Wall units typically are less common, but they have a few advantages over window AC units. They're much quieter. They don't take up any window space – meaning you can still enjoy the natural light and fresh air coming into your home. Wall AC units tend to be more energy-efficient than window units.
A medium-sized window or wall-mounted air conditioner consumes 900 watts per hour. Several factors can raise or lower those numbers. Unsurprisingly, the capacity of air conditioners is the most important factor of energy use.
"It's more energy efficient to keep the unit on but turn the temperature setting up," she advises. Turning off the AC unit during the day is not necessarily a bad thing — it is a myth that the AC unit has to work extra-hard to cool off a hot house.
As a general rule of thumb, central units are going to be more energy efficient than wall mounted units but will have to cool a larger area and require more upkeep and maintenance costs.
Con: Wall Air Conditioners Do Not Cool Your Whole Home
If your central air conditioner is on the blink or if your home simply does not have one, it is important to note that a wall air conditioner does not have the capacity or ability to cool your whole home.
Whether or not a wall-mounted AC unit is worth it depends on your needs. For example, if you want to cool one room, then a wall-mounted AC might be a more cost-effective option, given that Energy Star reports that wall-mounted AC units can save up to 30% in cooling costs compared to window air conditioner units.
Wall units typically are less common, but they have a few advantages over window AC units. They're much quieter. They don't take up any window space – meaning you can still enjoy the natural light and fresh air coming into your home. Wall AC units tend to be more energy-efficient than window units.
In general, wall and window air conditioning units with smaller capacities can typically run for up to eight hours at a time before they need to rest. Larger wall and window units have a longer running time of around 10 to 12 hours, depending on their cooling power.
The Compressor Is the Source of Most Energy Consumption
An air conditioner contains multiple electrical components that consume energy: the blower fan, the compressor, the outside exhaust fan motor, the control board, and the thermostat.
A 220-volt supply can transmit the power more cheaply because a smaller current is needed, and so you can use thinner cables and/or lose less energy through heat generated in the cables.
If you left the unit on during the day, it would turn on and off throughout the day. If you live in a colder climate where your HVAC does not have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, turning your air conditioner off during the day could help you save money.
According to the DOE, the ideal home temperature during winter weather is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In comparison, the ideal air conditioner temperature during the summer months is 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to the Department of Energy1, 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort when people are at home and need cooling.
Though wall units may seem cheaper, if you need more than one to stay comfortable in the summer heat, the more cost-effective solution is central air conditioning.
5-star ACs perform much better than 3-star ACs and functions optimally as it reduces energy consumption. It is also environmentally friendly and cools the room faster than a 3-star AC.
Inside the evaporator coil, the refrigerant evaporates and creates a gas that gets pumped back into the compressor, expelling heat outside and sending cool air flowing throughout your home. This complex system requires a lot of energy to run, and the cooler you keep your AC the more electricity it requires.
As long as the weather outside isn't excessively hot or humid, keeping your AC switched off while you sleep is a great way to reduce your energy costs.
Modern air conditioning units are designed to run 24 hours a day. There is no harm in having it run to keep your home cool all day long. If you wanted to, you could have your AC unit running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If your thermostat is set on “auto”, your AC compressor does not run 24 hours a day.
Benefits of keeping a relatively constant temperature
Alongside substantially lowering your energy costs and extending the lifespan of your AC unit, there can be additional benefits to your home such as keeping your hardwood floors and wooden furniture in better condition.
Cost. Through-the-wall air conditioners are relatively more expensive than window units. The setup and installation costs add up to a considerable amount. However, it should be kept in mind that these ACs are more efficient at cooling down your space and thus can make up for the initial high cost.
A portable air conditioner is more effective in the room it is situated in. As they're not as powerful as bigger AC systems, you'll probably not be able to feel much of an effect in other rooms or hallways. For cooling large spaces and multiple rooms, you may need more than one portable unit or a wall mounted system.
Energy savings: According to Energy Star, wall-mounted AC units can save up to 30% in cooling costs compared to window air conditioner units, meaning you'll save energy and money. Skip ductwork: Another benefit to wall cooling is saving the cost of adding ductwork, which can cost $6.50 to $20 per linear foot.