If you’ve spent even one hot summer’s day in Louisville, KY, you’ll understand how crucial AC is. With Kentucky’s hot and humid summers, you’ll need the best AC system for your house that you can get.
But what exactly is the best air conditioning system for this kind of climate? This article walks you through some central air conditioning systems on the market. Want to know how to stay cool in the Kentucky heat? Then read on!
Central Air Conditioning System
The central air conditioning system is one of the most widely used. You’ll find these central systems in many Louisville homes because they’re good at providing consistent cooling.
They’re also favored for being energy efficient. Bills are getting higher, and many Louisville households are feeling the squeeze, so it’s no surprise that central AC systems are popular – they’re a great way to lower utility bills.
So why doesn’t everyone in Louisville have central AC? One reason is the high installation costs. Central AC requires your home to have the required ductwork. If your home lacks ducts, you’ll need to get them installed, and that doesn’t come cheap.
Also, many of the homes in Louisville were built a few centuries ago. The architects back then certainly didn’t have air conditioning systems in mind. If you live in an older building, structural issues could mean installing ducts is impossible.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
So, what conditioning systems should you consider if your home can’t accommodate ducts? One option is ductless mini-split systems. These are perfect for homes without ductwork, as they rely on an outdoor compressor in combination with one or more indoor air units.
Not only does this mean you don’t need ducts, but you can also control each of the indoor units independently. This means you’ll be able to set a different temperature in different rooms. Ideal if you’re always fighting with your spouse over the thermostat settings.
Again, this is a system that offers reduced energy costs in the long run. With that said, you’ll also need to spend a fair bit of cash initially to get this system up and running.
Heat Pumps
The climate in Louisville can vary. The summers are hot, but things can still get reasonably cold in winter. Heat pumps are great in a variable climate as they offer both heating and cooling.
They’re very energy efficient compared to a more traditional HVAC system. They can save you a lot on your energy bills throughout the year.
One of the significant disadvantages of heat pumps is that they are somewhat dependent on the external temperature. During a freezing cold snap, your heating may not function as well as you’d like.
Window Air Conditioning Units
If you’re on a serious budget, you might have to consider a window air conditioner. These are not really ideal in all but the smallest settings. If you’re in a studio apartment, a window air conditioning unit might be all you need, but otherwise, you’ll really start to feel the heat in the summer months.
Not only are these window units impractical for larger homes, but they’re also not very energy efficient. While you’ll certainly save money in short-term installation costs, you’ll lose out in the long run.
The bottom line? Unless you live in a small apartment, or you have a shoestring budget, you should consider more effective options.
Portable Air Conditioners
These air conditioners are quite similar to window-based units in that they’re only effective in smaller spaces. They do have some advantages.
Unlike window AC units that are confined to the window, you can move portable units around the house. Despite their relative lack of power, you may be able to get good results from a portable unit by finding the sweet spot.
Since they don’t need to fit in a window, you can also get them in various sizes. This means portable units can be a bit more powerful than window units. Of course, they’ll never match up to the cooling power of a well-installed permanent cooling system.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling
If you want to install the most environmentally friendly option, you might consider a geothermal solution. These systems use underground temperatures to heat and cool your home, meaning you won’t need to rely on fossil fuels to power your AC.
Since they’re so energy efficient, a well-installed geothermal system has very low operating costs. So why isn’t everyone rushing to switch to this type of AC?
The reasons are cost and feasibility. The initial expense for a geothermal system is high. You’re not just installing ducts here; you have to install a system of underground pipes. Since you need considerable underground infrastructure, geothermal systems may be impossible to install in many Louisville homes.
Getting the Best Indoor Air Quality Needs an Expert Touch
Getting the best AC system involves more than simply selecting the right type. You also need to work with a knowledgeable professional. Every home is different, and only a skilled AC practitioner has the necessary knowledge to install an optimal system. A good system installed poorly could end up performing worse than a mediocre AC expertly calibrated by a seasoned pro.
In Louisville, having a well-functioning AC unit is about more than better indoor air quality; it’s an essential utility during the hot and humid months. This means you require a reliable unit that won’t break down when you require it most.
A poorly installed unit could lead to all kinds of problems, like leaking ductwork or erratic electrical connections. A pro technician knows how to avoid these issues. They’ll install a unit you can depend on during the hottest summer days.
Get the Best AC System for Your House
As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. The best AC system for your house is one that works for your needs and budget. To ensure you get the best possible performance and the lowest chance of malfunctioning, installation by a qualified professional is a must.
Here at One Choice Mechanical, we have a tried and tested reputation for providing exceptional HVAC services in the local area. Our winning blend of honesty, transparency, and a customer-first mentality means we’ve been the first choice for HVAC repairs, installation, and maintenance since 2007. Contact us today, and let’s get you a quote.
