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Central air conditioning isn’t for everybody. Many older homes, apartments, and other dwellings don’t have them. In cooler regions, the costs of installing and maintaining a central air system just aren’t worth it. To keep a home cool without central air, two popular alternatives exist: window-mounted air conditioners, and ductless air conditioning systems. Let’s take a look at both of these setups, and share some pros and cons of each.

 

Window Air Conditioning

 

Arguably the most popular kind of air conditioner, window-mounted units are easily identified by the big metal boxes hanging off the backs of window sills. Window air conditioners are relatively inexpensive to purchase new, and many used models can be found for sale in classified ads. These units are easy to install and operate, but they come with many downsides. Since they use a lot of electricity and because much of the cooled air escapes back through gaps in the window, these air conditioners are not very energy efficient. They are also very noisy when running. Due to their heavy weight and large size, window units can be hard to store in the wintertime, especially in small houses and apartments. And because they require an open window to install, they may create a bigger security risk at home.

 

Ductless Air Conditioning

 

Ductless mini-split systems are another less-expensive alternative to standard central air conditioning. Units, known as zones, can be installed in the most popular rooms at home and turned on and off individually. They mount directly on the wall and don’t require a window for installation. Some models offer additional upgrades like multi-room networking and even heating, making them much more efficient and versatile than their window-mounted counterparts. Because they are more complicated than window units, ductless mini-split systems must be installed by a professional technician. Drilling through exterior walls is necessary, so people who rent their home might be out of luck. And costs for ductless cooling systems are typically much higher than a standard window unit.

 

While window air conditioners are the easiest way to cool a home, their inefficiency and other disadvantages often outweigh any benefits. If you own your home and don’t want to invest in central air conditioning, a ductless mini-split system may be just right for you. Talk to Mister Quik about our customizable zoning solutions designed to bring personalized comfort to everyone at home. And if you think central air is just too expensive, remember that our flexible financing options really do help make the costs of these systems much more affordable.

 

No matter how you want to cool down, Mister Quik can help.