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When the temperatures start to climb upwards, you’re likely inclined to turn on a cooling device, such as an air conditioner or a fan. You might wonder which one of these options is better. There is no one right answer that applies in all situations. Consider a variety of factors to determine whether you should opt for an energy-efficient attic fan or whole-home air conditioning installation.
Installation Costs
If you’re like many homeowners, your budget plays a significant role in which option you choose. As far as installation costs go, the energy-efficient fan is the more effective option. The cost of an air-conditioning upgrade varies depending on what features you want, but a whole-home installation typically costs thousands of dollars.
Payment Plans
While installing an air conditioner can be a significant expense, payment plans can help make this option more affordable for you. Energy-efficient fans, on the other hand, are typically more affordable and may not require financing. However, if you still prefer to pay for a fan on a monthly basis, you might want to consider the overall cost and the benefits it offers compared to an air conditioner. It’s essential to evaluate your financial situation and needs to make the best decision for your home comfort.
Long-Term Savings
When it comes to financial concerns, you also have to consider the possibility of long-term savings. In general, an energy-efficient fan will keep your bills lower than an air conditioner. However, many modern air conditioners do come with energy-efficient features. Also, you may need to run the fan constantly to keep the house cool, leading to more energy usage. Your monthly bills depend largely on how frequently and to what intensity you use the unit. You can talk with one of our representatives to learn more about what to expect in terms of monthly bills.
Health Conditions
The health of your loved ones and yourself also plays an important role in whether you should choose a whole-home air conditioner or an energy-efficient fan. With an energy-efficient fan, you typically need to have the windows open at the same time, which could be difficult if you or your family members suffer from allergies. Also, the fan might not cool the house down enough for people or pets with certain medical conditions. Take, for example, a person who suffers from severe asthma. A humid environment can be dangerous. Babies, older adults, and pets can be particularly susceptible to the heat and humidity as well.
Precise Location of Your Home
Our team members can discuss the best option for your home depending on its precise location. For example, perhaps you have a vacation home located on a body of water. Installing air conditioning might be entirely unnecessary because waterfront properties are typically cooler. You can enjoy an energy-efficient fan coupled with a gentle breeze. On the other hand, if you own a home in a busy suburban area, you’ll likely need a whole-home air conditioner to get you through the hottest days of summer.
Time Spent at Home
You should also account for how much time you spend at home. You might own an apartment that you come back to only at night to sleep. Installing air conditioning may not be worth the cost. Try an energy-efficient fan to cool the space. However, if you spend a lot of time at home, particularly during the summer heat, an air conditioning system is the way to go.
Your Temperature Preferences
Your own temperature preferences play an important role in whether you should install whole-home air conditioning or get an energy-efficient fan. A fan simply cannot cool down a living space like an air conditioner can. If you prefer the house to be cold, you should get an air conditioning system. If you’re regularly chilly and barely turn on air conditioning, an energy-efficient fan can suit your needs.
Environmental Impact
An energy-efficient fan requires much less power, which means that this option has a reduced impact on the environment. Keep in mind that modern air conditioners come with many energy-efficient features. You can speak with a representative to learn more about how to cool down your house while reducing your impact on the environment.
Electrical Load
You’ll also need to consider how much more of an electrical load your home can carry. If your home has low electrical load capabilities, the energy-efficient fan may be the better option. One of our team members can discuss options with you. For example, if you want to get an air conditioner, you can learn about the options for upgrading the electrical system to support the cooling unit.
Noise Levels
Consider the noise levels of air conditioners versus energy-efficient fans. Some people might find the constant hum of an air conditioner more bothersome than the quieter operation of a fan. Conversely, some fans can be quite noisy, especially at higher speeds, which can be a disturbance during sleep or work.
Space Requirements
The amount of space each cooling solution requires can be a consideration. Air conditioners, especially central units, need substantial outdoor space for the condenser unit, while portable air conditioners require window access. Fans, particularly portable ones, need much less space and can be stored away when not in use.
Scope and Portability
A whole-home air conditioning unit is stationary. However, you can move an energy-efficient fan from room to room. If you’re moving from relaxing in the living room to preparing dinner in the kitchen, you can bring the fan with you, which is a benefit. On the other hand, the living room will warm up without the cooling power of the fan.
While you can’t bring the air conditioner along with you, the unit will continue to cool the entire house no matter where you are. If you’re worried about wasting energy on cooling down parts of the house that you’re not currently using, you can look into a zone system. A zone system gives you greater control over your house. You can set varying temperatures for different zones in order to reduce energy waste and save money.
Maintenance
An energy-efficient fan typically requires less maintenance than an air conditioner, but you’ll generally need to take care of the fan. You should never attempt to repair mechanical, electrical, or other operating issues yourself. However, you will need to keep the fan clean.
An air conditioner requires more regular maintenance from professionals. Having regular maintenance on your home’s cooling device, though, is a benefit. In the event that any problems are brewing with the unit, you won’t necessarily have to wait until the system totally breaks down to find out. Our team members can let you know about potential problems during your regular maintenance appointments.
Here at MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric in Lenexa, we can help you decide if whole-home air conditioning or an energy-efficient fan is the right option for your living space. We offer a full range of HVAC services, including maintenance, repair, and installation for heating and cooling systems. We also work on heat pumps and thermostats, and we can set up a zoning system in your home. Electrical and plumbing services, such as surge protection, smoke-detector installation, drain cleaning, and sewer line replacement, are available as well.
To get started on making your home a cooler and more comfortable place to live, contact MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric today.
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