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Summer is just around the corner. And contrary to popular belief, Minnesota summers can be scorching hot!
When temperatures soar, it’s easy to feel desperate for a way to cool down. Luckily, we have the benefit of living in the 21st century, which means that we have all of the latest cooling technology to help us out. That’s right. We’re talking about air conditioners.
If you are considering installing an air conditioner in your home, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the different types of air conditioners that are available to you. After all, you’ll want one that:
- Cools down your home 🧊
- Is energy efficient ♻️
- Fits in your budget 💰
- Is designed to last 💪
That can feel like a tall order. Today, we’ll be breaking down the pros and cons of different air conditioner types, so you can choose the one that is right for you.
Benefits of an Air Conditioner
If you’re living without an air conditioner in this day and age we are going to guess that you are either:
- Living in a rental unit
- Living in a very old home
- In a codependent relationship with your ceiling fan
Sound familiar? The truth is that adding an air conditioner can vastly improve your quality of life. But don’t just take our word for it. Check out all of these benefits:
- Safety 👷♀️ – We all know that too much exposure to hot weather can cause dehydration and heat stroke, but it is easy to forget until you are face to face with a sunny day. Adding in an air conditioner can help ensure that you stay cool and safe.
- Reduce Mold and Mildew Growth 🌱 – Mold and mildew thrive in warm, moist environments. That could very well be your home on a humid day! Adding an air conditioner will help to reduce this risk.
- Better Air Quality 🤧 – Similarly, adding an air conditioner will significantly improve your home’s air quality. Air conditioners work as a filter for the air that goes through your house and can help trap irritants.
- Improve Sleep 🛌 – Studies have shown that humans sleep better in cool temperatures. Air conditioning will help you to get a solid 8 hours every night!
6 Types of Air Conditioners to Consider
Finding the air conditioner that is right for you is vitally important! Check out our list of the most popular types of air conditioners and their pros and cons.
1) Central Air Conditioners
Chances are, if you’ve visited a home with air conditioning, it has been coming from a central air conditioning system. Central air conditioners blow cool air through a home’s heating and cooling ducts and help you to keep an even temperature in all rooms of the house.
✅ Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Can add to your home’s resale value
- Can be controlled through one central thermostat
- Cools your entire house
❌ Cons:
- Installation costs can be very expensive
2) Window Air Conditioner
Window air conditioners can be a great way to bring cool air into your home without breaking the bank. These simple window units perch on your windowsill and push hot air outside of your home while bringing cooled air in. While they are certainly more affordable than a centralized system, you will also likely need to purchase more than one in order to cool multiple rooms.
✅ Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to install on your own
- Great for rental units
- Saves space
❌ Cons:
- Will likely need to purchase multiple indoor units
- Obstructs your window
- Can be loud
3) Portable Air Conditioner
A portable air conditioner has the same basic concept as a window air conditioner but is even easier to install. These indoor units plug into your existing outlets and then have a hose that is run outside of your window. While they will cool just as well as window air conditioners, they will take up more floor space.
✅ Pros:
- Very affordable
- Works well in a rental unit
- DIY installation
❌ Cons:
- Takes up floor space
- Can be noisy
4) Geothermal Air Conditioner
If your home already has heating ducts in place, you may be tempted to choose a geothermal air conditioner. This system uses the existing ducts to help cool your home and can be more affordable than installing a central air conditioner. However, we typically don’t recommend this system, as it has a tendency to fail much earlier than other methods.
✅ Pros:
- Uses existing ducts to help you save money
- Has great energy efficiency
- Saves you indoor floor space
❌ Cons:
- Not as reliable as central air
- Expensive installation costs
5) Evaporative Air Conditioner
Evaporative air conditioners use old-fashioned technology for a modern cooling experience. Back in the day, folks used to use fans blowing over buckets of ice to cool their homes. Evaporative units use this same concept, with ice or water-filled pads serving as the cooling component. While they work well, they are more hands-on and will require you to regularly check them and replace the contents.
✅ Pros:
- Chemical-free and eco friendly
- Can be purchased for your whole home or as a portable unit
❌ Cons:
- High maintenance
- Can increase the home’s humidity
- Won’t cool as well as other air conditioners
6) Ductless Air Conditioner
A ductless mini split air conditioner is a great option if your home doesn’t have ducts built in. A ductless air conditioner is typically installed on your wall, with an outdoor condenser unit that helps to bring cold air in.
✅ Pros:
- Does not affect the structure of your home
- Can control each individual room’s temperature
- Saves floor space
❌ Cons:
- Will not cool your whole home
- Can be expensive
- Requires professional installation
Get Professional Installation!
If you’re ready to install an air conditioner unit, call on Aquarius Home Services! Our team is an expert on all things heating and cooling and will help you to find a solution that works with your budget and needs. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!