Are you looking for a new air conditioning installation in New Braunfels, TX for your house? If you don’t have a cooling system already or you’re worried about your current one making it through another hot summer here in Texas, then getting a new AC is probably heavy on your mind. But what type? Is there an ideal air conditioning system to have installed?
The short answer is no, because each home is different, and there are flexible options for cooling to fit different needs. You have to find out what is the right choice for your home and your budget. The best way to ensure you end up with the right system is to work with experienced professionals, such as the technicians on our team.
Central air conditioning systems
Central ACs are what most people think of when they think about a household air conditioning system. These air conditioners are split systems with an outdoor condenser connected to an indoor evaporator and air handler. The air handler sends the cooled air into the ductwork and then to the rooms through vents.
Central ACs are effective and powerful. If your home already has ductwork and has a furnace connected to it, a central air conditioner is a good option. You’ll make the best use of the resources you already have in place.
Ductless mini split heat pump systems
Ductless mini splits have an outdoor unit like central air conditioners, but use multiple smaller indoor air handlers rather than a single indoor unit. The smaller units are placed on walls in rooms, where they blow the conditioned air directly into the living space—no ducts required. Ductless systems are also heat pumps, which means they can both heat and cool.
Going ductless is a great choice if you have an older home without any room for ductwork, or you are planning to build a new house or extensively remodel your current one and don’t want to bother with ductwork.
What about portable units? Window ACs?
We like to think of these as last resorts, and there is not much reason to consider either as any type of long-term air conditioning solution. But people often bring them up when they’re looking for a way to cool their home, so we do need to address them:
- Window air conditioners are less expensive than installing a new ductless system, but they have too many limitations: not enough cooling power, lower energy efficiency, block light from windows, look ugly on the outside of the house, and generally make a home less secure. If you’re thinking about window ACs, we recommend you think of a ductless system instead.
- Portable AC units are more powerful than window units, although they still need access to a window to operate. But they have the same limited capacity, and the best use for them is if you have a rented room with no air conditioner, or you have a guest staying in your house who needs special cooling requirements. (Even then, it’s probably best to just rent a unit for a few days.)
At Thayer Air Conditioning, “Your Comfort Is Our #1 Priority!” Schedule service today—we’re already on our way.
