What Air Conditioning System is Best?
With all the different options, sizes, and styles when it comes to air conditioning, there are a few things you need to consider.
Key Takeaways
The best unit for your living situation will depend on your budget, size of the space you want conditioned, and availability of usable walls, ceilings, and windows.
We recommend ducted air conditioning as the most convenient, efficient option for homes with ceiling cavities big enough for installation.
A Split System Unit is the most common option and can efficiently cool the space it has been installed in. Moving that air across different parts of a building or home may prove difficult, and the installation of more units in different rooms may result in better conditioning.
When choosing between a ducted, split system, or a window/portable AC unit, there are a number of key factors involved. For those on a budget, a window or portable AC unit is easy to install and can cool a small room effectively. These units are less efficient in the long run and are typically noisier.
A Split System unit contains most of the noise to the outside unit, keeping things quiet and comfortable indoors. These units cost more than a portable or window unit and require professional installation, adding to the cost. Split system units are also more energy efficient than portable and window units, but are still limited in their ability to cool or warm an entire home on one unit alone. You may want to consider installing several units in key positions around the house.
Finally, we recommend ducted air conditioning for homes that have a ceiling cavity large enough to facilitate the ducts that cool or warm your home. While costing more on the front end, this is the most efficient way to set the temperature for your entire home or building.
