Finding the Right A/C System for Your Home

Finding the Right A/C System for Your Home

Choosing the right type of AC unit for your home is among the most significant decisions you will make to keep your home comfortable. As a new homeowner, you likely are in a dilemma about which AC unit to go for. There’s no need to worry because we at Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing have your back. We have been attending to the heating and cooling needs of Worthington, Ohio, residents, and those living in the surrounding areas since 1948. Here is our expert advice on the eight types of AC units that you can choose for your home.

Central Air Conditioner

A central air conditioner is designed to serve large homes with multiple rooms. It relies on a ducted system whereby ducts are split throughout your home to direct air to the different rooms in your home. Moreover, it has two primary units: an outdoor unit that encompasses the compressor and condenser and an indoor unit comprising the air handler and evaporator coils.

Here are the advantages of a central AC:

  • Cools All the Rooms Within a Large Home at Once
  • Works to Reduce the Humidity Inside the House

Here are the disadvantages of a central AC:

  • Can Lead to High Electricity Bills Due to Its High Energy Consumption
  • Unit May Lose Its Effectiveness and Efficiency if There’s an Issue With the Air Ducts
  • Outdoor Unit Can Rob Your Backyard of Some of Its Appeal

Ductless Mini-Split

As the name suggests, a ductless mini-split air conditioner does not need ductwork in your home and is excellent for heating a small portion of a home. The AC is made up of an outdoor unit comprising a condenser and compressor connected to one or more indoor units containing air blowers and are typically wall-mounted.

These are the pros of ductless mini-splits:

  • Easy to Install As There Is No Need for Ductwork
  • Allows the Temperature of Each Room to Be Controlled Independently

There are the cons of ductless mini-splits:

  • One Ductless Mini-Split Unit Can’t Work on a Large Home As Perfectly
  • The Wall Mounting of the Units Can Take Away Some Flair From Your Home

Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioners are available in different sizes and are suitable for regulating the temperature within a small area or single room. Window ACs are arguably the most common air conditioners, and they have all their components enclosed in a single casing. It typically features an easily removable air filter for easy cleaning, and while some modern units have very intuitive remotes.

The upsides of window ACs:

  • Effortless Installation by Mounting on the Window
  • Easy Maintenance Due to Removable Air Filter
  • More Affordable to Purchase and Run

The downsides of window ACs:

  • Ruin the Beauty of Your House From Outside
  • Usually Noisy During Operation
  • Obscure Your Window View From Inside the House

Portable Air Conditioner

Portable ACs work somewhat similarly to window ACs as they also have all their components enclosed in one casing. However, the former can easily be moved from room to room and is best places next to a window where it can exhaust air through its funnel. Some portable ACs have a single hose for exhausting and taking in air, while others have a dual hose, each with a dedicated purpose. These ACs can work well if you are looking for a single AC unit to serve your entire home.

The advantages of portable ACs:

  • A Straightforward Set-Up Process
  • Can Effortlessly Be Set in Any Room Within a Home
  • No Need for Permanent Installation
  • Quick Storage When Not Needed

The disadvantages of portable ACs:

  • Some Units Noisy When Operating
  • Can Have Difficulties Regulating Temperatures in Large Rooms
  • Window Opening for the Hose Can Let Bugs Into Your Home

Floor-Mounted Air Conditioner

Floor-mounted ACs are designed to work like ductless mini-split ACs for the floor. They can be set up on a wall up to 6 inches from the ground and connected to an outdoor unit through holes. Their location allows for easy access to the air filters and is perfect for homes with oddly shaped walls or walls built of fragile materials like glass. Individuals with respiratory issues may prefer floor-mounted ACs as they maintain top-notch air quality within a home.

The pros of floor-mounted ACs:

  • Ease of Access Makes It Perfect for the Elderly or Persons Living With Disabilities
  • Easy to Install
  • Works Well for Small Rooms As It Requires Minimal Space

The cons of floor-mounted ACs:

  • Not Suitable for Large Rooms
  • Obstacles Like Furniture Can Compromise Its Functionality

Smart Air Conditioner

Smart air conditioners can be either window ACs, portable ACs, or mini-split ACs with IoT capabilities. This means that they can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi and have a dedicated app or web interface for controlling the unit’s functionality remotely. However, you can get a traditional AC and accessorize it with a smart AC controller to get the same functionality as smart ACs at a fraction of the expense.

The upsides of smart ACs:

  • Excellent for Energy Efficiency
  • Comes Bundled With Numerous Features for Unrivaled Convenience

The downsides of smart ACs:

  • Notably More Expensive Than Conventional ACs
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity Needed to Take Advantage of Its Outstanding Features

Geothermal Air Conditioner

Geothermal air conditioning is relatively new and requires a network of pipes to be laid roughly 6 feet underground. The pipes carry water that is heated or cooled by the ground’s natural temperature, which remains consistent throughout the years despite the season.

The benefits of geothermal ACs:

  • Remarkably Energy Efficient
  • Last Longer Than Other AC Units

The downsides of geothermal ACs:

  • Can Be Costly to Set Up
  • Require Deep Ground Excavation, Which Can Be Impossible in Rocky Locations

Dual Fuel/Hybrid Air Conditioner

A hybrid AC utilizes a gas furnace and an electrical source air-source heat pump to provide efficient and cost-effective heating and cooling to a home. The AC unit can automatically switch to either using electricity or burning fuel for temperature regulation, and you can also do the switching manually.

The advantages of dual fuel ACs:

  • Significantly Reduce the Cost of Utility Bills
  • Have Minimal Carbon Footprints

The disadvantage of hybrid ACs:

  • Can Be Costly to Set Up

After some time, you will break even on your carbon footprint savings

Which Type of AC Unit Should You Choose?

Now that you understand the intricacies of each type of AC unit, it’s time for you to make a decision. Here are six questions to ask yourself to help you make the best choice for your home:

  • How Big Is Your AC Budget?
  • How Large Is Your Home?
  • Are You Okay With Heating or Cooling One Room at a Time?
  • Do You Want to Have Different Temperatures in Different Rooms?
  • Are Manufacturer or Technician Installation Warranties Available?
  • What Energy-Saving Features Does the AC Unit Offer?

Why Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Is Your Bets AC Technician Option

No matter the type of AC unit you are considering installing in your home, we at Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing should be your first choice. In the 70 years that we have been operating, we have come to the aid of tens of thousands of clients will all kinds of AC needs; therefore, our team has vast experience to offer you exceptional services. Our goal is to help you maximize the comfort of your home.

At Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we have desirable special financing options. You can get 0% interest financing for buying a complete system, payable in 25 months. Moreover, we have great discounts, and you can save up to $75 for any purchase and installation you get from us. Call us today for any heating, cooling, or any other AC-related services, and we will attend to you immediately.

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