Is AC cheaper than central heating?

In many households, heating and cooling are among the greatest energy-consuming systems. That is why there is an ongoing controversy on whether air conditioning (AC) is more affordable than central heating. This debate doesn’t have a direct answer: yes or no. Why? Several factors should be considered, such as installation cost, operational cost, climatic conditions, maintenance, etc.

Overview of AC and central heating

To make the right decision when comparing AC and central heating systems, you need to clearly understand each in terms of functions, costs, benefits, maintenance, etc. For you to make an informed decision, contact Just Services Group, which offers insightful advice on repairing and replacing the systems. This makes it easy for you to understand each system and opt for a cost-effective option.

Air conditioning

ACs are systems that have been specifically designed to get rid of the humidity and heat that might be within the house or any other building (this process can be reversed to heat the house). Their main work is to create a cooler and suitable environment. They operate using machines like refrigerants, which take in all the available heat within a building and take it to the external environment.

Benefits of AC

ACs are suitable in areas that experience hot climates. With the rise in temperatures, the AC cools the environment, making it more comfortable. Staying in a room in hot climates will be hard without these systems.

Households that have AC experience improved air quality. These machines have filters that prevent things like dust, allergens and any other pollutants from entering the room; this enhances the overall quality of the indoor air.

These machines are energy efficient. Modern AC comes with high SEER ratings and inverter advancements, vital in minimising energy consumption.

Central heating

Central heating is designed only to create warm indoor environments, especially during the colder seasons. The systems have a boiler where water is heated. Afterward, the heat is distributed in the house through the radiators system or underfloor heating.

Benefits of central heating

This system is crucial, especially in regions with cold climates. With such a system, consistent warmth is guaranteed during severe winter.

The system can operate on different fuel types, including electricity, natural gas or oil. Therefore, the user can opt for the cheaper fuel in their location.

Additionally, the system is highly efficient: Contemporary systems attained high AFUE values, guaranteeing effective energy utilisation.

Below are the factors that homeowners can use in evaluating if AC is cheaper than central heating:

Installation costs

During the installation of these two invaluable systems, several variables determine the cost of each, including the type and size of the system, location cost variation and complexity of the installation. The central heating system comprises of components like radiators, zone valves and thermostats. This makes the initial installation of this system relatively high. Installing a new boilers ranges from £2250 to £7150.

On the other hand, the cost of installing the AC unit can vary. For example, a central AC system made up of ductwork similar to the one on the central heating will cost you £3500 to £7500. However, this cost can increase if ducting is not already installed. The cost of ductless mini-split systems, an alternative to central air conditioning, ranges from £2,000 to £5,000 per zone.

With the above figures, it’s evident that the initial installation cost of AC is cheaper than central heating, particularly if both systems require significant ducting improvements.

Maintenance

The two systems require maintenance to enhance performance and lifespan. Central heating systems require regular inspections, cleaning and replacement of worn-out parts. In a year, it will cost you £100 to £300.

The AC system will also need regular maintenance, like cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, etc. Therefore, to maintain this system, you will incur a cost of £100 to £150 annually.

Based on the above figures, it is cheaper to maintain an AC than the central heating system.

Environmental impact

As the globe struggles with climate change, the environmental effects of heating and cooling systems are becoming increasingly important. A significant percentage of the greenhouse gases emitted are from central heating systems. Particularly, the ones that burn fossil fuels. This problem can be minimised by switching to electric heat pumps, which can supply heating and cooling impacts to homes. However, this method will cause you to incur more initial costs.

On the other hand, AC systems are not that clean since they also impact the environment. This is because of the use of electricity and refrigerants, which can leak and produce strong greenhouse gasses. However, the effects are lessened by the advancements in refrigerant technology and the rising proportion of renewable energy in electrical networks.

Lifespan

AC and central heating systems have different lifespans. The machine’s lifespan can be achieved depending on the maintenance practices. Taking good care of a central heating system will serve you for 10 to 15 years. On the other hand, a well-taken care-of AC will last 10 to 15 years.

Well, in this scenario, it is clear that having a central system is better than having an AC since it will serve you for a long time.

Geographical and Climate Factors

Location is another factor that can be used to gauge the affordability of the two systems. In pretty colder areas, individuals tend to incur more of the cost of heating because of the high demand for warmth, thus exceeding the cooling costs. This means central heating will incur more expenses, making the AC cheaper. Additionally, air conditioning costs in regions with high temperatures tend to be higher than those of central heating.

The cost of the two systems may not be noticeable in moderate settings, where neither excessive heating nor cooling is required. Using energy-efficient systems and smart thermostats can maximise utilisation and save on the costs incurred in these areas.

Conclusion

Finding out whether AC is cheaper than central heating can be considered complex. Several factors can help determine a more affordable system, as discussed above. Therefore, homeowners should factor in their locations, individual usage patterns and the energy costs of AC and central heating.

To conclude, the two options are ultimately more cost-effective since they can reduce costs and environmental effects thanks to energy-efficient advancements, maintenance routines, and good usage of the systems.