What Is the Cheapest Type of Air Conditioner?
Cooling equipment can be expensive to maintain and replace. But there are ways for people to make their money go even further with cheap air conditioners. Whether you’re looking to install a new type of air conditioning unit into your space, such as an evaporative swamp cooler, or you just need to swap out an old system for a newer model, it’s best to keep the overall value top of mind. That’s why people shop at Surplus City!
You don’t want to spend too much on a new air conditioner. On the other hand, you don’t want your budget to be so tight that you end up with an air conditioner that underperforms. You need the cheapest air conditioner for your property—that can keep up with your cooling needs.
Comparing Costs: Which Type of Air Conditioner Is the Cheapest?
One of the best ways to cool specific rooms or just certain sections of your property is to use window air conditioners. When considering air conditioners' cost, window units are often more affordable. As an alternative, you could also look at portable air conditioners. These are the cheapest air conditioner types. Along with that, though, it’s important to remember that they also function as budget air conditioning. They may not be as efficient as central air conditioning for your property, but they can still be effective cooling solutions.
1. Window Air Conditioners
These compact window AC units are designed to fit into a window, just like the name says! Compared to central systems, they’re relatively inexpensive. They’re also easy to install and remove. Depending on your situation, window air conditioners can be a great quick fix to keep you comfortable during the hotter months. However, the downside is that they can be noisy and less efficient. You might also need to purchase multiple units to handle cooling larger spaces.
2. Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioning units are standalone units that can be moved from room to room. They require a hose to vent hot air outside through a window or vent. These units are convenient for temporary cooling needs and do not require permanent installation. However, portable air conditioners can be less efficient and more expensive than window units, and they take up floor space.
How Much Does a Budget Air Conditioner Cost?
When considering the cost of a cheap air conditioner, it’s important to compare the different types of units and additional expenses like installation and maintenance.
Window air conditioners are among the most affordable options, typically ranging from $150 to $500. These units are designed to fit into a window frame and are often sufficient for cooling a single room or a small space. The upside is that you probably won’t need help with the installation. The window units are designed to be quick and easy to set up.
There can be several factors affecting the cost of the air conditioner unit. The lower end of the price range usually includes basic features, whereas the higher-end models tend to come with additional functionalities like remote controls, timers, and energy-saving modes. Depending on your preferences, you might want to stick with an affordable air conditioning system without all the “bells and whistles.” Then again, it can be nice to have a few extra perks!
Portable air conditioners are another popular choice for budget-conscious consumers. They tend to be slightly more expensive than window units, generally ranging from $200 to $600. The benefit is that these units provide mobility, allowing you to move them from room to room as needed. However, it’s essential to consider additional expenses such as installation accessories, potential maintenance costs, and the unit's energy consumption.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Cheap Air Conditioners?
While everyone wants to save money, it’s worth noting that cheap air conditioning isn’t always a done deal. There are pros and cons to every type of setup. For example, getting an air conditioner that isn’t sized correctly for your property just runs you into trouble because it might need to work daily to distribute cool air. That can just lead to more repairs or system failure.
You must also consider the type of air conditioner that will work best for your layout. Air conditioners come in various types and categories, and each one is suited for different types of applications and environments.
Sticking with this cooling solution can be great if you’re already set up for central air conditioning. But if you’re looking to upgrade to central air conditioning, then it’s important to note that installing new ductwork can be expensive. In the long run, though, it might be worth the investment. These air conditioning systems are known for efficiency. Plus, they do a good job of maintaining a consistent temperature across large areas.
Are Cheap Air Conditioners Energy Efficient?
When you want a budget-friendly cooling solution, opting for window air conditioners or portable air conditioners can be a natural choice. Ultimately, central air conditioning systems tend to register as being more energy efficient by distributing cooled air throughout ductwork to cool and dehumidify indoor air. If you’re looking for ways to maximize efficiency even more, you might have a good middle-of-the-road option with ductless mini-split systems, although check to see if they will last long enough for you.
Similar to central systems, split air conditioners consist of an outdoor unit working with an indoor unit. The difference is that these types of air conditioning systems are typically used for cooling specific areas rather than entire buildings. So, while they won’t be a good fit for every property, they can be a lot more affordable in the right scenario.
As a bonus, split air conditioners can also be installed without ductwork, making them a good option for retrofitting older homes. You can think of them as cheap air conditioning.
Get the Best Value with Surplus City HVAC & Supplies
When looking for the cheapest type of air conditioning, it’s important to focus on finding the best overall value. Looking at price alone may not make the most sense. Fortunately, Surplus City HVAC & Supplies takes all of that into consideration for you. We stock air conditioners of all sizes from today’s leading manufacturers. Moreover, we keep our prices low and love that we can specialize in selling the cheapest central air conditioning equipment around!
Investing in a quality air conditioning system will give you great performance and reliability when needed. Whether you need a central air conditioning system, a portable unit, a window unit, or anything in between, we have the products and expertise to help you find the perfect solution for your home or business. Start browsing our website today to explore our extensive inventory and competitive prices. We’re here to help you find heating and air conditioning solutions you can trust!