Central Air Conditioning

When it comes to choosing an air conditioning system for your home, you have two options: window units or a ducted central air conditioning unit. The former is a good choice for smaller homes, apartments and condos, while the latter makes more sense in larger homes or in households that plan to stay in their current homes for many years.

Central AC systems are made up of five main components: the thermostat, an outdoor unit (which holds a fan, condenser coil and compressor), an indoor unit (which has a fan and evaporator coil), copper tubes that connect the indoor and outdoor units, and ductwork throughout the house. The ductwork is designed to distribute the air conditioning from both the indoor and outdoor unit.

The advantage of central air is even cooling throughout the house, with no hot or cold spots. It also provides more effective filtration, which helps to reduce airborne allergens such as pollen, dust and pet dander. And unlike room-by-room cooling, a central air system can operate all year round, making it less expensive to heat and cool your entire home.

Central Air Conditioning Vs Window Units

Window units, on the other hand, are designed to cool one specific room at a time. They are more expensive to run than a central air system, and they use more electricity, especially when you leave them on all night. They are also often a pain to install and require frequent maintenance, including removing and reinstalling them each summer.

In addition, window air conditioners don’t filter the air as well as central air systems, so they can still blow a lot of allergens into your home. This is particularly problematic for people with asthma or allergies.

Another drawback of window air conditioning is that it only cools a small area of your home, meaning you’ll have to keep swapping in and out different units as the seasons change.

A big benefit of central air is that it can be installed by a professional, so you can feel confident that it’s properly installed and set up for optimal performance. Also, central air units are durable and serviceable, so if something breaks down, you can get it fixed by an HVAC technician rather than having to replace it completely like with a window unit.

The biggest disadvantage of central air is the upfront cost. A whole-house system can easily run $10,000, and that doesn’t include installation. However, the long-term benefits outweigh this initial expense, so it can make more financial sense in the long run.

Compared to the cost of buying and maintaining multiple window air conditioners, a central system can be a smart investment for any homeowner or apartment dweller. But the final decision will come down to your needs and budget. If you need help deciding which option is best for you, contact us today at JPS Furnace and Air Conditioning. We offer top-of-the-line home comfort solutions in Calgary and surrounding areas.