Comparing the Benefits of Window Units and HVAC Systems
There isn’t one specific type of air conditioner that’s perfect for every home. Every household is unique, every homeowner has different priorities, and there are numerous factors that must be considered. For most people, when shopping for a new AC unit, the decision comes down to either a window AC unit or an HVAC system.
Window units are smaller systems designed to cool down just one room, so several of them are usually required for full-home cooling. Alternatively, HVAC systems, such as central air units and heat pumps, are larger, more complex, and will cool down your entire home.
Comparing the Initial Costs
If you’re working with a limited budget, the initial costs of a window unit will be much more attractive than those of an HVAC system. With both kinds of AC units, the specifications of the appliance will determine the price. On average, though, a window unit will cost you between $100 and $1,000, and an HVAC system will cost you between $3,000 and $7,000. So, even if you have to purchase three or four window units to cool your entire household, it may still be less expensive than buying an HVAC system.
Going the window unit route will save you money on installation as well. Window units are very straightforward to install and don’t require any special tools or expertise, so you should be able to handle the task yourself. On the other hand, HVAC systems always require professional installation, which usually costs at least $300 or $400.
Comparing the Energy Efficiency
Energy usage is another major factor to consider when selecting an AC unit. When the toasty summer arrives in Frederick, MD, your cooling system will be working overtime to keep you comfortable. With an efficient appliance, you’ll be spending far less on your monthly electricity bills than you would with an inefficient one. This is another category in which window units come out ahead.
Once again, the specifics vary, but the majority of window AC units need to use between 500 and 1,400 watts of electricity for every hour that they run. Compare that to the average HVAC system, which requires upwards of 3,500 watts per hour. This means that over the course of one summer, running an HVAC system may cost you anywhere from three to seven times more money than running a window unit. Of course, if you have multiple window units installed throughout your home, operating them simultaneously will significantly increase the amount of electricity used.
Comparing the Potential Repair Costs
Typically, air conditioning repairs can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars. However, with a window unit, the cost will usually be on the lower end of that range, whereas HVAC systems tend to be pretty expensive to repair.
When looking at potential repair costs, though, you also have to consider the cost of replacing each system. Since HVAC units cost several thousand dollars to replace, you don’t always have much choice when a pricey repair does come up. Even if it will cost $1,500 to get your AC unit running again, that’s still much cheaper than spending $4,000 on a brand-new unit. Since window units are so much cheaper to replace, you have more flexibility if an expensive repair becomes necessary.
Comparing the Maintenance Costs
Window units, for the most part, don’t require professional tune-ups to remain healthy and efficient. As long as you keep up with a few routine cleaning tasks, your appliance should be in good shape. Just remember to clean the air filter, wipe down the coils and fins, and empty the drainage pan. For HVAC systems, though, professional maintenance is a necessity to keep the unit running smoothly. At Weather Masters Corp., we can conduct these tune-ups for an affordable price, but the cost of the service will still add up to a decent sum over the appliance’s lifespan.
We at Weather Masters Corp. are proud to be a trusted heating and cooling service provider for the greater Frederick area. We first opened in 2016 with the goal of faithfully serving homeowners and businesses in our community. We’re fully licensed and insured, and we’ve been showcased as one of the best HVAC service providers on HomeAdvisor. In addition to HVAC system installation, service, and maintenance, we offer boiler, heat pump, and thermostat installation and repair. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, just give us a call at Weather Masters Corp. now.
