What Type Of Air Conditioning For Your Home?

Central air-conditioning is a wonderful feature found in most new homes across the nation. Even in areas of the country where hot days are few and far between, many homeowners elect to include central air with their central air conditioners heat as insurance for those occasional hot days.

For some homeowners, central air conditioning could be more costly than what it is worth. Especially in areas of the country where utility costs are high and the need to cool the entire house is low. In addition, central air conditioning units must be maintained regularly, another cost to be factored in.

There are two alternatives to central cooling which are worth considering: window units and portable units.

Window units are cheap, starting at about $125 for a unit capable of producing 5000 BTUs. A BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound (0.45 kg) of water 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.56 degrees Celsius). Specifically, 1 BTU equals 1,055 joules. In heating and cooling terms, 1 “ton” equals 12,000 BTU.

A portable unit is more expensive, but as the name implies it can be moved from room to room. In some homes, placing a unit in a window is dangerous or too difficult for one person to handle. With a portable air-conditioner, a room can be cooled as the unit works patiently from one corner of the room. The smallest portable units (with a BTU rating of 7000) start at around $325.

For assistance in choosing the right air conditioner for your home, the two articles in the Further Reading section which follows can help you find the type of unit right for your needs.