Many oil-heated homes rely on hydronic heating systems, meaning that they also do not use HVAC ductwork. As such, when summer comes rolling in, homeowners that use heating oil frequently rely on window air conditioners rather than central cooling. This was once a logical choice when it concerns air conditioning for old houses. However, the advent of ductless mini-split air conditioners has definitely changed things. This is now considered a far better alternative. Thus, those who are ready to replace their current window air conditioning units can shift from window ACs to ductless mini-split cooling systems.
This article shares some of the drawbacks of using a window air conditioner to cool your home. It shows why ductless air conditioning systems are far preferable for cooling homes that lack HVAC ductwork.
Why Window AC Units Aren’t a Good Cooling Solution
- Why Window AC Units Aren’t a Good Cooling Solution
- Window Air Conditioners Are Bulky
- Cost Of Window Air Conditioners
- Window ACs Are Noisy
- Poor Cooling Performance Of Window Air Conditioners
- Your Indoor Air Quality Will Go Down With a Window AC
- Why Using Ductless Air Conditioners Is So Beneficial
- Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners Are Efficient
- Save Space With Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning Units
- Enjoy Quiet Operation With a Ductless Air Conditioner
- HVAC Zoning Is Made Possible With Ductless Air Conditioning
- Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality With Ductless Cooling
- Why Ductless ACs Are More Economical Than Forced Air Cooling Systems For Homes Without Ducts
- Conclusion
- Contact The Better Home Heat Council For Your Home Comfort Requirements
Following, we’re going to talk about the many drawbacks of cooling your home with a window air conditioner.
Window Air Conditioners Are Bulky
A central cooling system has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit that work together to provide the desired cooling. Window AC units combine both of these parts into just one unit. Thus, they are usually pretty bulky. The engineers who design these models have yet to achieve significant reductions in size even though decades have passed since window air conditioners were initially introduced. Window air conditioners always hang outside of the house by s a significant distance, and they destroy the facade. It’s far more than just unattractive. It can reduce the curb appeal of your home and lower its value.
Cost Of Window Air Conditioners
Remember that air conditioners use a lot of energy. Thus, you have to focus on more than just the upfront cost of any cooling equipment you intend to use in your home when shopping for a new unit. You have to think about how much you’re going to pay to use your air conditioner too. Sadly, window air conditioners are incredibly cheap initially. However, they are quite expensive to use because they are far from efficient. They use more energy for their overall size when compared to other air conditioner types.
Window ACs Are Noisy
Given that window air conditioners have all of their components in a single unit, you can hear them clearly moving through every single cycle. This can be incredibly frustrating and annoying if your window air conditioner is installed in your bedroom window. Loud bangs, clicks, and other sounds will keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. Your room might be cool enough, but you won’t be able to rest peacefully. The noise will worsen over time. If you are absolutely fed up with excess air conditioner noise, start looking for a better way to cool your home. Start looking at the impressive whisper-quiet operation of a ductless system.
Poor Cooling Performance Of Window Air Conditioners
Regardless of their bulk, the cooling capacity of air conditioners is unimpressive. You could buy the larger window air conditioner available, and it would still struggle to cool down any large-sized room. Window air conditioners are only meant to cool down small-sized or medium-sized rooms. For larger spaces, you’re going to need more than one window air conditioning unit.
Your Indoor Air Quality Will Go Down With a Window AC
Window air conditioners often develop gaps along their perimeters that allow the outside air to seep in. Outside air can carry a number of particulates and pollutants that can exacerbate existing respiratory problems and cause allergy attacks. Window air conditioners with substandard designs aren’t likely to filter air well, so that even the air moving through them still has quite a bit of pollutants when it’s released. Moreover, window air conditioners are known for creating ideal conditions for bacteria and mold to thrive, which will diminish the indoor air quality in your home even further.
Why Using Ductless Air Conditioners Is So Beneficial
Now that we’ve gone over some of the many drawbacks of using a window air conditioner in your home let’s consider one of the top alternatives and the numerous reasons for considering it.
Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners Are Efficient
When you compare the efficiency ratings for window ACs and ductless mini-split air conditioners, you will find that ductless cooling systems are far more effective at converting energy into cooling power. Although ductless air conditioners have a higher initial price, the cost of using your AC system will be lower from month to month. As time goes by, the cumulative savings will become impressive.
Save Space With Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning Units
Ductless air conditioners have an outside unit and indoor air handlers. Indoor air handlers are slim and narrow, and they can be placed just about anywhere. They don’t block your window or keep natural light from flowing into the home. These can be installed high on the wall so that they don’t diminish indoor aesthetics.
Enjoy Quiet Operation With a Ductless Air Conditioner
For ductless air conditioners, many of the components that generate a lot of noise are located outside. You won’t be able to hear them given that they’ll be blocked by the exterior wall’s insulating effect. You will only hear the gentle hum of your indoor air handler. This humming sound is hardly noticeable and thus, you can sleep soundly during the night and work all day long without any major distractions from your AC.
HVAC Zoning Is Made Possible With Ductless Air Conditioning
When you have a ductless air conditioning system, you can divide your home up into HVAC zones so that every household resident can enjoy greater comfort as they won’t have to contend with a fixed, uniform temperature. Occupants in different zones or rooms can alter the thermostat setting to match their preferences. If rooms or zones or unoccupied, air conditioning in these areas can be turned off entirely.
Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality With Ductless Cooling
There aren’t dirty HVAC ducts to diminish the quality of the indoor air. These air conditioners have advanced, multi-filtration systems that are highly effective at capturing and collecting allergens and pollutants. This means that you’ll have a healthier living environment all around.
Why Ductless ACs Are More Economical Than Forced Air Cooling Systems For Homes Without Ducts
Homes that rely on hydronic heating have rarely been designed with HVAC ducting. Thus, adding a forced-air air conditioning system will require the post-construction installation of HVAC ductwork throughout the building. You might have to modify ceilings or walls to do this. This is a long, costly, and labor-intensive effort. Conversely, ductless mini-splits can be installed in homes without major building modifications. They only need a few simple connections between their outdoor units and their indoor units. Installing ductless air conditioning in a home is non-disruptive, quick, and cost-effective.
Conclusion
Window air conditioners represent outdated and inefficient technology that comes with numerous drawbacks. There are currently far better alternatives available and consumers should think about updating their cooling equipment for improved air quality, comfort, and efficiency. Ductless air conditioning systems tick all of the most important boxes while allowing for an affordable and easy installation process. Contact an HVAC company near you today to get help in finding the right ductless air conditioner for your home.
Contact The Better Home Heat Council For Your Home Comfort Requirements
The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is a local association that aims to help homeowners with everything that has to do with fuel oil heat. We provide knowledge on the economic and efficient use of heating oil. Also, we assist people in identifying and solving energy efficiency issues in their homes or office. We can help local residents find an effective and affordable path to ensure that their living areas become more efficient and cost-effective.
The BHHC also supports heating oil delivery service companies that offer services, products, and solutions to homeowners in the Lehigh Valley. If you are searching for a superior full-service home heating oil delivery company near you, click here. Rest assured that most of the fuel oil delivery service companies in our system also provide HVAC services, free energy consultations, and more! Get started – contact us today by clicking the button below.
For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.