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Keeping homes cool is a big business. There are seemingly endless brands and varieties of air conditioning units, so it can be hard to figure out which one is best for you. Here are the pros and cons of each type to help you determine which A/C unit will best serve your cooling needs.

Central HVAC System

An HVAC system is the standard, large A/C unit or heat pump you see outside or on the roof of many homes coupled with internal ductwork inside a home or business to transport the cooled air throughout the adjoining building.

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Cools every room connected with ductwork
• Provides consistent temperature

Cons:

• Ductwork can leak because of age or damage
• Can be expensive to install
• Can’t adjust temperature for an individual room

Window Unit

This unit can be installed in a window or wall.

Pros:

• Variety of sizes to cool down small or large rooms
• More affordable than larger units
• Easy to install

Cons:

• Mostly cools just one room
• Not as versatile as a portable unit
• Can pose a security risk

Portable A/C Unit

This type of unit can be moved from room to room.

Pros:

• Easy to move around
• Easy to install
• Variety of sizes available

Cons:

• Usually has a lower Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) rating compared to other air conditioners
• Requires regular draining
• A window is needed in the room you want to cool
• Can only cool a small area or room

Swamp Coolers

Swamp coolers, or evaporative cooling systems, work by passing hot air over a wet pad. The water in the pad evaporates, cooling the air and adding humidity.

Pros:

• Ideal for hot and dry climates
• Inexpensive to install
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Reduced effectiveness in humid climates
• Windows must remain open while in use
• Moisture buildup can cause corrosion or damage furnishings, books and other things in a home

Ductless A/C Systems

Health Benefits and Risks of A/C Units

No matter which A/C unit you choose, air conditioning systems keep you safe or jeopardize your health depending on the circumstance and condition of the unit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says air conditioning is the most effective way to prevent heat-related illness, which kills more than 600 people in the U.S. each year.1 Doctors recommend people who live in hot climates, especially children under age four and adults older than 65, stay in air-conditioned areas during the hottest parts of summer days.

For those who struggle with seasonal allergies, air conditioning could help ease your sneezing and watery eyes. Mayo Clinic researchers say using the A/C reduces the concentration of airborne pollen from trees and weeds inside homes and businesses.2 Air conditioning can also reduce your exposure to dust mites, which can trigger allergy attacks.

If not maintained properly, air conditioners can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Moisture can accumulate in the coils and fan blades, and if left unchecked, mold can build up and spores can circulate throughout your home. These microorganisms can cause breathing problems such as pneumonia and Legionnaires’ disease.

Air conditioners can keep you cool at work, but they may also be making you sick. People experiencing sick building syndrome may exhibit several symptoms, such as dry throat, itchy eyes and nausea. It more often manifests in employees who work in air-conditioned buildings than those who work in naturally ventilated offices.

There are steps you can take to ensure your A/C unit is keeping you cool and healthy:

• Regularly clean and change air filters
• Check that exhaust fans are working
• Never store paint or chemicals near the unit

A/C Service in Southeastern Virginia

If your A/C unit requires service, repairs or replacement, reach out to Bogue Oil. One of our licensed, certified technicians will stop by your home to perform a comprehensive consultation. If replacement is in your best interest, they’ll help you choose the right unit for your home and budget, install it and test it to ensure it’s running at peak efficiency.

The team at Bogue Oil is committed to excellence. We install top-quality systems from most major manufacturers, including Carrier and Trane. We encourage our customers to enroll in our A/C service agreement, which covers the annual maintenance of your A/C unit. Labor and most major parts are included. Regular maintenance will help you save money in so many ways, from lowering your utility bills to ensuring your equipment lasts longer and requires fewer repairs.

Bogue Oil has been helping the people of southeastern Virginia with their heating and cooling needs for more than half a century, and we intended to continue doing so for years to come. Contact us online or call (757) 419-2734 to schedule your service or enroll in our A/C service plan.

1 https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369660