When the next heat wave comes rolling in, it’s good to know that you have a reliable cooling system on your side that’s capable of keeping your home cool and comfortable. When you start shopping for cooling systems, you’ll note that there are several different types to choose from.
Each of these has the power to keep your home cool during the biggest heatwave, but which is right for you? Learn a bit about the pros and cons of each system you’re likely to encounter while shopping so you can make the best decision for your home.
CENTRAL AIR
This is one of the most common cooling systems in the United States and for a good reason. This older technology consists of an outside unit and a series of vents that push cooled air throughout your home. Central Air Conditioners aren’t without drawbacks, and all aspects of these machines should be considered before you decide on this option for your home.
Pros:
- If designed correctly these systems can provide airflow throughout the whole house
- Provide clean air when air filters are changed regularly
- Require little maintenance
Cons:
- Can be expensive to both buy and install
- Creates hot and cold spots throughout the home
- Finding the right size can be a big challenge without professional help
- Incorrect sizing results in faulty cooling
- Ductwork can become leaky and inefficient
- System is loud
DUCTLESS COOLING
Ductless cooling systems are also known as mini-split systems – A name derived from how the multiple ductless units split off from the main outdoor condenser to provide different temperatures to different zones.
Pros:
- Personalized temperatures for each house “zone.”
- More flexibility with cooling settings
- Easy-to-use convenient controllers for adjusting settings
- Highly efficient
- No venting systems required
- Units can be hung on the wall out of the way or sit on the floor to keep walls clear
- Superior air filtration
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Placement can be critical to how effective the system is
- Sizing can be difficult without a professional to lend a hand
WINDOW UNITS
Once the go-to way to cool a home, window air conditioning units no longer appear in most homes. Despite being labeled as “obsolete” by many, these cooling systems may still be a viable option in some spaces.
Pros:
- Self-contained units don’t require invasive electrical or vent work
- Less expensive than most other options
- Great for cooling a single room or area
Cons:
- Overall inefficient performance
- Limited cooling range – usually a single room
- Occupy window space
- Must be located near an electrical outlet
EVAPORATIVE COOLING
Usually used in drier environments, these systems work by pushing air through a moist pad. The water in the pad cools the air, then evaporates, and the cooled air continues through the house. Because this system is so different than the usual refrigerant-based cooling methods, there’s a lot to consider before purchasing one.
Pros:
- More efficient than traditional central air
- Adds humidity to dry indoor environments
- No refrigerant chemicals used
Cons:
- Filters need much more frequent replacement than other system filters
- Requires constant access to water
- If pads don’t remain moist, the entire system fails, and cool air will not enter the home
- Efficiency declines rapidly when the system is used in humid environments
- Less direct control over your home’s internal temperature
- Moisture buildup leads to system deterioration over time
- Windows must be left open during operation
READY TO GET A NEW COOLING SYSTEM?
Discover more about the types of cooling systems available for your home and discuss it with might be the right choice for catering to your comfort levels by contacting the HVAC professionals at The Heat Pump Store in Eugene, Portland, and Salem.
They have all the information you need to make a wise, informed decision. You can get the best possible results for your house and enjoy excellent cooling levels. They’ll provide you with all the tools and expertise to get your system installed as soon as possible.