For nearly ten years, I refused to even consider having central air conditioning installed into my home.
I live in Orland Park, Illinois, where the winter weather is brutal.
I can expect to start up the furnace by the end of September and keep it running until the end of April or even into May. We experience temperatures below freezing for the majority of the year. Temperatures down to negative twenty are expected, and the wind chill makes the conditions feel even colder. I am so relieved when the snow finally melts and the weather warms up because it means I can get out from under huge utility bills. It’s always been an opportunity to open the windows and air out the house. However, the summer heat and humidity creates problems. While the high temperatures and excess moisture don’t last long, the house becomes extremely uncomfortable. My whole family wanted central air conditioning. They complained that they couldn’t get a good night’s sleep. We had issues with mold growth on window sills due to condensate running down the glass. While we managed with window air conditioners, they only provide comfort in a single room. They also look ugly from the outside and are a hassle to store over the winter. When it was time to replace the furnace, the HVAC contractor offered a special if I also invested into air conditioning. Combining that offer with a rebate from the manufacturer made the cooling system very affordable. Plus, we were able to choose an Energy Star rated unit that offers a 26 SEER. The air conditioner is especially efficient, keeping the utility bills reasonable.