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Selecting An Air Conditioner For Home: Single Room Vs Central Air
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Published: August 21, 2007
The sun is shining brightly and the temperature outside is nearing 100 degrees. However it is nice and comfortable in the home because of the air conditioner that has long been providing cool air for years. Unfortunately, something totally unexpected happens. The trusted air conditioner stops working, and a new cooling system is needed immediately.
The decision then comes whether to purchase a single room air conditioner that will provide cooling relief in one room or shop for a central air system that will chill your entire home.
When shopping for air conditioners, the type of air conditioners, the area that needs to be cooled, and the size of the unit are primary considerations for selection. Central air and single room air conditioners are the two main types of air conditioners. If one or two rooms need air, single room air conditioners are purchased. On the other hand, if larger quarters need to be chilled, central air is the system of choice. The size of the unit purchased depends largely on the size of the area.
Central air, also called forced air, is the preferred cooling system for large spacious houses, apartments, condos and townhouses. Central air uses one system to cool the entire house through vents and ducts. The unique feature of this system is it has a heat pump normally used to heat the house during winter months. Because of the nature and complexity of the system, installation must be completed by a certified air conditioning specialist. Expect to spend at least $2000 on the system, regardless of size. This rate includes equipment and installation.
Another factor that contributes to the cost of central air conditioners is a high efficiency rating. A standard set forth by the United States Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency, high efficiency air conditioners are approximately 8% more efficient than other systems. Thus, these air conditioners are more expensive because they cost less to operate. Helping with the current global warming and pollution issues are other benefits of high efficiency central air conditioners.
Single room air conditioners are the better selection for smaller apartments, studios and box-sized houses, but still require research and work. Prior to purchasing the unit, the room where the air conditioner will be used needs to be selected and measured. Because single room air conditioners are smaller units, they are designed to fit in the window of the room. Therefore, the dimensions of the room need to be precise to determine the size of the air conditioner. The air conditioner must be suitable for the living space; otherwise, it will not work correctly. It is recommended to place single room air conditioners in the room that allows maximum circulation. Even though single room air conditioners are made for one space, they can effectively cool two rooms.
The cost of these units ranges from $100 up to $1000 depending on the size of the unit, when it is purchased, and where it is purchased. The smaller price tag is associated with the size of the unit as well of the cost of the unit on sale, purchased off season or during a closeout. Reliable name brands are recommended to ensure more a close match in size. Unlike central air systems, single room systems weigh a little over 100 pounds and can be easily installed in standard sized windows. While it is not necessary to have a professional install small units, assistance is needed for larger units.
The general rule of purchasing central air and single room air conditioners is bigger is not always better. Therefore, when shopping for an air conditioner best suited for home needs, the selection should be based on the type of air conditioners, the area that needs to be cooled, and the size of the unit. Plan before you purchase.
Sources:
"Air Conditioner Buying Guide." AJ Madison. 2007. 17 August 2007. http://www.ajmadison.com/phpdocs/ajtest/a_c_buying _guide.php.
"How to Select an Air Conditioner." Heating and Cooling Hardware Store. 2006. 17 August 2007. http://heating-and-cooling.hardwarestore.com/learn ing/how-to-select-an-air-conditioner.aspx.
Vandervort, Don. "Air Conditioner Buying Guide." Home Tips. 2007. 2007. http://hometips.com/cs-protected/guides.aircond.ht ml.
"Central Air Conditioners." Energy Star. 2007. 17 August 2007. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cac.pr_centr al_ac.
Related Articles
When shopping for air conditioners, the type of air conditioners, the area that needs to be cooled, and the size of the unit are primary considerations for selection. Central air and single room air conditioners are the two main types of air conditioners. If one or two rooms need air, single room air conditioners are purchased. On the other hand, if larger quarters need to be chilled, central air is the system of choice. The size of the unit purchased depends largely on the size of the area.
Central air, also called forced air, is the preferred cooling system for large spacious houses, apartments, condos and townhouses. Central air uses one system to cool the entire house through vents and ducts. The unique feature of this system is it has a heat pump normally used to heat the house during winter months. Because of the nature and complexity of the system, installation must be completed by a certified air conditioning specialist. Expect to spend at least $2000 on the system, regardless of size. This rate includes equipment and installation.
Another factor that contributes to the cost of central air conditioners is a high efficiency rating. A standard set forth by the United States Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency, high efficiency air conditioners are approximately 8% more efficient than other systems. Thus, these air conditioners are more expensive because they cost less to operate. Helping with the current global warming and pollution issues are other benefits of high efficiency central air conditioners.
Single room air conditioners are the better selection for smaller apartments, studios and box-sized houses, but still require research and work. Prior to purchasing the unit, the room where the air conditioner will be used needs to be selected and measured. Because single room air conditioners are smaller units, they are designed to fit in the window of the room. Therefore, the dimensions of the room need to be precise to determine the size of the air conditioner. The air conditioner must be suitable for the living space; otherwise, it will not work correctly. It is recommended to place single room air conditioners in the room that allows maximum circulation. Even though single room air conditioners are made for one space, they can effectively cool two rooms.
The cost of these units ranges from $100 up to $1000 depending on the size of the unit, when it is purchased, and where it is purchased. The smaller price tag is associated with the size of the unit as well of the cost of the unit on sale, purchased off season or during a closeout. Reliable name brands are recommended to ensure more a close match in size. Unlike central air systems, single room systems weigh a little over 100 pounds and can be easily installed in standard sized windows. While it is not necessary to have a professional install small units, assistance is needed for larger units.
The general rule of purchasing central air and single room air conditioners is bigger is not always better. Therefore, when shopping for an air conditioner best suited for home needs, the selection should be based on the type of air conditioners, the area that needs to be cooled, and the size of the unit. Plan before you purchase.
Sources:
"Air Conditioner Buying Guide." AJ Madison. 2007. 17 August 2007. http://www.ajmadison.com/phpdocs/ajtest/a_c_buying _guide.php.
"How to Select an Air Conditioner." Heating and Cooling Hardware Store. 2006. 17 August 2007. http://heating-and-cooling.hardwarestore.com/learn ing/how-to-select-an-air-conditioner.aspx.
Vandervort, Don. "Air Conditioner Buying Guide." Home Tips. 2007. 2007. http://hometips.com/cs-protected/guides.aircond.ht ml.
"Central Air Conditioners." Energy Star. 2007. 17 August 2007. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cac.pr_centr al_ac.
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