Is It Cheaper to Run Central Air or Window Units?
You want to keep cool without breaking the bank. That’s why energy efficiency is key. Looking at the energy consumption comparison between the different home cooling solutions and cheap air conditioners can help you make the right call on where to put your money!
Do Window Units Use More Electricity Than Central Air?
When comparing the window units electricity usage and central air electricity usage, it's important to understand their patterns and general operation. There are several factors in play that contribute to the overall electricity usage. If you don’t have the right system for your property, then you could end up spending more on cooling than you need.
For example, it’s important to consider the unit size. Larger units generally consume more electricity. So, just looking at the electricity usage of central air alone, you could think that they would require more power. Central air systems are designed to cool entire homes, whereas window units are intended to cool specific rooms. Window units come in various sizes, but overall, they tend to require less energy to get up and running.
What Is Cheaper—Window Units or Central Air?
There’s no doubt that window units are generally cheaper to purchase and install. A typical window unit costs a few hundred dollars, while central air systems can range from several thousand dollars for installation, including ductwork. However, the upfront cost of a system is just the beginning of a true cost comparison. When looking at window units vs central air, you also have to think about the potential for long-term savings, as well as the installation and maintenance costs.
Window units may end up lowering your electricity costs if you use them selectively throughout your property. The catch with any energy consumption comparison, though, comes down to efficiency. Over time, the money you put toward window unit electricity usage can end up being far greater than what you might need to spend on your central air electricity usage. This is because central air systems often have higher efficiency ratings (SEER) compared to older window units. Being more energy-efficient means you can run them less often to still keep your temperatures at a comfortable level during the hotter months.
On the flip side, it wouldn’t make sense to invest in a central air system when you’re only looking to cool a single room. Central air systems are effective for larger spaces. But a single window unit might work just fine—and ultimately be better for your energy consumption comparison when you don’t need to tackle an entire home.
Is It Cheaper to Run a Fan or a Window Air Conditioner?
When indoor comfort is your ultimate goal, the question of window units vs central air will hinge on the size of the space you need to cool. One of the most important central air benefits is that the systems can do a much better job of delivering consistent cooling. If you’re only wanting to cool a bedroom or a living room, then it might make more sense to look at cooling methods designed for smaller spaces.
Maybe you’re thinking about running a fan vs air conditioner costs. Obviously, purchasing a fan is more affordable than buying a brand-new air conditioner or even a window air conditioner. But you have to look at cooling effectiveness along with the electricity usage. Fans generally consume significantly less electricity than window air conditioners. The tradeoff here is that fans only circulate air. This creates a cooling effect, but it doesn’t actually lower the room temperature. Window air conditioners will actively cool the air, making them more effective for hot days.
In terms of energy consumption, a typical fan uses about 50-100 watts, while window AC units can use 500-1500 watts, depending on their size and efficiency. Based on those numbers, running a fan is cheaper for energy consumption. However, the comfort level provided by an air conditioner can justify the higher cost, especially during high temperatures. Then it’s just a matter of finding the right size for your space—whether one room or a whole house!
Do You Save More Money with Central Air?
Central air systems can have better efficiency if the entire home requires cooling. So, in that sense, you can collect some good cost savings every month on your energy bills. You’ll have to invest more for the installation and maintenance costs for central air, but the system can pay you back by offering better energy efficiency and enhanced comfort. What’s more, having central air can improve your property’s resale value, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
It’s always nice to save money, and going with cheap window units is one way to get the job done. But there are plenty of central air benefits too. The good news is that you don’t have to overpay for either type of setup.
Shopping with Surplus City HVAC & Supplies lets you collect even more cost savings on brand-name, brand-new heating and cooling equipment. Then, you can get all of the central air benefits without the high upfront costs of buying a unit from somewhere else. We have our warehouses stocked, and our inventory is all ready to ship, helping you finish the project quickly and more affordably than ever! Start browsing today!