subject: Deciding Between Central Air Conditioning System Versus Single Window Units [print this page] When we are shifting homes or our AC system breaks down, and the outside temperature is too hot, we are often forced to address the air conditioning issue with priority and evaluate alternatives. Being so used to aircon controlled cool environment, it becomes difficult to do without.
Essentially the options for your new home or office space are to choose between a central air conditioning system vs single window units. Living without air-conditioning may not be an option.
Central air-conditioning systems maintain the even temperature all through the building and hence when you move from one part of the house to another, even in summer, the temperature remains cool and constant eliminating the need for fans.
On the other hand, single window units too have other advantages. They can be used effectively in the rooms where required only.
At night times the temperature drops and one might want to switch off in your room while the others in other room might continue using air conditioner. Single window units in such cases help you switch off individual units as per the requirement.
You might want to list down the number of occupants in your home, number of rooms including the guests and calculate the average cost of electricity while using air-conditioning. If you find that central air-conditioning is not a must and you are able to manage having cool temperature in some parts of the house and not in all , window AC would be the ideal solution.
In case you are moving into an attached home or a condominium, check for any condition in your agreement that stipulates that you cannot use window ACs or restricts the use to certain numbers only. This does happen in cases where central air-conditioning and heating is not a part of the contract.
If you are buying air conditioners right away, make sure you consult a professional HVAC consultant to help you evaluate options and choose the right one for you.
