In Ohio, where the heat of summer is often accompanied by extreme humidity, some type of AC is an absolute must for both comfort and safety. Central air conditioning is the method used for cooling most homes in the United States. However, alternative methods to central air conditioning now exist, so when you’re installing new air conditioning, it’s important to consider if this time-honored method is really the best option for your specific building.
Let’s consider a few of the most important pros and cons of central air conditioning installation before you add it to your home:
Pro: Whole-Home Cooling
There are several effective cooling methods, but a central AC unit is the surest way to reliably control the temperature in an entire building. This is because the cooling effect is generated by a single powerful outdoor system. This system does all the work of lowering the temperature of the air before circulating it through the ducts installed behind the walls and ceilings.
This contrasts with other methods, such as window air conditioners or ductless mini-split heat pumps, which utilize multiple, decentralized units installed in various locations throughout a building. While individual units can be equally effective at controlling temperature in smaller spaces, they are less efficient for those who wish to bring a larger space, such as an entire home, to the desired temperature quickly and easily.
Con: Potentially High Up-Front Costs
A central air conditioning unit is a large, heavy-duty piece of equipment, and it can carry a hefty price tag. Of course, the amount can vary depending on the type of system desired, the size of the house, and other factors. For example, if you wish to invest in a modern, energy-efficient system that can potentially reduce your monthly energy costs and net you tax credits in the process, you can expect to pay a much larger amount for the unit itself than if you opt for a less advanced system.
The up-front cost of central air conditioning installation may also be affected by the secondary costs, such as any upgrades to the home that a new air conditioning system may necessitate. For instance, if your home lacks the infrastructure for the system, your initial investment may be larger (more on this in a moment).
Pro: Energy Efficiency
For many homes, central air conditioning is the most energy-efficient cooling method. The reason is pretty simple: A single system utilizing a single power supply requires less electricity to operate than many separate units all running at the same time.
However, you can take several additional steps to maximize the efficiency of your central AC unit. First, ensure your home is effectively insulated with properly sealed doors and windows to prevent any drafts of outdoor heat from entering the home. Energy efficiency can also be improved by installing advanced modern equipment, such as programmable thermostats, to better monitor and optimize the central air system’s power usage.
Con: A Complex Installation Process
One of the primary difficulties that accompanies central air conditioning is the complexity of the installation process. Although upgrading an existing system is not necessarily difficult or costly in and of itself, many homes are not equipped for central air conditioning installation and require serious upgrades before the task can be undertaken.
For example, homes built before the widespread advent of modern air conditioning and furnaces often do not have ductwork already in place. In these homes, ducts must be added before a central air conditioning system can operate properly. This is an expensive and invasive undertaking. You must also locate a large, unobstructed open space where the outdoor compressor on your AC unit can be installed.
Pro: Lower Maintenance Requirements Than Other Cooling Methods
There are many excellent, reliable heating and cooling solutions available to modern homeowners, including heat pumps for small spaces and portable systems for individual rooms. However, each of these has its own maintenance requirements, including a thermostat, a power source, coolant reservoirs, and other mechanical components. If these small systems are to be used in larger homes, multiple units must be installed to effectively cool each part of the building.
When your home has more AC units installed, the maintenance requirements are greater. HVAC professionals need to check multiple systems to ensure adequate cooling is being provided to the home, which takes more time and labor. If you clean or change your own air filters, you’ll have to do that for multiple units every time. With central air conditioning installation, however, you have one system to maintain. It’s faster and simpler to keep your house at the temperature you prefer.
Con: Central AC May Have Higher Operating Costs
On the other hand, a central air conditioning system may also have a greater overall cost to operate simply due to its larger scale. While it’s true that central AC units can be more energy efficient than many of their counterparts, they also tend to draw more energy than might actually be necessary for the specific building in which they are installed.
This is because the purpose of central air conditioning is to cool every room in the building, including those that aren’t occupied. If all the inhabitants of the home head to the dining room to share a meal, then the energy used to cool the bedrooms and living room during that time is effectively wasted. This isn’t a problem in homes with multiple smaller cooling units, as individual systems can be turned off and on at will.
Fortunately, there is a solution for homeowners who wish to use centralized air conditioning. Installing “zoned” HVAC systems allows you to shut off airflow to areas of the home that are not currently occupied.
How to Choose the Best Cooling System for Your Home
Central air conditioning is popular due to its reliability and the benefits mentioned above. However, it’s not without its drawbacks, and you must also take these into consideration when installing a new air conditioning system. Selecting the best system for your needs is a matter of determining how often you’ll use your air conditioner, the system that best fits the size of your building, its current infrastructure, and your budget.
Contact All Weather Heating & Cooling today to discuss your air conditioning needs. Our experts will be happy to help you find the best cooling method for your space, so that you can enjoy your summer in comfort and safety while also taking advantage of reduced energy costs.
