Window Units Vs. Central Air: Which is Best?
Where would we be without air conditioning? (Other than the pool!) Air conditioners have the power to make even the hottest and most humid days enjoyable. But nowadays, there are so many air conditioning options available, it can be hard to know which is best for your family’s needs. That’s why we’re breaking down the two most popular options, central air and window units, and telling you which is best.
Energy use. The average window unit uses between 500 and 1500 watts. While a central unit (installed in a typical 4 bedroom house) uses about 3,500 watts. So if you’re concerned about energy use, you may want to choose a window unit.
Installation cost. Nearly any homeowner can install a window unit on their own, making it an incredibly inexpensive (if not free) installation. Central air on the other hand is more expensive. Most homeowners will have to call a professional to install the ducts needed for central air throughout their house.
Room size. If you’re trying to cool a large family room, a window unit may not have the power to cool the far side of the room.
Aesthetic. Some homeowners opt for central air simply because they don’t like having a large appliance sitting in their window. On this one — to each his own.
Time left in your home. Central air is usually a better investment for new homeowners who plan on staying in their house for the next 10 – 20 years. If you plan on selling your house within the next 5 or so years, you probably won’t see a return on central air.
Programmable thermostats. One of the biggest benefits of central air is that you can program your unit to automatically adjust the temperature of your house throughout the day. This means you can program your house to be nice and cool the minute you return home.
If you’re tired of coming home to a hot house and want to purchase a programmable thermostat, Leslie Heating & Cooling can set you up in no time! We’re a family-owned and operated business based in Woodridge, Illinois and are here for all of your pre-summer cooling needs.
