When you’re installing a new air conditioner in your Las Vegas, NV home, you have a few options to choose from. These include central air conditioning systems, window air conditioning units, and ductless air conditioners.
These systems all work by using a refrigerant to chill hot air inside your home, but they have different configurations, mechanical setups, and means of delivering cooled air into a space. The best cooling system for your home depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
Traditionally, central air conditioners have been a popular choice for cooling large houses with multiple rooms, while window units have been utilized in smaller spaces like apartments. Starting in the 1990s, ductless air conditioners became popular in the United States in spaces where central and window ACs were not ideal. These systems offer more versatility and energy efficiency at a reasonable cost.
If you don’t know which kind of AC you need, getting a professional HVAC assessment from Polar Air & Heating, Inc. can make it easier to make the right choice. Our expert technicians can evaluate your home’s layout, determine your specific cooling needs, and recommend a system that will perform well and improve your quality of life. Here, we break down the differences between central ACs, window units, and ductless ACs so you can decide which type of system will be the best fit for your home.
Central Air Conditioning Systems
Central air conditioning systems are best for homes with existing ductwork. If you want a permanent cooling solution that provides consistent, even climate control for multiple rooms, runs quietly, reduces humidity, and improves air quality throughout the home, central AC could be the right choice for you.
Central air conditioners usually include an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor unit with a blower fan that pushes filtered, cool air through your ducts. These units can be bulky and noisy, but they are usually installed away from the main living areas, which keeps the system quiet and hidden from view.
Benefits central air conditioning systems provide include:
- Excellent air filtration
- Centralized climate control
- Relatively high energy efficiency
- Quiet operation
Central air conditioning systems can have a high upfront installation cost, depending on their brand, capacity, efficiency, and other variables. If you need to install ductwork, vents, returns, and insulation to accommodate a central AC, your costs may rise significantly. Your utility bills may also rise if you run your system improperly and fail to maintain it.
On the other hand, if you choose the right energy-efficient model for your home, use it properly, and keep it in top shape, your AC can reliably and affordably cool your home for 15 years or longer. If you need to heat and cool your home, you can install a heat pump instead of an AC-only system to do the job.
Window Air Conditioning Units
Window air conditioners are inexpensive, compact, box-like units that are designed to provide targeted cooling for small spaces, like single rooms and small apartments or rental properties. These air conditioners are poorly suited to cooling large spaces or homes with multiple rooms. If you need an affordable air conditioner for a small space that’s easy to install, and you don’t mind noise, a window AC could be a good choice.
Window ACs are self-contained systems that contain a compressor, condenser coil, evaporator coil, blower, fan, and thermostat within a single box. The unit sits in a window and blows cool air into the room while it pushes hot air outdoors. Since all of the AC’s machinery is in the room, these systems tend to be noisy. They may also block natural light, limit your view, and be visually obtrusive.
Benefits of window air conditioners include:
- Can move units to a different room
- Provides temporary or supplemental cooling
- Provides targeted, energy-efficient cooling
- Minimal maintenance needed
Window ACs can be simple to install, but it’s typically a two-person job. A professional can ensure that the unit is safely positioned in your window frame in a way that optimizes its performance. To run efficiently and cool effectively, window ACs must be properly sized for the room.
While most units are only engineered for cooling, some window ACs include a built-in heat pump that provides cool air in the summer. It also warms air in the cooler months, making them a practical solution year-round.
Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners
Ductless mini-split air conditioners are ideal for homes without ductwork or for people who want customizable, independent climate control in specific rooms or zones. They can also be great for smaller spaces, converted rooms, and garages. When you want a relatively quiet, highly energy-efficient air conditioner that can filter out pollutants reasonably well and provide good air quality, a ductless mini-split can be a good choice.
Ductless air conditioning systems include an outdoor condenser unit and one or more indoor air-handling units that bring cool air into your home, wherever you want it to go. These indoor units can be mounted on the wall, ceiling, or floor. While they are relatively discreet, they will usually be visible in your space. You can cool your whole home with a multi-zone mini-split system that has one indoor unit per zone or room; a single-zone system uses one indoor unit to cool one small room or space.
Benefits of ductless mini-splits include:
- No loss of cool air through ducts
- Offers superior energy efficiency
- Provides targeted, differentiable climate control
- Includes easy-to-clean filters that can help improve air quality
Ductless ACs require professional installation and regular maintenance, and they can range from relatively affordable to expensive. Their cost varies depending on the brand, feature set, system size, number of zones you need to cool, and the complexity of the installation.
Thanks to their energy efficiency, mini-splits can also provide long-term cost savings. Most ductless AC systems have a 15- to 20-year lifespan. If you need to heat your home during the colder seasons, you can install a ductless HVAC system that uses a heat pump to warm up and cool down your home.
Select the Right AC for Your Needs and Stay Cool All Summer Long
When you understand how central, window, and ductless ACs differ, it’s easier to choose a cooling system that’s right for you. Polar Air & Heating, Inc. in Las Vegas, NV, can help you select and install an air conditioner that will perfectly suit your needs and keep you comfortable for years to come.
We have been in operation and serving residents in the Las Vegas area since 1988. You can count on us to respond to your needs with prompt attention to keep your home cool and comfortable during the long, hot season. Polar Air & Heating, Inc. also offers maintenance checks that can help you save money on energy bills and keep your system running smoothly. Call us today to schedule a consultation, and stay cool all summer long!
