Deciding Whether to Purchase Room or Central AC

Even though summer is nearly over, deciding what kind of air conditioning system you need is still incredibly important. While there are still a few weeks left of the summer, there are still those scorching, early fall days where you wish you upgraded your AC system sooner. However, deciding what kind of system you need can be a frustrating task – mainly because there are so many things to consider. When you are faced with choosing between a room AC system or a central AC system, the decision process can be even tougher. Here are some ways to help you decide whether you should purchase a room or central AC system.

First, it is important to take a look at what each system is – and what each system does. A room AC is just that – it cools and conditions the air of a single room. If you live in a one bedroom apartment, or a studio apartment, you might have one or two room AC units – usually embedded into one of the windows. If you live in an especially warm region, having this type of unit could possibly be your only saving grace from the scorching hot summer sun.

A central air system, on the other hand, is a little more intensive. A central air system requires a specialized air conditioning unit to be installed in the home – usually in the basement or a crawlspace. In fact, sealed crawlspace systems can be some of the best and most efficient types of central air systems. The air conditioning unit then connects to a series of ducts that carry the cool air throughout the entire home. Oftentimes, you will have a thermostat that is digitized and that allows you to control the temperature of the home from a single interface.

Both room AC units and central AC units have their unique advantages and disadvantages. A room AC unit is drastically cheaper than a central air conditioning system. On average, a room AC system will only set you back a couple of hundred dollars, while a central air conditioning system will set you back a couple of thousand of dollars. Also, a central air conditioning system requires much more intensive construction and installation, which could tack on extra charges. A room AC system can usually be installed very easily and without help, but will require long term maintenance, which could, over time, become quite costly.

Lastly, if you want to make a final decision, you have to look at which option will be best for your current needs. If you are renting a home and have a limited budget, you might want to stick with a room AC unit, which is much less of an investment and you can bring it with you when you leave. A room AC unit is also great if you have a limited amount of space. On the other side of the coin, a central AC system is perfect if you have a larger home, or if you own your own home. At the end of the day, you have to decide which investment is the smartest for you.