For many of us, staying cool in a climate-controlled home is the best way to survive the sweltering heat in the summer months. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 85 percent of homes in the South use central air conditioning while it’s 90 percent for new homes today.
About three-quarters of all U.S. homes have this type of home heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system or HVAC solution which accounts for about six percent of the nation’s gross electricity produced.
While it seems like everyone’s favorite cooling appliance, a central air conditioning is not feasible for all types of homes nor is it ideal for everyone. This system requires setting up ductwork throughout the house to avoid unequal distribution of air leading to hot spots or cold spots. It’s also expensive not just from the initial purchase but throughout the installation, maintenance, and energy consumption.
You can still beat the heat even when the central air conditioning isn’t structurally or financially practical in your case. Scroll through the list of alternatives below to find the best way to keep cool when the summer heat hits its peak.
1. Window Air Conditioner
One of the most common types of air conditioners on the market is the window air conditioner. These air conditioners are capable of cooling down even large rooms effectively. They are less expensive than central air conditioning units, too. If you want to buy an air conditioner that can cool down your house without forcing you to spend a ton of money, then this will fit the bill.
Pros:
A good window air conditioner can cool down your home effectively. You won’t have to spend quite as much of your hard-earned money as you would if you purchased central air. Installing a window unit is as simple as positioning the air conditioner in the window. You won’t need a professional to put one of these in for you, so that is another cost that you can avoid.
Cons:
A window air conditioner may not be able to cool down your entire home as well as central air conditioning would. This means that you will have to put up with certain parts of your house being less comfortable than others. There are larger window units that can cool down bigger areas, but they still might not work as effectively as central air.
2. Portable Air Conditioner
There are also portable air conditioning units on the market. These portable air conditioners can be moved from room to room when necessary. This is convenient when you want to use the air conditioner in your living room during the day but want to have it in your bedroom for the night. These are easy to use, and you simply plug them into the wall.
Pros:
Portable air conditioners are very simple to use. They plug right into a standard electrical outlet. You will generally need to position a tube going out of your window in order to have a place for the condensation to go. Otherwise, this should be a really convenient central air conditioning alternative.
Cons:
Moving an air conditioner to different rooms will be too cumbersome for many people. Also, having to position the tube in the window can be a bit of a pain. There are a lot of people who find purchasing multiple window air conditioners to be a more practical choice than using these portable units.
3. Evaporative Air Cooler
An evaporative air cooler can be an effective central air conditioning alternative if you live in the right type of environment. These cooling devices work by evaporating water and putting moisture into the air. When your humidity levels are less than 50%, this will wind up cooling down your home by quite a bit. You can actually decrease the temperature in your home by ten degrees or more, in some situations.
The problem with this method is that it is mostly only good for places that lack humidity. If you live in a dry climate, then this is going to make your home much more comfortable. Those who already live in humid places won’t be able to use these units properly. This could either be a great alternative or something that won’t work very well, depending on your geographic location.
Pros:
A unit like this can wind up cooling your home significantly. These evaporative air coolers are fairly energy-efficient and will cool down your home substantially when used under the right circumstances. The units are also lightweight and fairly portable, making them practical to use in many places. This could work well at home and could also be a good fit for an office.
Cons:
An evaporative air cooler is only going to be effective in places that have a dry climate. This is going to be a tool that is more useful for people who live in places such as Arizona and impractical for those who live in Florida. Make sure that your humidity levels are less than 50% before you decide to make a purchase.
