Last Updated: June 18, 2026
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 for your home and budget can save you both time and money while improving comfort and energy efficiency. We’ve listed the most common air conditioner units on the market to help you make a smart decision for you and your family.Â
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 Mini-Split Air Conditioners
As you may have guessed by the name, a Ductless Mini-Split 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, home additions, finished basements, garages, and other spaces that typically don’t have ductwork.
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 Mini-Split 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
Which Type of Air Conditioner Is Best for Wisconsin Homes?
Choosing between different types of air conditioners often comes down to your home’s layout, existing ductwork, efficiency goals, and budget.
For many Wisconsin homeowners, central air conditioning remains the most popular option because it provides whole-home comfort and works with existing furnace ductwork. However, ductless mini-split systems have become increasingly popular for older homes, additions, garages, and spaces that are difficult to cool.
Portable and window units can provide temporary relief for small spaces, but they are generally less efficient and less effective for long-term cooling compared to professionally installed systems.
If you’re unsure which cooling solution is right for your home, a professional evaluation can help you compare options and avoid costly mistakes.
What Air Conditioner Should I Choose for My Wisconsin Home?Â
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.
Choosing between different types of air conditioners can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to make the decision alone.
The team at Martens Heating & Cooling can evaluate your home, explain your options, and help you select the best cooling system for your comfort goals, budget, and long-term needs.
Whether you’re considering central air, a ductless mini-split, or replacing an older cooling system, we’re here to help homeowners throughout Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Berlin, Ripon, Winneconne, and the surrounding Fox Cities communities.
Want more cooling tips from our Wisconsin HVAC experts? Check out these air conditioning resources:
- Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips for Wisconsin Homes
- Mini-Split Systems: FAQS for Wisconsin Homeowners
- 5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioning Unit
- Summer Air Conditioning Tips
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Conditioners
Ductless mini-split systems are often considered one of the most energy-efficient cooling options because they avoid energy loss through ductwork and allow for zoned temperature control.
Both systems have advantages. Central air is ideal for homes with existing ductwork and whole-home cooling needs, while mini-splits are a great solution for older homes, additions, garages, and rooms without ducts.
Central air conditioning paired with a high-efficiency furnace remains the most common cooling system in Wisconsin homes, although ductless systems continue to grow in popularity.
Most air conditioning systems last between 10 and 15 years with proper maintenance and annual inspections.
Factors such as square footage, ductwork, energy efficiency goals, budget, and long-term plans for the home should all be considered when selecting a new cooling system.