Central Air Conditioning – Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Provides a consistent temperature.
  • Utilizes air filters to provide cleaner air. Air filters decrease the number of airborne particles that you and your family breathe in. These particles may include pollen, dust, and dander, among other things.
  • When you inhale these particles, they are deposited in your air passages and on your lung cells.
  • Allows for use of a programmable thermostat, which can save you money on your cooling costs.
    Needs very little maintenance.
  • Cons

    • Can be expensive to install.

    Swamp Coolers/Evaporative Cooling Systems – Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Can decrease outside air temperature by as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit as it is pulled into your home.
    • Are environmentally friendly because they do not use refrigerants like HCFCs and CFCs.
    • Only have a few working parts so they do not need to be repaired as frequently as other types of cooling systems do.
    • Are more economical than other systems because they use less energy.
    • Filter the air because they use moist pads that effectively trap pollen and dust.
    • The filters a swamp cooler uses are less expensive than the filters you need for other air conditioner systems.
    • Naturally add moisture to your home. This additional moisture can keep your furniture, fabrics, and wood from drying out.
    • Do not need ductwork.
    • Smaller units require little installation.

    Cons

    • Although an easy task, these systems do require monthly moisture pad maintenance.
    • When installed on a roof, roof deterioration may occur due to the required monthly maintenance.
    • These pads need to remain moist; otherwise, the cooling system will not work very well.
    • Add humidity to the air, so they are not favorable in a humid climate. When outside air is too moist,
    • this kind of system does not work efficiently.
    • Moisture buildup could lead to condensation and corrosion.
    • Are unable to decrease the temperature in your home as effectively as an air conditioner can.
    • Need a sizable opening on the roof or in the wall, which could be a security risk.
    • Require that windows remain open, which may also be considered a security risk.
    • Continually need water, which may be of concern to homeowners residing in an area with a limited water supply.
    • Must be serviced by a technician at the change of seasons to do a ‘startup’ when you need to switch from heating to air conditioning or A/C to heating.

    Ductless Air Conditioning Systems – Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Are efficient because there is no air loss, as is typical in a forced-air system.
    • Can hang from a wall or just sit on the floor.
    • Offer convenience with remote controls to adjust settings.
    • Larger systems support up to four air handlers and each one has its thermostat.
    • Require no venting.

    Cons

    • Are initially about 30 percent more expensive than a central system itself is (not including the cost of ductwork) and twice as expensive as window units of the same capacity.
    • That have incorrectly positioned, or oversized air-handlers will frequently result in ‘short-cycling.’ This wastes energy.
    • Have difficulty maintaining the proper temperature and humidity level when ‘short-cycling’ is an issue.

    Call (385) 422-2232 to learn more about AC units or to schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Main Street Heating & Cooling team member today! We also offer expert AC repair and replacement services.

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