Deciding Between Portable and Central Air Conditioners

Air conditioning has become a common appliance in homes across the world. Some people use portable or window units while others prefer the convenience and efficiency of central air conditioners. Deciding on which type to use can be a quandary but there are a few things that you can consider that will help you decide.

You must determine the size of the area you want to cool. Most small areas such as a studio apartment or a single room can be cooled sufficiently with a portable unit. These units come in different sizes and can be used for several rooms depending on the size you choose. Larger units require your outlet to be wired for 220v while smaller ones use 110v.

Window units are quite small and are only intended for cooling small areas such as a bedroom or family room. They generally sit in a window or a hole in the wall that was cut specifically for the unit. Unless the area around the air conditioner is sealed with either insulated tape or other sealers, hot air usually seeps in around it and causes it to be less sufficient.

A central unit is designed to operate in conjunction with a furnace or heat pump. It typically pulls in the warm air from your home and cools it so that cool air blows back into the living space. They are usually located outdoors and wired directly to your fuse box or on a separate breaker. Costs associated with installing one of these units is generally much more costly than a portable unit.

When installing a large central air unit, the installer must ensure that your furnace or heat pump is sufficient enough to handle the additional workings. If it is not sufficient you may have to purchase one that is. This may mean additional costs so it is important to make sure your furnace is in good working condition and it can support the additional stress placed on it by the unit.

After initial installation and purchase a central unit costs less than a portable one. Each type of air conditioner is rated according to the BTU it carries. These are British Thermal Units and the higher the BTU the more efficient they are at cooling larger areas. Most portable units are low BTU units where central air offers very high cooling.

Running your central unit can increase electric costs initially but after the home is sufficiently cooled, it does not have to work as hard at keeping it cool. If your home is outfitted with a heat pump, your electric costs can be cut drastically. These actually use the hot air in your home and re-circulate it by cooling it and blowing it back into your home.

Choosing central air conditioners over portable or window units can keep you comfortable all summer without the worry of overworking it. Smaller units can be overworked and cause them to overheat and shut down. If you want to cool your entire home, a central unit is the only way to go.