If you are thinking of purchasing an HVAC system for your home or business, you have two options. Either invest in a central air conditioning system or purchase one (or multiple) stand-alone units. While you get consistent temperature all-year round with central air conditioning, you also often get higher energy bills because the cool air is being distributed to every room of the house, even the ones that are not being used. This system is also not always ideal if the people living inside your home have different cooling requirements.
If you do not have a central air conditioner installed yet in the home, you may want to consider the following alternatives if you only need a couple of rooms cooled:
- Portable Air Conditioners – As the name implies, portable air conditioners are mobile and do not require installation. These lightweight, self-contained systems usually have caster wheels at the bottom so that they can be easily moved from one room to another. They also come with a window kit, which is used to remove the heat from the room. Unfortunately, portable cooling systems are usually a lot more expensive than window air conditioners initially, and none have earned an ENERGY STAR rating like many other air conditioning system options.
- Window Air Conditioners – A window air conditioner is the simplest and most basic form of air conditioning system, and is used to cool a single room. It is composed of a single unit, and all its parts and components are assembled in one place. Window ACs, especially the newer models, are energy-efficient and have a high energy efficiency ratio (EER). Since they are designed to fit right into your window, they will not take up too much of your floor space. Window air conditioners are relatively inexpensive compared to a central air conditioning system. Installation and operational costs are also cheaper than central air conditioning. Installation can get tricky at times, and will depend on the size and shape of your window. Choosing this system also means giving up the view that can be seen from your window, as well as the natural light coming in.
- Mini-Split Or Ductless Systems – Mini-splits are similar to central air conditioning systems because both have two main parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor or condenser. However, the similarity ends there. The standout feature of a ductless cooling system is its ability to cool a home, office, or business establishment using a zoning system without the need to have ductwork installed. This gives the owner greater temperature control because they no longer have to cool rooms that are not occupied. The system operates on less power, resulting in lowered utility bills.
Get Professional Help for Your Central Air Conditioning Alternative Needs
If you are looking to purchase an alternative to a central air conditioning system, whether for your entire home or just a couple of rooms or additions, the three systems mentioned offer great possibilities. However, choosing which alternative is best for your needs in the long term can require some professional advice.
Still unsure of which option to get? Allow the HVAC professionals of Galmiche & Sons to help you get the best central air conditioner alternative that will serve your needs. Call our St. Louis heating & air conditioning company at 314-993-110 to get started!
