Don’t settle for a hot home this summer. Contact our Leith Heating & Cooling experts in Elgin today for air conditioner repair.
Summers in Elgin produce many hot, humid days, so having an air conditioner in your home is a must. If you need to install a new cooling system, you might wonder if a central unit would be better than window air conditioners. Picking a position on the window air conditioner vs. central air conditioner debate can be tricky, but we can help.
We at Leith Heating & Cooling are one of the top providers of AC repair services in Elgin, Illinois. Our heating and cooling professionals have years of experience installing, repairing, and maintaining all kinds of cooling systems. If you’re contemplating a new air conditioner but don’t know if a window or central unit is best for your residence, consider our guide below to help you make an informed decision.
Key Benefits and Drawbacks of Central Cooling Units
Central air conditioners are a go-to option for many residents in Elgin because they’re permanent heating and cooling fixtures that can boost a property’s resale value. Central units are also efficient since they deliver chilled air throughout the entire residence via intricate ductwork and air vents. This equipment is great for anyone desiring even and consistent cooling comfort throughout their home.
One key advantage to central air conditioners is that you don’t have to remove them once fall and winter temperatures set in. You can contact an HVAC technician to prepare your central cooling unit for winter and again in the following spring to ensure it’s ready to combat the summer heat.
The upfront cost might be a downside to installing a central air conditioning system. Depending on the size of your home, the size of your new cooling system, and other factors like equipment brand and installation company, purchasing and installing a whole-home cooling system could cost up to $10,000. Because the equipment is complex, this also means repair expenses can be relatively high, especially if you don’t maintain your system.
Pros and Cons of Window Air Conditioners
A window air conditioner is an all-in-one system that rests inside a window. Its design allows it to cool one room, though some modern varieties are powerful enough to chill larger open spaces. Yet, they’re not ideal for cooling an entire property.
If you’re seeking fast cooling comfort for a bedroom, living room, home office, or other enclosed space where you spend lots of time, consider a window air conditioner. Unlike central heating and air conditioning systems, window-based options are more affordable and easy to install. Even homeowners without HVAC installation experience can install a window air conditioning system.
Since this cooling unit won’t provide whole-house cooling, you’d have to install multiple window air conditioners to cool your home effectively. Doing this can lead to uneven cooling, subpar air filtration, and reduced home aesthetics due to the HVAC equipment in your windows.
A Breakdown of Cooling System Factors: Which Style Comes Out on Top?
Exploring the window air conditioner vs. central air conditioner debate involves more than knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Sometimes, it helps to know which is better in different categories, like the ones below.
Installation
Window units are relatively simple to install. Though a certified HVAC technician can help with the installation, professional assistance usually isn’t necessary.
Cost
Window-based air conditioners will always be less expensive than central air conditioning units. They are smaller, easier to handle, and less complex than central units. They also don’t require ductwork or built-in air vents and registers to disperse chilled air.
On the other hand, you must hire a professional HVAC company to install a central air conditioner, so the upfront installation cost is substantially higher than for a window air conditioner. You can’t cut corners and treat it as a do-it-yourself project. Too many factors contribute to a successful central HVAC system installation, so the process requires experienced workers with the right tools and expertise to do the job correctly.
Energy Efficiency
On average, a window air conditioning system could use 500 to 1,400 watts of electricity when running to chill a room. A central air conditioner uses around 3,500 watts of electricity to cool an entire home.
Though it would seem as though the window unit is the more energy-efficient option, you’d have to install an air conditioner in every room to equate to the cooling power of a central air conditioner. Doing so will quickly increase your energy consumption, which means central air conditioners have better energy efficiency.
Aesthetics
If you prefer having an HVAC system that isn’t obvious and doesn’t detract from your home’s appearance, consider investing in a central cooling unit. Central air conditioners aren’t as visible despite having an outdoor condenser unit. Yet, window air conditioners sit inside windows, making them visible indoors and outside.
Durability
Central and window air conditioners can function well for years, yet central cooling systems tend to outlast and outperform their window-based counterparts. Air conditioning repair is an essential factor behind this increased durability.
When a window air conditioner breaks down or experiences a performance decline, they’re usually not repairable. Yet, HVAC professionals can easily repair, clean, calibrate, and maintain a central cooling unit, which helps extend the equipment’s lifespan. With the right care, a central air conditioner could last up to 20 years.
Contact Elgin’s Top Professionals for Air Conditioning Repair and More
Regardless of your stance on the window air conditioner vs. central air conditioner discussion, you can count on our Leith Heating & Cooling professionals to provide the quality HVAC services you need. Our veteran and family-owned and operated company is at your service, ready to answer questions like “Do old AC units use more electricity?” and “How can you maintain an HVAC system?”
Our EPA-certified technicians use the best quality materials and parts as well as industry-leading tactics when providing air conditioning services. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so call (847) 648-9977 to schedule service in Elgin, Illinois with us today.