More than 75 years ago, Robert Sherman invented the window air conditioner. Most homes and buildings today have some type of air conditioning system, making it easy to overlook what a tremendous breakthrough in comfort the window AC was. At the time, central air conditioning was bulky and extremely expensive, and few homes had any type of ductwork to allow it. Thanks to the window AC, homes everywhere could enjoy summer cooling. This single invention opened up the sunbelt to a population boom.
But that was long ago. Window ACs are still here, but advances in technology have made central ACs affordable for many homes. Is there a serious choice between the two for today’s homeowner? Can window ACs compete when it comes to saving energy?