What are the different types of home cooling systems?

Cooling your home can be a challenge here in the Northeastern US (as we have seen so far this summer). The question is, what is the best way to meet that challenge with a cooling system for your Pennsylvania home?

Here are the three most common home cooling system options, and the pros and cons of each:

Room air conditioner – A room air conditioner (a window or portable unit) provides spot cooling for a single room.

Pros:

Least expensive up-front cost
Flexible placement

Cons:

Poor installation can lead to excessive air leakage and diminished performance
Generally less efficient than central A/C or ductless systems
Can be loud and light-blocking
Window units cannot be used in rooms with no window
Will not last as long (10-12 years) as a central A/C or ductless system

Central air conditioner – A central air conditioner circulates cool air throughout the home using a series of ducts and vents.

Pros:

Will provide the most even cooling throughout the home
Can be cost-effective if ductwork is already installed
Quiet, convenient to operate and more efficient than window units
Typically has the longest lifespan of the three cooling system options (can be 15+ years with proper air conditioning maintenance)

Cons:

Expensive to install without existing ductwork
If ducts are poorly maintained, they can be a source of air quality problems

Ductless mini-split system – A ductless air conditioner provides zoned cooling without ductwork.

Pros:

Highly efficient (typically more efficient than central A/C because no cool air is lost via ductwork leaks)
Ability to use multiple air handlers from a single compressor enables efficient zoned operation
Quieter than a window air conditioner, with no blocked windows
Flexible placement (can be used even in rooms with no windows)
Can be an affordable alternative to installing a ducted system
Can be used as a supplemental cooling source for home additions
Some mini-split systems can provide cooling and heating

Cons:

Can be more expensive than a central A/C in homes that already have ductwork
Not practical for single-room use
May require more vigilant care /cleaning than a central A/C unit
Some may not like the aesthetic of air handlers

Need help deciding which home air conditioning equipment option is right for you? Contact the cooling pros at Walton for a FREE, no obligation home assessment and estimate today!