Window air conditioners have been used for many years to achieve quick and convenient cooling. But recent advancements have placed ductless mini splits at the forefront of HVAC technology. Below, we compare LG window units to mini splits and how you can decide which air conditioning solution is right for you.
How Ductless Systems and Window Air Conditioners Work
A window air conditioner uses the same properties of refrigeration to cool a room as any other kind of HVAC system. When the temperature rises in a room, the thermostat on the unit is triggered and the fan begins to pull warm air into the air conditioner. There are coils inside that contain refrigerant, which cools air as it passes over the tubing. Then, the colder air is blown back into the room while hot air is expelled outside.
A ductless system consists of three components — an indoor air handler, an outdoor condenser, and refrigerant lines that connect the two. These work to move heat from one place to another, resulting in a cooling effect when heat is removed from a room. However, this process can be reversed to pull warmth from outside and move it inside, effectively making the system a heater too.
Pros and Cons of LG Window Units
LG window units can be a good option when you need home cooling fast and you’re on an extremely limited budget. They typically use less energy than a central HVAC system but can’t be used for heating at all. Here are some other pros and cons of LG window ACs:
Pros
- Inexpensive to purchase
- Usually easy to install
- Can install in just a few hours
- Can be done without an HVAC professional
- Available at some retail stores
- May be cheaper than central AC to cool just one or two rooms
- Fewer maintenance and repairs than central AC
- Can be moved between windows or houses
Cons
- Can be noisy
- Home security risk
- Potential for falling
- Coverage generally limited to just one room
- Can’t be used in basements or attics without windows
- Less energy efficient than other forms of air conditioning
- More expensive to operate over time
- Must be removed and stored in the winter
- Can be less attractive than ductless or central AC
- May struggle in extremely high temperatures
- Lowers the amount of natural light coming into your space
Pros and Cons of LG Mini Splits
LG mini splits are a great option for people looking for a long-term heating and cooling solution for their home or business. They’re the newest technology currently on the market and offer better comfort and more customized controls than other systems.
Pros
- Functions as both a heater and an air conditioner in the same system
- Can install on walls or in the ceiling
- Highly energy-efficient
- Environmentally friendly
- Whisper-quiet at 22 decibels
- Easy-to-use, customizable controls
- Dozens of innovative features
- Excellent performance in extreme high and low temps
- Lower maintenance than central HVAC and window ACs
- Longest lifespan of all cooling methods
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Must be installed by an HVAC consultant
How to Decide Which System Is Right for You
Choosing a cooling solution can be tough when there are so many great options from LG. Here are some things to consider before making your final purchase:
How many rooms are you cooling? If you need air conditioning in more than one space, a mini split is generally the better option since you can connect multiple indoor units to one outdoor condenser. If you’re using window ACs, you’ll need one for every room you want to cool.
What’s your budget? If you only have a few hundred dollars to spend, you may be boxed into getting a window unit for now. LG models are affordable and full of features, so they’re a great option if window is the way to go.
How important is energy efficiency to you? If you’re looking for an air conditioner that is energy efficient and easy on the environment, mini splits are the better performers. These systems can do a lot with a little and don’t need much electricity to adequately cool your space. Over time, this means lower electric bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
Let Cape Cod Heat Pumps Help
At Cape Cod Heat Pumps, we know cooling. Our team of experienced HVAC professionals can help you find the best air conditioning options to fit your home, business, or budget. Contact us today for answers to your important questions by calling 508-833-4822.
