Keeping the home cool and comfortable in the summer is the goal of many homeowners. For some, this consists of window air conditioning units. These units provide cool air, but only to a limited area of the home. To fully cool a house, several window units must be used throughout the home. This could be incredibly expensive when considering the cost of the units and the energy used. Central air may be a better option.

Choosing Central Air

Central air conditioning can be a better option for most homes. It can provide consistent cooling that leaves every room in the home comfortable throughout the summer months. However, installing an A/C system can be a difficult task. There is a lot to consider before a homeowner can decide the best option for their home.

The first consideration is how much the installation will cost. If homeowners can budget this initial cost, cooling the home may become considerably cheaper than using window units. It is also important to find the right system that meets the needs of the home as well as determining whether the installation will be completed by professionals.

Determining Cost

There are a lot of factors that go into the cost of a new air conditioning system. The size of the house is probably the biggest determining factor. Homeowners need to find a unit that will provide the cooling power for the entire home. The larger the home, the higher the cost of the air conditioning unit will be.

The brand and its energy efficiency rating are also factors to consider when determining the price of the system. Some name-brand systems may be more expensive but may also be less likely to break down. A little research can help with this option. In addition, systems with a higher efficiency rating may be a bit pricier but will keep energy costs lower throughout the year.

Duct Installation

The ductwork in a home is also a factor to consider when trying to determine the cost. If the home has ducts for the heating system, this is not a problem at all. However, approximately 13% of homes do not have ductwork. This may require homeowners to consider installing new ductwork for their system. This can greatly increase the overall cost.

Mini Split

For homes that do not have preexisting ductwork, a mini-split system may be the better option. These systems can be installed in each room or zone of the house and attached to an outside unit. Often, the installation only requires a couple of holes in the wall for access to the outside condenser.

A mini-split system allows better control of the temperature in different areas of the home. It also can be used without ductwork and saves homeowners a lot of money when installing air conditioning where ducts cannot easily be installed.

Professional Installation vs DIY

Once the proper unit is determined for the household, the next step is figuring out the installation. Some mechanically inclined homeowners may choose to install the system themselves. This can save homeowners a bit of money in the overall cost of a new system.

Unfortunately, if a person is unfamiliar with the proper installation process of an air conditioning system, self-installation could be very problematic. Improper installation could cause the system to run less efficiently or even pose risks of damage to the system. In the end, taking a DIY approach may end up costing homeowners far more than having the system installed professionally.