Current Events > Window AC units vs regular AC: Which one uses less power?

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I live in Georgia. Last Summer my AC unit went out. I got an AC unit for my room and my brother, who is my roommate, got one for his room. We eventually got the AC fixed and it was a smaller fix. They warned us it could go out again. My brother took his window unit out. I kept mine in and kept it running since I like to keep my room cooler than the house while sleeping.

Im the one who pays the bills. I didnt notice a significant increase in our power bill even with my window unit always going. Our AC went out again a few days ago so we are back to Window units. We bought a bigger one for the living room and the house in general is just as cool as it would have been with our AC working. Im pretty sure our power cost dropped significantly last year with 2 window units. So maybe it will be cheaper just to run off of 3 window units instead of the big central AC unit?

Does anyone know for sure which is cheaper? Ill probably get a good idea of what the costs is in about 2 months. Also, a guy said that they would probably have to replace our entire unit which can cost around 3 grand. That is a route I dont want to take

For long term, central ac is going to be cheaper, the big upfront cost to replace it is an issue, but it will be a real money saver. Replaced the central ac in my place last year, cost a bit over 3k, but my electric bill was cut in half due to how old and inefficient my old ac was.

LightHawKnight posted...

but my electric bill was cut in half due to how old and inefficient my old ac was.

I honestly didnt consider this. Our current central AC unit is, at minimum, 16 years old. A new one could be far more efficient

DepreceV2 posted...

I honestly didnt consider this. Our current central AC unit is, at minimum, 16 years old. A new one could be far more efficient

it definitely would be. they use a completely new kind of coolant and the old systems are actually going to be discontinued in the next few years so any more repairs would be even more expensive.

if you contact an AC company they'll tell you all about it.

I love my central air hvac. It's always comfortable, and doesn't turn on with nearly the same frequency as my old place.

thronedfire2 posted...

it definitely would be. they use a completely new kind of coolant and the old systems are actually going to be discontinued in the next few years so any more repairs would be even more expensive.

if you contact an AC company they'll tell you all about it.

I guess my plan will be to get window units and get money ready for a full on replacement of central air. Its kind of a problem for me. My parents left their house to my younger brother and I when they decided to retire and move back to where they grew up. My brother has 2 kids and a fianc so I know I will be moving out eventually. I dont know how we will handle how much I get paid for the house because there is no way Im just going to leave it after paying into the mortgage for several years without seeing any money.

That is besides the point. The main point is that I honestly dont want to spend a ton on replacing the central AC unit just for me to move out afterwards

Central air is also quieter so its better on your hearing in the long term.

If you own the house, it just adds to the homes value. So you get it back if you sell it.
If you're renting, it's not your responsibility.

Imit8m3 posted...

If you own the house, it just adds to the homes value. So you get it back if you sell it.
If you're renting, it's not your responsibility.

Thats the problem. Im in a middle ground. I technically own it but this house will ultimately go to my younger brother and Ill move away