Choosing the right air conditioning system for your home in Nanaimo is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your comfort and energy costs. With the city’s summer heatwaves, finding an efficient and reliable cooling solution is essential for homeowners. However, the variety of air conditioning options can make the decision overwhelming. Whether upgrading an existing system or installing one for the first time, this guide will walk you through the choices available and some advantages and disadvantages of each. The five common types of cooling systems popular in Nanaimo are central air conditioning, ductless mini-split systems, window units, portable air conditioners, and dual-fuel systems.
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning is a popular choice for larger homes. This type of system uses ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the house. It typically consists of an outdoor unit with a compressor and condenser coil and an indoor unit with an evaporator coil and air handler. A significant advantage of central AC systems is that you can use your thermostat or multiple thermostats, if you have a zoned system, to maintain your desired temperature throughout your living spaces. Unfortunately, if you do not currently have a forced air system, central air conditioning may be cost-prohibitive because a professional will need to install ductwork. It may also not be practical in older homes or in smaller houses that do not have the space for ducts.
Ductless Mini-splits
Ductless mini-split systems are versatile options, especially for homes without ductwork. They consist of an outdoor condenser unit and one or more indoor air-handling units mounted on walls or ceilings. Since you can independently set the temperature on each air handler, mini-split systems offer the same advantages as zoned cooling. For instance, if you have a person living in your home who prefers it to be cooler when they sleep, they can lower the temperature in their bedroom without affecting the comfort of other household members. Additionally, you can turn the AC off in spaces you are not using, like a guestroom, to lower your electricity bills.
For homeowners with central air conditioning, ductless mini splits offer an option for cooling spaces not serviced by their forced air system. For example, you may want to renovate a garage or basement space. Connecting your cooling system to these areas would involve extending your ductwork. The project could also include installing a larger air conditioning unit because your system may need more cooling capacity to keep the new spaces comfortable. A ductless mini-split to control the temperature in a remodeled space would be a cheaper option in this scenario.
Window Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners are compact units designed to cool individual rooms. They are usually placed in windows, and the evaporator and condenser coils are contained within a metal box that sits on the window sill. The advantage of window ACs is that they are inexpensive, and a homeowner can usually install them on their own. Unfortunately, they have several disadvantages.
Window units are less energy-efficient than central air conditioning or ductless mini-split systems, particularly when cooling larger areas. When you place one in a window, creating an airtight seal is nearly impossible. This will result in air leaks around the unit and the window frame, leading to cooling loss and higher electricity costs to keep your home at the desired temperature. Additionally, they obstruct your view from the window and limit natural light, affecting the room’s aesthetics.
Window air conditioners are typically louder than central or ductless systems. This can be particularly disruptive when trying to work at home or when trying to sleep. Additionally, they may pose security risks, as the open window with the unit in it can be a potential entry point for intruders. Moreover, their reliance on window space limits their use in homes that do not have standard-size window frames. Overall, while window air conditioners offer convenience and affordability, their lack of energy efficiency, noise, and security concerns make them less desirable for homeowners than other air conditioning systems.
Portable Air Conditioners
Similar to window units, portable ACs are suitable to cool individual rooms. They sit on the floor and exhaust warm air through a hose that you place in a window. Portable AC units are easy to move from room to room, and many models have wheels. They don’t require permanent installation, making them advantageous for temporary cooling needs. For example, you may buy one for an exercise or guest room where they are not needed daily and can be stored when not in use to save space. They are also a popular option for RVers to cool their rigs when staying in campgrounds where electrical hookups are available. However, as a whole-home cooling solution, they have all the same disadvantages as window AC units, including efficiency and security concerns because you must leave a window open for the exhaust hose.
Hybrid or Dual-Fuel Systems
If you are considering installing or upgrading a heating system and looking for a cooling solution at the same time, dual-fuel systems have numerous advantages. Hybrid systems combine a traditional furnace with an air-source heat pump. In the summer, the heat pump acts as an air conditioner, providing cooling by extracting heat from the indoor air and transferring it outside. Its cooling efficiency is equal to that of the best air conditioners on the market. Additionally, as temperatures drop in spring and fall, a heat pump is more energy-efficient for heating than a furnace.
The issue is that heat pumps become less efficient as temperatures drop. This type of system may not provide enough heat to keep your home cozy during frigid winter days. It also becomes increasingly expensive to run because of the cost of electricity. To solve these issues, homeowners with this type of system switch to a furnace for heating in the colder months.
The advantage of a dual-fuel setup is that the system can automatically switch between cooling and heating sources based on outdoor temperatures, optimizing energy usage and reducing utility costs. The disadvantage is that installation costs are higher because integrating the furnace and heat pump is complex.
The choice of air conditioning system depends on factors such as the size and layout of your home, budget, energy efficiency goals, and personal preference for how cool you want your home in summer. Consulting with HVAC professionals can help you determine the most suitable option for your specific needs. Additionally, considering energy efficiency ratings and any available rebates or incentives can also inform your decision-making process.
Contact the AC Professionals
At Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas, we have been serving the residents of Nanaimo and the surrounding areas since 2002. We install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. In addition, we are indoor air quality experts and provide plumbing services such as drain cleaning, sewer repair, and leak detection. If you have questions about the best air conditioning system to install in your home or need other home services, contact us today.
