Air Conditioning Pros And Cons

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The Pros and Cons of Energy Efficient Air Conditioners

If you are a building owner or manager in South Florida the idea of green air conditioners is probably something that makes you take notice. Saving money by using more energy efficient air conditioners is an attractive notion. That’s especially true if you run a building that has complex computer systems crucial to businesses. In this case maintaining proper cooling and humidity control becomes even more essential. Having energy efficient air conditioners can have a dramatic impact on the operational costs of your building. But when you are ready to start transitioning to green air conditioners you may feel overwhelmed. Whether you are considering room air conditioners or central air, you should weigh the pros and cons of each system before make a decision. An experienced HVAC company can help you do a cost analysis to determine the green air conditioners that are right for your space.

Energy Efficient Room Air Conditioners

Pros:
• Energy efficient room air conditioners are easy to install. Most can fit in windows ...
... or existing wall sleeves and can plug into standard outlets
• There is no need for a complicated duct system
• They cost considerably less than installing a central air conditioning system. The smallest units start at less than $200
• If you are only cooling certain rooms they can be less expensive to run than central air
• You may have greater control over individual room temperatures

Cons:
• Even the most energy efficient air conditioners when installed through a wall or window have a lower average efficiency than central units
• Having an air conditioner in a window can obstruct outdoor air ventilation and natural light from entering your space
• They create more noise than central air systems
• Having an air conditioner in a window can allow intruders access to your building
• Not all room air conditioners have energy saving programmable controls

Green Air Conditioners and Central Air

Pros:
• Central air are units are usually considered green air conditioners because of their increased efficiency over traditional units
• They often have programmable controls which allow you to automatically reduce energy use during regular periods of low occupancy
• Central air units are usually quieter
• If you have a central forced-air heating system you can easily adapt to central air

Cons:
• They require a duct system to distribute cool air. If you don’t have an existing duct system it can be a large undertaking and expense to install
• Duct systems require periodic maintenance. Leaky or damaged ducts are a major reason for energy loss in the cooling systems of commercial buildings
• Initial installation costs for a central air system are considerably more than traditional units
• Some central air systems do not provide controls for individual rooms or zones of your building

Source
*Information on Energy Efficient Air Conditioners and Green Air Conditioners from the U.S. Department of Energy