Air conditioning units have two major permanent installation types which are central air conditioners and window or wall-mounted A/C units. Deciding which of these two cooling methods is best for your home comfort needs can be tough considering the rising energy costs and other factors. To help you choose between a central air and three wall air conditioner, let’s take a look at these important details.
Central A/C and Window Air Conditioners: What’s The Difference?
Central A/C cools your home through a duct system consisting of supply and return ducts. With a set of pipes that runs the coolant towards the air handler, the duct system can blow the cooled air into different parts of the house. Meanwhile, a three-wall air conditioner is a single-room A/C unit which consists of a box intended to mount into a wall or window. Inside the box are thermostat, evaporator, condenser, and fans.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Central Air and Three Wall Air Conditioners
Installation Cost
Considering the installation labor cost, you can save greater with window units because you can install it yourself by simply referring to the installation guide. In installing a central air conditioning unit, you will need a professional HVAC contractor to do the task which surely adds to the cost. Then you also have to consider the purchase price and the cost of regular maintenance for central air systems.
Energy Usage
If you are after saving money on your utility bill, you should carefully consider and compare the energy usage of these two cooling methods. A window air conditioning unit consumes electricity around 500 to 1440 watts, whereas an average central A/C unit can use up to 3500 watts. Since a central A/C system operates through a duct system, it uses a great amount of energy to run and blow cool air into your home.
Comfort and Convenience
When looking for the best cooling system for your home, it’s important that your choice gives you the convenience and comfort that you need. With a smart thermostat connected to your central air conditioning system, you can easily set the temperature for individual spaces in the house. Some people also find it convenient and comfortable to use window units to cool single rooms at home. But, cooling the entire house may require many window units to support its cooling needs. Need help? Consult our experts at Kirk Air Conditioning & Heating to guide you in choosing the best cooling system for your home’s comfort needs. Call us today!