, you can lose paint and have unsightly holes when the window unit is not in use during the winter.
Since window air conditioners are movable, you must ensure they go in correctly each year. If it is tilted inward toward the house, the drain pan will not be level, and your window unit can leak water into your house and cause damage to the floor below at the very least.
Keeping Window Units In Year Round Is A Bad Idea
Most people remove window a/c units when they are not in use. If you have multiple window units, this can take up a lot of time, and they can take up a lot of space in your basement or other storage area when they are not needed. On the other side of the coin, if you choose to leave them in year-round, precious heat can escape your house through the air conditioner and the gaps around it, causing you more money in the cold months. Another thing to consider is damage to the unit from constant exposure to the elements. The cold winter air can cause the coils to freeze and render the unit useless unless you can repair it.
Which Air Conditioning Unit is Best for Me?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not window units are a suitable substitute for central air depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking to save money on energy bills while cooling a single room or area, then a window unit could be the right solution for you.
At VENTEC Refrigeration, we do not offer window AC units for purchase or installation, but if that is an option you are interested in, we recommend looking at local stores such as Walmart, Home Depot, Best Buy, or other home or hardware stores to purchase a window unit and follow the manufacturer instructions for installation and operation.
However, if you need to cool your entire home, we recommend investing in a central air conditioning unit and professional installation. It’s important to remember that a trained professional should always handle HVAC maintenance and repair. If you have any questions about central air conditioning units, contact our trained HVAC professionals at VENTEC Refrigeration.
