1. CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING

Cost: $3,000 - $7,000

The most cost-efficient way to install central air conditioning is to hire the right contractor, schedule installation during the off-season (and use rebates or tax credits).

Method:

This method uses an outdoor compressor and condenser coil (located outside) connected to an indoor furnace with an evaporator coil.

A thermostat on the wall will signal systems to turn on or off depending on settings.

Pros:

On average, adding a central air conditioning system can increase the value of your home by about 10%.

Proper air conditioning systems also assist in excluding external allergens like pollen.

Cons:

Its noises can lead to noise pollution and sometimes indoor air pollution is greater than outdoor air pollution.

If indoor air and duct systems are not properly regulated, then your air can contain allergens causing headaches and nasal issues.

2. DUCTLESS COOLING

Cost: $3,000 - $5,000

Method:

This method is more simple than Central Air Conditioning as it only requires an outdoor unit, indoor units located in each desired room, and remote controls.

Ductless cooling is a highly efficient and easily installed heating and cooling system for your property. A ductless cooling system can be more cost-efficient depending on your situation. If you need to replace your ductwork or if your home does not have existing ductwork, then ductless cooling may be the best way to go. This is an ideal method for new homes and as additions to existing homes.

Pros:

This is a common option for those who wish to heat or cool their add on rooms. This method provides a great solution for rooms where it is difficult to extend or add new ductwork.

Ductless Cooling allows for single-zone/ individual room application. Meaning that you can choose to heat or cool a single room at a time.

This method can also help avoid high energy bills.

Cons:

If your home has an existing duct system, then this may not be the most cost-efficient method.

3. GEOTHERMAL COOLING

Cost $12,000 - $30,000

Geothermal cooling uses renewable energy from the surface of the Earth to cool or heat your home. This is one of the most eco-friendly systems available. This cooling system is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Method: For this method, an HVAC contractor will dig wells, insert pipes or loops filled with a water solution underground, seal the loops, and run pipes from the ground to the heat pump.

Pros:

Costs will not fluctuate at the mercy of oil and gas prices. Additionally, your yearly spending on energy will be reduced with 30%-60% savings on heating and 25%-50% savings on cooling.

This is also the most Environmentally friendly option as it has the smallest carbon footprint.

Cons:

Large scale Geothermal systems can be harmful to the Earth’s surface.

This system also requires an incredible usage of water.

ATTIC FANS

Cost: $300 - $600

Method:

Attic fans may be overlooked but during the summer heat, it is important to not neglect your attic temperature. Your attic temperature acts as a shield from the heat and affects the temperature of the rest of your home.

This method includes a fan located in your attic that regulates the attic temperature by releasing hot air to the exterior of your home. A thermostat is often used to turn the fan off and on so that this system can function automatically.

Pros:

Ultimately can help reduce your energy bills as your cooling system for the interior of your home will use less energy.

This is a cost-effective add-on that will help the cost of your cooling system in the long run. Your home will remain at a comfortable temperature for a smaller cost.

Cons:

It is important to note that attic fans may only be necessary under certain climates or living conditions.

If your heater or cooling system is already located in the attic, then it won’t be efficient for you to also have an attic fan.

Additionally, attic fans usually rely on cooler temperatures and ideally dry air in the evening times. And attic fans may require you to leave your window open throughout the night so they would not be an efficient choice for neighborhoods with security issues.

WHOLE HOUSE FANS

Cost: $1,250 -$ 1,830

Method: A whole house fan will draw cool outdoor air to the interior of the home through open windows and release hot indoor air through the attic to the outside. This is a relatively cost-effective method compared to other cooling systems that cool your entire home.

Pros:

If you don’t have air conditioning, a whole house fan creates a cooling indoor breeze. If you do have air conditioning, the fan will suffice on all but the hottest days, reducing energy cost.

This is an energy-efficient alternative and can increase the value of your home depending on the location as the geographic location can affect its efficiency.

Cons:

This method is meant only for when the outdoor air is cooler than your indoor air. So this is often an addition to your AC system.

Keep in mind that you should turn your AC off when you run the fan or you will be blowing out the expensive AC.

This method is only efficient in certain climates.

CHOOSING

So you own a home, and you are trying to figure out your most efficient cooling system. There is no short answer but as you can see, there are plenty of options for you and it starts with the specific needs of the home.

Some factors to keep in mind can be the climate that your home is located in, your budget, what is energy efficient, cost-efficiency in the long run, environmental friendliness, etc.

We hope this information can help you make a wiser decision or even begin your research in a better direction.

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