The Pros and Cons of Various AC Units
Even though it’s almost winter, it’s never too soon to think about air conditioners. They help maintain a comfortable indoor environment when it’s hot outside. Various air conditioners are available on the market, each with unique pros and cons. We’ll explores these and offer tips for maintaining each kind.
Window Air Conditioners
Pros: Window air conditioners are relatively inexpensive compared to other air conditioner units. They are easy to install and fairly easy to maintain. Maintenance generally consists of changing the filter or cleaning it and putting it back in place.
Cons: A window unit can cool only one room, in which cooling can be uneven. Struggling to cool larger areas could increase the need for maintenance. It can also be difficult to replace certain types of refrigerant if you have older window units.
Portable Air Conditioners
Pros: Portable air conditioners can be moved from room to room. There’s no need for professional installation. Portable air conditioners are fairly easy to maintain since they need only occasional cleaning and filter changes, depending on how long they are used for at a given time.
Cons: Portable units may be less energy efficient. Issues with internal parts could also require contacting the manufacturer rather than a professional repair technician to keep warranties valid.
Whole-Home Air Conditioners
Pros: Whole-home or central air conditioning is extremely efficient. These systems are fairly easy to maintain as long as you follow recommendations for filter changes and general inspections to look for leaks and other issues.
Cons: Professional installation and maintenance are required to keep warranties valid. Also, if you fail to keep up with maintenance recommendations, you may have issues with leaks or wiring problems. Critters and insects can also set up shop inside outside components and cause issues with your system.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Pros: Used in individual rooms, ductless mini-split systems are highly energy-efficient and offer flexibility. One outdoor unit can serve one to eight indoor units. Maintenance is simple. Wipe down indoor units to keep dust at bay, and clean each indoor unit’s removable air filter as the manufacturer recommends. Clean the outdoor condenser with a garden hose — not high-pressure equipment — after powering it off.
Cons: A major drawback is the relatively high maintenance requirements. Some homeowners may find them too challenging and time-consuming, especially if there’s a need to clean and inspect multiple indoor units. Potential access issues to the outdoor unit may require more frequent professional servicing than a central system.
The Important of Regular Maintenance
All air conditioners need regular maintenance. This includes changing filters and checking all inside and, if applicable, outside components. Cooling systems need to be maintained to retain energy efficiency standards and expectations. Also, many AC units require regular maintenance to keep warranties valid.
Contact Crocker Refrigeration Heating & Air in Santa Barbara, CA today to benefit from our full range of air conditioning services and maintenance options.
