Summers in Montreal are only getting hotter, and as a homeowner, you have a few options on the market to help you keep things cool. Central air conditioning is a popular option with newer developments, but many homes still opt for a trusty window AC unit. But which one is more effective and cost-efficient in the long run? Let’s dive in.
What is central air conditioning?
Central air conditioning is a whole-house system that cools your rooms via a network of ducts. This typically involves a unit outside with a condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit with a blower fan and evaporator.
Central air conditioning systems circulate cool air through your home with a network of supply and return ducts, which help you maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity as the seasons shift and change.
What is an AC unit?
A window air conditioning unit, or AC unit, is a system that cools the air in a building by removing moisture and humidity and transferring it outside. Window units are installed separately in each room that needs to be cooled, instead of having the intricate ductwork needed for central air.
Window AC units do not connect with your home’s central HVAC system and work separately from a furnace. Window units can be installed in the spring as the weather warms up, and removed in the fall before Montreal’s cold winter rolls in.
How central air and AC units compare
1. Energy use and energy efficiency
Central air: Central air is known to be more energy efficient than a standalone unit, because it can have smart thermostats operating it at key times, it runs on variable speed motors, and there are specialized zoning controls. This customized usage means you’re only using your AC when you really need it, instead of having it on in every room constantly.
Window AC: Window AC units can also be efficient, as it has high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings. In the months when it’s primarily hot each day, however, they can use a great deal of energy running 24/7.
2. Home comfort and convenience
Central air: Central air systems are connected to your larger HVAC system, meaning you get more consistent heating and cooling comfort all year round. Adjusting the heating and cooling is easier, and in many cases, can be done on a schedule or remotely. In terms of comfort and convenience, central air wins, hands down.
Window AC: Window AC units are great at providing comfort on hot days, but they require manual programming and adjustment at the unit. Since they are also situated in your window, it can be difficult to cool hallways, nooks, and other small areas, as the cool air is more concentrated. It gets the job done in a pinch, but isn’t as comfortable or convenient as central air.
3. Space in your home
Central air: Central air systems, because they are connected to your HVAC, take up a little more room in your home. Equipment like your heat pump or furnace, the ductwork, and the indoor and outdoor units can take up your utility closets and some of your outside space.
Window AC: Window AC units, on the other hand, sit nicely in your window and don’t take up much space in the cold months of the year. They are easy to take out and install for the months that you need them.
4. Cost
Central air: Installing an entire HVAC system can be more costly upfront, as it involves far more components than just a window unit. That being said, if you keep up with maintenance and use your HVAC system over multiple decades, it could save you money in energy bills and increase your home’s value.
Window AC: A standalone window unit is much cheaper upfront, because installation and equipment are as simple as setting up one component and plugging it in. Repairs are also cheaper, but window units break down faster and use up more energy long term.
At Allard & Émond, we’ve got home comfort covered
Whether you need an installation, maintenance, a repair, or a combination, we’re happy to help at Allard & Émond. We’ve been trusted by the greater Montreal area for over 40 years, and our team of expert technicians is up to speed on the latest and greatest for heating and cooling in your home.
Contact the team today for a quote, and feel just how comfortable your home can be in the summer.