Which is Cheaper: Window Unit or Central Air Conditioning?

There are a lot of options to keep cool in summertime. But how do you choose between a window unit and a central air conditioning system? You might be asking: is central air cheaper? Is a window unit cheaper? In this blog, we'll answer those questions and look at the benefits of window units and central AC systems.

Based on the initial cost and installation prices, window units are cheaper than central air. Window AC units are much cheaper than central ac unit cost, usually between $150 and $1,500. Central air conditioner prices often range from around $3,800 to $7,700, and installation adds to the price. Depending on the size of your home and if you need ductwork, the cost to put in central air can soar.

You can install an AC window unit as a DIY job while central hvac systems need professional installation. Even if you hire a professional to install a window unit, the initial cost is still much lower than a central AC system.

When buying a central AC unit, you're paying for more than the unit itself. Things like brand, unit size, home size, permits, and any additional labor needs payment too.

Unit Size

The Square footage of your home and the SEER rating of the unit increase the initial cost of central ac units. Air conditioners come in different "sizes" shown in tons. The higher the tons, the more powerful the conditioner.

Your HVAC tech will use BTUs (British Thermal Units) to calculate the AC size required. An air conditioner pumps out 12,000 BTUs per 1 ton. For example, a 2 ton unit produces 24,000 BTU power output.

Depending on insulation levels, 1 ton can cool home sizes of 400 to 600 sq.ft. Usually, the HVAC tech will use this as a guideline. The bigger your home is, the more tons the central unit needs to cool it. Unfortunately, higher tonnage means higher initial unit costs.

SEER Rating

In addition to the unit size, an ac unit's SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating also changes its cost. The minimum ratings in the US are 13 and 14 SEER, while the max rating is 24. More efficient ACs have higher SEER ratings, which means more energy savings and lower electric bills.

So, why doesn't everybody get the most efficient unit they can? Well, ACs above 20 SEER, easily cost more than $5500 upfront. Comparing that to a 13-14 SEER unit falling around $2800, budget concerns tend to decide for us.

Unlike A/C window units, Installation fees for central heat and air units can involve additional charges. Central installation costs can vary based on a number of factors:

• Ductwork: If your home needs additional ductwork for the installation that can run you between $10 and $20 per linear foot. However, if you require complete ductwork replacement, you're looking at paying up to an extra $2000.
• Zones: Adding zones to regulate airflow also adds to the central air conditioner cost. Zones are costly, on average adding $2000 to $3000 to install charges.
• Permit fees / Code Updates: Any permits or building inspections mandated by your local government add more charges to the install bill.
• Labor: On average, expect rates between $75 and 250 per hour, these can grow even higher during peak summer months. Extra work, like adding ductwork or disposing an old unit, adds extra to the service total. A disposal fee for the old unit can cost (on average) $25 to $200, the older the unit the higher the disposal charge.
• Energy Audit: An energy audit measures the heat retention rate of your home. The evaluator uses this rate to find your home's correct AC unit size, insulation efficiency, and ductwork needed. Typically an energy audit has a service fee.

Labor costs and service fees are the most variable metric since it depends on the service used. If you're on a budget, shop around for the best service providers and fair rates.

Yes. When compared to central air conditioning, window units use much less electricity. Because window ACs only cool a single space, they don’t have to use as much energy.

Window units use a fraction of the energy central AC requires. A small window unit may use around 500 watts while a large air conditioner may use around 1,440 watts. However, since you need more than one window AC for an entire home, the energy used could exceed a central unit. Using the same example, if you installed 3 window units at 500 watts it would pass the 1,400 watts needed for the central.

A central AC unit uses much higher wattages, usually around 1,000 to 5,000 watts but some use even more. Use window units in small spaces or rooms not connected to your home's air conditioning system.

If you’re trying to cool a single room, a window unit saves you money compared to central air. However, if you’re trying to cool an entire building, running multiple window units is inefficient. In some cases, running many window ac can be more expensive than a central air conditioning system. So, to cool an entire building, a central air conditioning system is more efficient than window units.

With whatever you choose, consider your current budget and long-term benefit. In a large home, fixing your A/C is best for low energy costs. In smaller homes, ac windows are a cost effective option with low initial investment.

A window unit is a great way to cool a single room or small area. They are also a good option for adding to a central air system for extra cooling to a single zone or room. Central systems cool with minimal noise and because they use ductwork to supply cool air, they remain out of sight around the home. Central A/C is the more efficient option if you're trying to cool an entire home or building.

Waiting until after summer can also benefit. Summer rates for service are higher than normal, if it makes sense financially to wait, then wait. Using a couple window units and portable fans could save you thousands until service rates decrease.

Another choice is a ductless mini-split air conditioning unit. Mini-splits have an outdoor condenser that connects to one or more indoor air handlers. Ductless central air conditioning units cost between $860 to $4000. Ductless cooling systems also have lower average costs than central ac but require an indoor unit for each room.

However, we recommend getting advice and a quote from a licensed HVAC professional before making your final decision.