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Window AC Units vs. HVAC Systems: Which Are More Affordable?

Purchasing a new air conditioner is a significant investment, but many homeowners fail to give the decision the weight it demands. Now that the sweltering heat of the Conroe, TX summer is almost here, it’s the ideal time to get your home cooling situation sorted out. So, should you go with an HVAC system, such as a central air unit or heat pump, or a window unit? The truth is that every type of AC unit has its benefits, so you need to examine what your household’s needs and priorities are before making your choice.

HVAC Systems Are More Expensive

If you have a limited amount of funds available, a new HVAC system may be out of your price range. You can usually find a small or lower-efficiency unit for around $2,000-$3,000, but if you want a high-quality system, it will likely be closer to $4,000-$6,000. That’s before factoring in the cost of installation, as well.

Window units are more budget friendly. They rarely cost more than $1,000, and many models are available for $100-$600. Plus, there’s no need to hire an installation professional. As long as you don’t mind following instructions and spending a couple of hours, you can install your window unit on your own.

Window Units Are More Efficient

Window AC units are typically inexpensive to operate. Although exact energy usage will always vary from unit to unit, window AC systems require roughly one-third as much electricity as HVAC units on average. You can choose to purchase a high-efficiency HVAC system, but you’ll have to spend more upfront to do so. In most cases, though, your cooling bills will be more affordable with a window unit.

Window Units Are Limited

The most glaring downside associated with window units is that they are very limited in their cooling ability. A window unit can only keep one room or area of your household cool, whereas an HVAC system can cool the entire home simultaneously. So, if you have several people living in your house or tend to move from room to room a lot, one window AC unit may not cut it. You may need to choose between investing in three or four of them or purchasing an HVAC system instead.

At My Guys Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been proudly serving the Conroe area since 2014. Whether you need dependable heating, cooling, plumbing, or indoor air quality services, our expert team is always there for you. We’ve built a reputation for fast, expert, and friendly service, and we look forward to continuing to build that reputation for many years to come. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, reach out to our offices at My Guys Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today.