As we head into the summer months, you may be wondering if this is the right time to install a central air conditioning system. If you are tired of weathering hot summers in a too-warm house, then the answer is yes!
There are many options for cooling your Pacific Northwest home. If your house already has the ductwork for it, central air conditioning might be the best solution for you.
What is Central Air Conditioning?
Central air conditioning circulates cool air around the home with a system of supply and return ducts. A unit located on the outside of the home cools the air using a cold evaporator coil and refrigerant, and the cool air travels into and through the house via air ducts as warmer air flows out.
Installing central air conditioning can increase the value of your home, and is always a good investment when it comes to enjoying a cool house during the summer. There are many different kinds of HVAC units available, so chances are there is one that is perfect for your home.
Should you get central air conditioning? Here are the pros and cons:
The Pros of Central Air Conditioning
Works better for large homes
Large homes require a lot of cool air to stay cool, and ducted systems are designed to reach all areas of the house at once. With central air conditioning, you can cool your whole home, or turn the A/C off, at the push of a button.
If you need consistent air flowing through your whole home at the same time, then this system is a good choice for you.
Better filtration for higher indoor quality
Centralized air conditioners always have one or more filters built in, which can be changed out as needed. Air filtration products such as dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and air purifiers can be used in addition to central air conditioning with great results.
If air quality is an important deciding factor for you, then central air conditioning is the way to go.
Lower installation costs than a ductless mini split (if you already have ductwork)
Installing any kind of air conditioning system comes with a price. Fortunately, central air conditioning systems have lower installation costs than ductless mini splits.
Many newer-build houses in the Pacific Northwest are being built with the central air-friendly ductwork already installed. All you need is to have an HVAC unit hooked up to that ductowrk, and your home will have A/C!
However, if you don’t have ductwork, you will need to pay to have it installed if you want to have a central air conditioning system in your home. Adding ductwork can be a significant expense, sometimes more than the air conditioning unit.
The Cons of Central Air Conditioning
Higher utility bills
Since central air conditioning is designed to cool your whole house, you will have to pay a higher price when your utility bill arrives. A traditional central air conditioning system will not let you turn on your air conditioning for only part of your home, like some other systems do.
However, just as with any other utility, the monthly costs will vary depending on how much you use it. People who rarely use their air conditioning system will have lower utility bills.
May have less temperature and zone control
Central air conditioning does not have the temperature flexibility that some other cooling units do. If you want one room to be cooler, you have to cool down the rest of the house as well. If this is a problem for your household, you may want to look into other solutions to help counteract any unwanted temperature disparities.
May require extensive ductwork
The Pacific Northwest has not always had hot summers, which is why older houses are usually not equipped to have air conditioning. If your home does not already have ductwork in place, then you will have to spend time and money to get it installed.
However, if you decide that central air conditioning is the right option for your situation, then it might be worth the investment.
Find the Best Air Conditioning Option For Your Home With Paragon
Thankfully, there are many solutions available when it comes to cooling your house. At Paragon, we have many air conditioning units that are a perfect fit for Pacific Northwest homes.
Not sure which one is right for you? Call us today for a consultation with one of our HVAC specialists.
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