Window Air Conditioning vs Central Air Conditioning: What's Best for Your Space?

When it comes to the sweltering, humid summer heat, you need to keep your house cool. The question is, with what? Fans can only take you so far, though some studies say they can cool homes by a a few degrees. But they can't truly cool. So what's the solution? Do you foot the bill and install a complete central air conditioner throughout your home, or will you choose a few window air conditioner units instead? The big question becomes the following: at what point does it make sense to invest in a whole-house AC? Below, we break down the benefits and drawbacks of each option to help you decide if you should make the switch.

Central Air Conditioners: These tend to be a popular option for homeowners who plan to reside in their homes for a long time. This option makes even more sense for spaces that already have a forced-air furnace and ductwork installed. With this final puzzle piece installed, your residence becomes a fully-outfitted HVAC system, with the ability to cool and heat your home all through a single structure. However, installation drives up cost significantly, and there's no way to do it yourself. This cost factor makes many turn away from central air—or choose to invest in it entirely.

Window Air Conditioners: Meanwhile, small and separate window units are much more budget-friendly, and can cool an entire room (or even two) depending on airflow and how powerful the machine is. Make sure you take into account your space's square footage and how many BTUs your machine can put out before purchasing.

Central Air Conditioners: Versions like like those offered by Trane offer the advantage of cooling the entire home instead of just one room. As a result, they're often more energy-efficient than many other options. Instead of using a portable system in the office, another one in the bedroom and a wall version downstairs, you'll just be using one efficient machine. That can lead to a lower energy bill in the long run. Keep in mind that these HVAC systems offer a quieter, less noticeable sound while running. Another pro that makes many fall in love? They're discreetly hidden and out of sight around corners and in backyards, keeping each of your glass panes visible from both inside and out.

Window Air Conditioners: In the battle of window AC vs central air, these individuals have come a long way. With recent innovations, many are Energy Star Certified and designed to provide increased energy efficiency. You might recognize some popular energy-efficient brands, such as those made by Frigidaire, others by LG and and even more by GE. The upgrade in efficiency means they're less of a drain on the home's energy bill and more of a benefit to everyone's summertime health and happiness.

Central Air Conditioners: These tend to be a popular option for homeowners who plan to reside in their homes for a long time. This option makes even more sense for spaces that already have a forced-air furnace and ductwork installed. With this final puzzle piece installed, your residence becomes a fully-outfitted HVAC system, with the ability to cool and heat your home all through a single structure. The major downside between window AC vs central air is that the large outdoor systems generally come with high installation costs, as opposed to one that you can install all on your own. However, installing these large systems (and any necessary ductwork) is sure to increase your residence's resale value.

Window Air Conditioners: Meanwhile, you can install these all on your own at any time. They can be unwieldy and tough to maneuver, so we recommend having a second person help you to get these lifted, placed plugged in each year.

Central Air Conditioners: Keep in mind that these HVAC systems offer a quieter, less noticeable sound while running. Another pro that makes many fall in love? They're discreetly hidden and out of sight around corners and in backyards, keeping each of your glass panes visible from both inside and out.

Window Air Conditioners: All you have to do is look at the rear side of a window unit from outdoors to see that they block glass and prevent users from looking outside of their homes. It's true that they are easily visible to people both inside and outside of the house. But although they're not often considered aesthetically pleasing, you can remove them and place them into storage during the winter months.

In the battle of window AC vs central air, it's important to keep an eye on your the budget that works best for your space. The cost of installation depends on a variety of factors. For instance, the size and floorplan of your space, as well as the installation rate of your contractor, will affect costs significantly. Even after you get a quote, your home's complexity could raise the cost. It's essential to obtain several bids from AC contractors if you're looking to find the most competitive price. To get a general idea of what an install might cost for your home, call or email one of our in-house installers.

As you decide between installing a central air conditioning system or a few smaller machines, here are some questions to consider:

• Which AC is best for homes? If you own a home and can afford to make the switch, central air is the option to choose. This installation is an investment—however, keep in mind that if you rent a house, you may have to use window units unless you can convince your landlord otherwise.
• Will one or two window AC unit be enough? If your space is small and needs just a few AC units to do the job quickly and efficiently, it's probably a cheaper option than central air conditioning, which can increase your energy bills if you're cooling down an entire house.
• Will it take more than two window units? If your space needs more than two window units, you could be at the tipping point. In other words, the cost of three or more units could equate to the cost of a down-payment on a central air conditioning system. The electricity and operating costs for multiple window units will also increase, making central air more affordable in the long run.
• Can you afford central air conditioning? If you're not sure, obtain free bids from installers so you can make an informed decision.

In the fight between window AC vs central air units, what you should choose depends on your living space. In general, the larger, ducted systems make sense when your cooling needs go beyond a couple of rooms, or if you intend to stay in your home for many years. Still, you'll need to be able to afford the installation costs. Meanwhile, apartments and even smaller homes will probably do well with one or two small window AC units.

Whether you decide to choose a full HVAC system or go a different route, be sure to check out Abt's air conditioner buying guide. The guide will help you to explore everything from the appropriate BTU for your space to the voltage, updated styles, special features, and all the bells and whistles to find the perfect fit for your needs.