High velocity vs low velocity air conditioning systems: pros, cons and costs

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High- and low-velocity air conditioners differ in many ways, and each comes with its own pros and cons. When you compare high-velocity vs. low-velocity air conditioning systems, remember that neither is superior in all aspects.

Whether or not a system is right for you depends on your individual circumstances as a homeowner.

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The first consideration to make is whether or not your home is in an area prone to high humidity and heat. High-velocity air conditioning systems generally cool rooms faster using just half the air flow. They often remove much more moisture compared to standard air conditioning systems. If you live in a hot, humid climate, a high-velocity system may be exactly what you need.

A low-velocity air conditioning system will get the job done too, but it may take more time to cool your home. If you prefer to leave your AC off when you are not at home, you may prefer a system that doesn't take as long to make a difference. 

However, high-velocity systems are much more expensive than low-velocity systems. While the air conditioner estimate depends on the manufacturer, you can expect to pay much more for a high-velocity system.

The cost alone puts off many homeowners, but if your home will need to be remodeled to house a low-velocity system's ductwork, you may actually save money by going with a high-velocity system that has smaller ducts.

If you own an older home that is difficult to remodel, a high-velocity system may be your only practical option. The small ducts can run under floors and walls to minimize the amount of work you will need to do to install the system, which is a major difference between high-velocity vs. low-velocity air conditioning systems.

If it is important to you to have the same temperature and moisture level in each room, a high-velocity HVAC will likely give you the best results. But some high-velocity systems may be so powerful that the blowing air becomes uncomfortable. A more powerful systems tend to be noisier too.

Fortunately, if you would like a silent system, some manufacturers have a reputation for producing systems that are nearly silent. When you compare the differences in noise levels between the two systems, you will find that low-velocity air conditioners are usually quieter.

Before you make your final decision and hire a contractor to install your new home cooling system, check the manufacturer's warranty. Whether you choose a high- or low-velocity system, a solid warranty is priceless if the manufacturer or contractor damages the product. And you may want to choose the manufacturer with the better warranty even if that decision will cost more.

When deciding between high-velocity vs. low-velocity air conditioning systems, a reputable contractor will be happy to talk to you about which system will best suit your needs. Never hesitate to ask questions. For more information on the differences between the systems, connect with contractors now.