Florida homeowners know that keeping every room cool and comfortable during the summer months isn’t cheap. Paying for quality air conditioning can be costly – especially if you need to purchase a brand new central air system.

But can a cheap air conditioning unit get the job done?

Let’s take a look at some of the alternatives to traditional central air conditioners and how well they can keep you cool during the hottest months of the year.

Window AC Units

Window units are some of the most popular alternatives to central air conditioners in the world. They function in much the same way as a traditional HVAC system – refrigerant, coils, and a condenser unit that hangs outside your window.

These window units are easy to install and don’t require professional help. However, they can be too heavy – both for installation and for the window itself.

But can they keep you cool? The answer is yes – as long as you only want to cool one or two rooms at most. Anything beyond that and you’ll need several more units placed strategically in the windows throughout your home.

Portable AC Units

Portable air conditioner units allow you to keep rooms in your house cool as you need them. These systems are dramatically more effective than an ordinary fan, but aren’t as effective as window units for cooling.

Portable AC units also require a hose system that releases heat and condensation outside your home. Fortunately, these hoses are lightweight and can be run through your nearest cracked window.

If you have a very small space to cool (a few hundred square feet at most) and don’t care too much about it being the perfect temperature year-round, a portable AC unit is always an option.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Sticky humid weather or excessively dry weather can make the room feel uncomfortable. While this has less to do with the temperature than with the amount of water molecules in the air, it still answers some of the concerns homeowners have.

If you live in the Jacksonville, Florida area, this option will not be enough to keep you cool. However, in some parts of the country or during certain months of the year, simply running a humidifier or dehumidifier can definitely keep you more comfortable.

Your Best Option

While it’s true that these alternative options can be effective at keeping you more comfortable in your home, they aren’t comprehensive solutions for your cooling needs. The best option for saving time and money in the long run is to install a new central heat and air system in your home.

Rather than dealing with the hassle and expense of running and maintaining multiple window units, rolling a portable AC unit from place to place, or sweating it out with a dehumidifier, choose a full HVAC system. At Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule air conditioning service in the Jacksonville, FL area!