6 Reasons Wall-Mounted AC Units Can Be Problematic In Phoenix

No matter your mental fortitude, most of us Arizonans can agree that indoor cooling is rather essential. At the same time, it can be quite expensive. Because of this, many local residents look for simple ways to cool off during the intense heat of summer. Wall-mounted AC units, for example are typically seen as a middle-ground option for those lacking a central air conditioning system.  

Although these types of systems can fill the need of cooling off on a hot day, they can present some barriers. With that being said, it’s important that you carefully weigh your options before assuming wall-mounted AC units will be enough – especially if you’re aging or have small children. All it takes is one draining day in the desert for bigger problems to occur.

Can Wall-Mounted AC Units Be Effective?

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the instances that wall-mounted AC units can be effective as well as when they can be a problematic choice. Phoenix is a beautiful place to live, but it can be difficult to enjoy the climate if you’re unable to endure it.

For the most part, installing basic cooling on the wall is not all bad. When properly installed and maintained, they can be a great choice for small spaces or people who only need limited and occasional cooling abilities.

Truth be told, they’re only needed for a few months out of the year. The remaining months don’t exactly demand central heating or cooling as the temperatures remain rather mild.

How Some Homeowners Utilize the Technology:

One of the most common ways people utilize wall-mounted AC units is to supplement their central air. While it’s not exactly an effective way to combat a failing HVAC system, it does give property owners an ability to control the climate in certain rooms. Some people just like their bedrooms arctic cold and others simply need a way to add cooling to an upstairs loft that’s open to the rest of the floorplan.

However, in an area like Phoenix, installing a wall unit in a home as a main supply of cold air is not wise. Would you purchase a cheap snow shovel instead of investing in a snowblower when you live in the snow belt? Doing so is just not going to bode well. In fact, it can turn out to be more of a hassle than it’s worth.

Cheap Trends Often Cause Unexpected Problems

Far too often, wall units are the byproduct of people “cheaping out” on their cooling needs. Whether they install used equipment that functions poorly or their unit isn’t adequately maintained, it normally ends up costing them more money than expected. Like we’ve mentioned before, sometimes there are other areas of the space that need attention first. 

What Hinders Affordable Cooling Systems?

Unsealed entry ways and spotty insulation are usually the root of intense heat entering the property. So, installing window or wall-mounted AC-units may not make much of a difference at all. Making a cheap purchase, instead of maintaining the space to keep the cold air in, is not the best option. Especially if the unit ends up failing from being overworked. 

If this occurs in the middle of 123 degree temperatures, do you think another cheap fix will solve your cooling needs? Whether you want to save money or not, speaking with any type of AC expert regarding these decisions will be worth it in the long run.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

In order to give you a broader perspective on this topic, we thought it would be helpful to review some of the negative outcomes of wall-mounted AC units. At the end of the day, we hope this allows you to thoroughly weigh your cooling options and identify the true value of your decision.

Common Offender 1: Installation Difficulties

One of our biggest concerns when it comes to wall-mounted AC units is that many are improperly installed – which usually is the result of a cheap mindset. While instructions can be helpful, mounting and balancing one of these systems is a lot more difficult than it may seem. 

An unconventional installation tends to occur when the property owner, or a handy friend, attempts the job with no prior experience. While you or your buddy may be up for the task, it can backfire quickly. A lot of times, people get in over their heads or assume they can skip certain steps, and end up costing themselves dearly. 

Common Offender 2: Leaking Units

No matter the quality of the product, wall-mounted air conditioners are notorious for leaking on walls and dripping onto floors. The condensation that’s created by the cooling process just has nowhere to go. Aside from sweating moisture, other issues and even freon leaks can lead to an unwanted mess indoors – and even property damage with further expenses if unnoticed. 

A moist environment has also been known to create health hazards for those within the property, making it challenging to breathe for some. During a time where the world was shut down over a virus, this should certainly catch your attention.

Common Offender 3: Poor Temperature Control

In addition to the aforementioned concerns, wall-mounted AC units also do not provide the same temperature control and regulation as a central air system. In fact, it’s not even close. As a result, there are often hot spots throughout the space – not to mention the effects of poor circulation, low energy efficiency, and other issues. 

At the end of the day, nobody looks forward to coming home to a house that’s “sort of” cool in the middle of the blazing summer – especially in Phoenix. If you’re looking for supreme climate settings, then it might be best to skip the wall unit. 

Common Offender 4: Increased Energy Usage

In addition to being inefficient at regulating temperature, wall-mounted air conditioners also use a lot more energy. This is because these types of cooling systems usually have to work overtime to make up for the inefficient temperature imbalance in the home. When coupled with other cooling options, like the use of fans, energy tends to be maximized instead of conserved. 

Common Offender 5: Added Time and Maintenance

When compared to other solutions, wall units also require a lot more TLC and attention over time. Even if they don’t break down or have any major problems, you still have to stay on top of the cooling process. Moreover, these units have a shorter lifespan.

While many do come with a warranty, they’re usually only good for a year or two. Besides, there are a number of issues that warranties aren’t going to cover – leaving you to deal with it on your own. No matter how you look at it, these types of scenarios rarely occur when you own a central heating and cooling system.

Be Wise to Avoid Cooling Setbacks

Now that you understand more about the potential risks of wall-mounted AC units and why they might not be the best choice for Phoenix-area residents, you can make a smarter decision about your home’s cooling needs. While they may have a place in certain homes with limited or basic cooling needs, they most certainly come with the occasional issues. 

However you go about cooling off this summer, try to find a local air conditioning company that cares. In most cases, they’ll have no problem pointing you in the right direction. For those of you looking to upgrade from a window or wall unit, a professional member of our staff is only a phone call away.