Last Updated: August 1, 2025
The weather is warming up in Wisconsin! This means hot days and nights and increased humidity throughout the state. Just because warm temperatures are taking over outside doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable inside!
Cool your home and live in comfort with the right air conditioning unit.
At Martens Heating and Cooling, your happiness is our number one priority. We’re here to help you to choose the right air conditioner for your Fox Cities home (or to repair or replace your existing unit).
Finding the right type of air conditioner type for your home and budget can save you both time and money. We’ve listed the most common air conditioner units on the market to help you make a smart decision for you and your family.
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioners can provide consistent cooling throughout your home – one room won’t be cooler than the other.
These central air conditioning systems can cool both large and small homes. A single outdoor compressor connects to an indoor evaporator coil and uses ducts in your walls, floors, and ceiling to push cool air throughout the home.
Best for
- Wisconsin homes with existing ductwork and families wanting consistent, full-house comfort
Pros
- Central air conditioners offer consistent cooling throughout your home
- Compatible with most forced air furnaces that are common here in Wisconsin
- Newer units are quiet and installed out of sight
Cons
- Higher upfront costs compared to other options
- Can be less efficient or not an option in a home without ducts
Ductless Air Conditioner
As you may have guessed by the name, a ductless air conditioner doesn’t require ductwork. With mini-splits, each room or zone gets a wall-mounted indoor unit connected to a single outdoor condenser.
Mini-split AC units are a great option for older homes or a spaces that typically don’t have ductwork, such as finished basements, attics, garages, and master bedrooms.
It’ll be much more efficient than relying on an open window or fan to keep your home cool during hot and humid Wisconsin summers. Ductless air conditioners also have built-in heat pumps to keep your home warm when the temperatures drop.
Best for
- Older Wisconsin homes without ductwork, additions/renovations, or zoned comfort
Pros
- No expensive ductwork needed
- Energy-efficient
- Independent control of each zone/room in your home
Cons
- Higher cost per unit
- Units are visible on the wall, which some homeowners don’t like
Portable & Window AC Units
Window units are small, portable units that sit in the windows of your home. Some units may also it on the floor and have a vent out the window.
These window units may seem easy to use but are difficult and annoying to put in and take out of your window each year. Along with that, the gaps between the AC unit and the window will let in a draft, causing it to be extremely energy inefficient.
Overall, these cooling units are considered less efficient than central and ductless air conditioners and generally cost you more time and money in the long run. Window AC units are not sold at Martens Heating and Cooling and can instead be found at big box stores.
Best for
- Rentals, small spaces, cabins, and short-term use in rooms that only need occasional cooling
Pros:
- Affordable upfront when compared to other air condition options
- Can be installed or removed if you move/change properties
Cons:
- Noisy
- Only cools a small area
- Not energy-efficient long-term, especially with temperature fluctuations here in the Fox Cities
What AC Units are Most Popular in Wisconsin?
Currently, the most common type of cooling system in Wisconsin is central AC paired with a high-efficiency gas furnace.
That said, ductless mini-splits are also gaining in popularity in the Fox Cities area homeowners look to restore and retrofit older homes, cabins, and new additions to fit their family’s needs long-term.
What Air Conditioner Should I Choose for My Wisconsin Home?
The best air conditioner for your home depends on many variables, including,your current heating and cooling system and the design of your home.
To choose the best air conditioning system for your Wisconsin home, you’ll want to think about:
- Whether your house already has ductwork installed
- How energy-efficient you want the AC system to be
- Your budget
- Whether you’re planning to stay in your home long-term
- Whether you want it to also help with heating in spring/fall when temperatures are cooler
We’re Your AC Specialists in Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, and the Fox Cities
Although all three of the air conditioning options listed above can cool your home, it’s our job at Martens Heating and Cooling to help you choose the best systems to meet your specific needs.
By working with us to choose the right air conditioning system to maintain a consistent temperature, you’ll spend less on energy bills and can instead focus on remaining comfortable while spending time inside.
Our team of HVAC service professionals will help determine which air conditioning unit is right for your home and that fits within your budget. We also offer AC repair and maintenance for your existing units.
If you have any air conditioning questions or concerns, call the service team at Martens Heating and Cooling today. We’re based in on Omro and our experienced HVAC technicians travel throughout the Fox Cities area, including Appleton, Berlin, Menasha, Neenah, Oshkosh, Ripon, and Winneconne.
Want more cooling tips from our Wisconsin HVAC experts? Check out these air conditioning resources: