Do You Need Two AC Units In Your Home?
Here in Kingwood and the surrounding areas, it is not uncommon to have neighborhoods that primarily have 2-story homes. Maintaining a constant, comfortable temperature can be challenging, especially if you are living in an older two-story home with only one AC unit.
So this begs the question – Will upgrading to two AC units provide a better solution to cooling your home more efficiently and effectively?
Every home and every family is different. It is important to evaluate your specific needs to decide whether a single-unit non-zoned system, a single-unit zoned system, or having two AC units in your home is the best option for you.
In this article, we explore various factors to help you determine whether your home truly needs two AC units. We delve into temperature balance and control, energy use and savings, backup in case of failure, cost considerations, and the alternative of a single-unit zoning system.
Temperature Balance & Control
Inconsistent temperatures throughout the home is generally the main reason for inquiring about upgrading to two ac units. One area of your home will be warmer or more difficult to cool than another, more commonly found in two-story homes.
Large homes with multiple levels or sprawling floor plans often experience temperature variations, where some areas are cooler than others. Installing two AC units allows you to zone your home, providing independent cooling for different areas. This can help ensure each room or zone is maintained at the desired temperature, providing optimal comfort for everyone in the household. For example, if the upstairs of your home is rarely used during the day, you can set the thermostat for that unit much higher than you would be able to with one AC unit. This allows you the freedom to keep the downstairs at a more comfortable temperature for the areas you use, without using excessive energy to cool the entire home to one temperature. This brings us to the second pro of having two AC units in your home: energy savings.
Energy Use & Savings
When your home has one, non-zoned AC unit, the entire home must be cooled to attain the desired temperature. With two AC units, you have more control over how much energy is used to keep a particular area comfortable. While two AC units may offer improved temperature control, it’s essential to consider the impact on energy consumption and potential savings. Operating two AC units simultaneously can increase your energy usage compared to running a single unit.
However, this increased energy consumption can be offset by the ability to cool specific areas only when needed. Essentially, when you reduce the square footage being consistently cooled, your costs go down.
Backup In Case of Failure
We know, here in Kingwood, that it is no fun when you are waiting on an untimely AC repair. Especially since failures usually happen in the dead of summer. Although we usually offer our customers with failures a portable AC unit if we can’t get things back up and running right away, these units only cool a portion of your home.
If you have two AC units in your home, you can rely on one unit to keep your family comfortable while the other is receiving an AC repair, simple AC maintenance, or even getting replaced with a new AC installation. Having this reassurance that you won’t be left in sweltering heat is so beneficial.
Cost Considerations for Two AC Units in Your Home
Costs are an important factor to consider when deciding whether to invest in two AC units. The installation of two units requires additional equipment, such as condensers, ductwork, and thermostats, which can increase the upfront costs. However, the cost difference may not be as much as you think. AC units are recommended for your home based on square footage and cooling needs. If you have two units, the size of the units needed will be much smaller to cool the same square footage of space.
Additionally, the savings you will experience in energy costs can help to offset the cost of the two units. Heating and cooling habits, the size of your home, the layout of your home, and more will help determine what the best option for your family is.
Invest in Two AC Units Or A Single-Unit Zoned System?
If you desire temperature control in specific areas without the need for two separate AC units, a single-unit zoning system might be a suitable alternative. A zoning system utilizes dampers within the ductwork to direct conditioned air to specific zones or rooms as needed. Each zone can have its own thermostat, allowing for individual temperature control. This solution eliminates the need for a second outdoor unit, reducing installation costs and energy consumption.
A single-unit zoning system provides the flexibility to cool specific zones while still benefiting from centralized air conditioning. This option is particularly advantageous for homeowners with well-insulated homes or those looking to balance comfort and energy efficiency without the higher investment of a second AC unit.
The cost of a single-unit zoned system installation would be more than a regular non-zoned system, but like having two units, it can greatly decrease your energy costs.
Check with your local AC Company
In conclusion, determining whether your home needs two AC units depends on various factors. While two units can offer improved temperature control and backup capabilities, they come with higher upfront and ongoing costs. Alternatively, a single-unit zoning system can provide similar benefits by targeting specific areas without the need for an additional outdoor unit.
Before making a decision, evaluate your home’s size, layout, energy efficiency, and budget. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician can help you assess your specific needs and guide you toward the most suitable solution. Whether you opt for two AC units or a single-unit zoning system, the goal is to create a comfortable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective cooling solution for your home.
If you are questioning the efficiency of your current AC’s performance, give our air conditioning experts a call at 281-354-9600. At Madd Air, we never leave a customer unhappy – that’s our guarantee.
