If you have been using a window air conditioner to cool your home, you may wonder when to upgrade to a central AC unit. These internal AC systems offer many benefits over a window AC, including increased cooling, quieter operation, and greater energy efficiency.
By switching to central AC, you can enjoy a more effective cooling system that will help keep your home comfortable all summer. Here are five signs that it may be time to call an HVAC professional for an upgrade.
1. Your Window Unit Is More Than 10 Years Old
The average life span of a window air conditioner is 8-10 years. You may need to choose a new unit once your air conditioner has aged past that time span.
While you may feel tempted to change to a newer window AC unit if your current one has started to age, why not take this opportunity to install a central AC system instead? Internal AC systems can be more costly up front. But, you will likely save, in the long run, thanks to their increased efficiency. Along with this advantage, interior air conditioners last an average of 15 and 20 years, so you won’t have to worry about another replacement anytime soon.
2. You’re Not Getting the Cooling Power You Need
Sometimes, an external AC unit just won’t cut it. If your unit isn’t powerful enough to cool your entire home, or if it is struggling to keep up with the heat, you may be better off with central AC.
The design of central AC systems causes them to be more effective at cooling large spaces. With one of these in your home, you can rest assured that your entire home will be comfortable all summer long. You will enjoy consistent performance instead of the sporadic cooling that window units often provide.
3. Your Energy Bills Are Out of Control
Window AC units use significantly more energy to cool a space than internal air conditioning. After using one, you may notice an increase in your energy bills. When this occurs, you can get a central AC installed and start saving more.
While these inner cooling systems may use more energy than ceiling fans or portable fans, they are still much more efficient than outer units. By switching to an interior AC, you can keep your home cool without breaking the bank when your energy bill comes around once a month.
4. The Noise Is Driving You Crazy
Window air conditioners can be quite loud, especially when they run at full power. This noise would be annoying to anyone, but it can be downright disruptive if you have small children, work from home, or are a light sleeper.
If the noise from your window AC unit keeps you up at night or prevents you from focusing during the day, it may be time to upgrade to central AC. These are much quieter and cool your home without the constant rattling and humming of an external unit.
5. You Are Struggling With Allergies or Asthma
Central AC may be a better option if you or someone in your household struggles with allergies or asthma. Window air conditioners can circulate dust and other allergens throughout your home and trigger allergies or asthma.
Both have filters that help remove allergens from the air. Yet, having an inner cooling system can filter throughout your whole household, so you can breathe easy knowing that your home’s air is clean and allergen-free.
Make the Switch Today
If any of these signs resonate, enough is enough. Central AC is a vast improvement over external units in almost every way from energy efficiency to noise levels. After changing to central air conditioning, you will wonder how you ever went without it.
When you turn to Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling, Inc., we can help you find the perfect central AC system for your Illinois home. We will work with you to find a unit that fits your budget and your needs, and we will even handle the installation process for you.
Since 1977, our family-owned and -operated HVAC business has provided exceptional heating and cooling services to Grove-area homeowners just like you. From furnace repair and installation to preventative AC maintenance, we are here for all of your indoor comfort needs. We want to help you keep your home comfortable all year long, so contact us today to schedule an appointment.
