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Question: I would like to install air conditioning on the 1st floor of my 2 story home. I have casement style windows that swing out so I can’t install a window unit. I could install central air, but I don’t use the 2nd floor of the house. The windows are 10 yr old Anderson. Should I replace 1 window with a double hung window so I can fit in an air conditioner or go for central air?

Answer : My first choice for energy conservation, as well overall comfort, is to install a central air-conditioning system. These systems can be “zoned” so they may only cool one floor of the home and not both. Nonetheless you definitely should plan on both and debate that with your contractor as it could be less costly to install some of the channeling to “stand by” for cooling the second floor at some particular point in future times.

Another option might be to install a through-the-wall air conditioning unit. Many of the larger units are available with wall mounted sleeves. To install, you’d need to cut a hole in the exterior wall and frame it out the same way you’d frame an opening for a window or door. It is very important to do this correctly, as you will be impacting the structural integrity of the house. Also, this type of system will very likely cause a heat loss in the winter as it is very difficult to seal it to prevent cold air leaking in.

A better choice, which cost-wise will be between the price of a central system and a through-the-wall mounted conveyable, could be ductless air-conditioning. I have Fujitsu ductless aircon system like this in my office and the ductless air-conditioning system works amazingly well as a supplement to my central system, which doesn’t absolutely extend into the office space. With ductless air-con, you’ve a wall blower that hangs on the inside wall of your house. This is connected through a refrigerant line to a tiny compressor which sits outside, just like a central system. The compressor supplies chilled refrigerant to the blower within, which circulates the cooled air.

Given the above, my choice would be (1) central; (2) ductless; (3) through-the-wall.

Irrespective of what you finally decide, you ought to be sure to select the most efficient air-conditioning unit achievable. Energy Star has a good new programme called chill your World With Energy Star Home that will help you understand cooling potency and options.

Tom Kraeutler is the Host, Founder and Chief home-improvement Evangelist of The Money Pit. He could be a hands-on renovation broadcast newshound and the type of guy house owners wish to call at midnight when their cellar floods. He first earned his home improvement stripes as a pro home inspector, assembling over twenty years expertise learning how homes are put together, and how they fall apart!

Lawrence Influxseo is a marketing staff for Vista Air Conditioning and San Diego Air Conditioning. The experienced HVAC contractor provides air conditioning services for residential, commercial, and industrial requirements. visit our web page for further information.