Indoor temperatures can fluctuate a lot, especially here in Texas. Lucky for us, we’ve got the beauty of air conditioning right at our fingertips to give us year-round comfortable temperatures completely within our control. For a Texan, having air conditioning is a no-contest!
When mulling over air conditioners, there are plenty of options to choose from. The market is wide with different choices surrounding efficiency, environmental friendliness, appearance, ease of use, etc. But–you need an air conditioner, and you need it now! And easy, too! What are your options?
How to determine which is right for you
Choosing the right air conditioner isn’t necessarily an easy task. There are many different factors that need to be considered when on the market for a new air conditioner, which includes:
Size of the home
Cost of installation
Cost of operation
Temperature and humidity levels desired
Energy efficiency
Being able to accurately answer these questions will get you halfway to your perfect air conditioner. Once you’ve got those questions answered, it’s time to explore your options!
Options
Portable air conditioners
These are exactly what they sound like—air conditioners, but portable! These are actually quite similar to window units in theory, except for the fact that they sit on the floor instead of being installed into a window. These act just as an air conditioner would: they suck up the air and remove the heat and humidity and return drier and cooler air back into the room. The hot, humid air is expelled out a window via an exhaust hose, which requires a connection to a window. These can be great if you are tight on options, as there are plenty of good quality models that can really help cool a room, and fast.
One downside of portable air conditioners is the noise. They are full machines, after all, and they tend to make quite a bit of noise, making them more disruptive than other options. Likewise, there are also plenty of lower-grade portable air conditioners on the market that work haphazardly and don’t deliver the quality that they promise–so it’s very important to do your research before settling on one. Portable air conditioners can be set up yourself, saving on installation!
Window units
Designed to nest nicely into a window, window unit air conditioners can be a godsend. Finding a good window unit isn’t a difficult task, as there are plenty of quality options on the market. They are small but powerful, as well as relatively inexpensive considering the difference that they can make in such a short amount of time. Likewise, window units are very efficient, especially if you are using them for a small space. Since they can be so powerful and are meant for smaller spaces, they will use less energy to deliver the same results as other, less efficient options.
It’s important to note that a window unit’s efficiency is based on the idea that you will be cooling a single room or space, not an entire home. If looking to install in a bigger home, window units could actually end up costing more as you would need several to keep an entire home at optimal temperatures. Window units should also be installed by a professional to make sure that units aren’t at risk for falling as well as securing your window itself. Window unit installs are quick and fairly inexpensive, ranging from $150-$300.
Ductless Mini-Split
These systems give you all the luxury of central air, without the ducts, which can be an expensive install. Ductless mini-split systems run very similarly to central air, just without all the ductwork. They utilize outdoor compressors, much like central air, and the indoor wall-mounted evaporation coil. This is a great option if you are looking to add air conditioning to a home without ductwork that cannot be modified. Ductless mini-systems are quite an energy efficient and do a great job at cooling individual rooms in a home.
However, ductless mini-systems do come with an installation fee, which can range anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the size of the home.
Central Air Conditioning
This option will always reign supreme in that it is the most efficient and holistic way to keep your home’s temperature regulated. The ductwork allows the conditioned air to course through the veins of your home, leaving every room perfectly conditioned. However, you may have guessed that central air is by far the most expensive to install.
Installation costs can vary dramatically, especially considering if you have existing ductwork or not. With existing ductwork, installation is much simpler, quicker, and cheaper, ranging anywhere from $3,000-$5,000. However, if no ductwork exists, installation is longer, more expensive, and more difficult, ranging anywhere from $8,000-$15,000.
Need help with your AC?
Need some pointers in deciding which option is the best for you? Having trouble with existing AC? Please do not hesitate to call us here at Tri-Point Refrigeration. We are committed to providing our clients with the utmost quality of service while giving your AC the TLC it deserves.
We’re excited to help you along the way, and with regular servicing, we can keep your equipment running smoothly and healthily, while also extending the reach of your dollar.
For a direct line to any of our employees ready on the line to help you, please call…(512) 651-4565 for our Austin, Texas community (806) 686-0050 for our Lubbock, Texas community. Or check out our website at https://www.tripointrefrigeration.com
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