Window Units vs. Central Air: What’s Best for Brooklyn Brownstones?

If you live in a Brooklyn brownstone, you know the charm comes with quirks—especially when it comes to staying cool. Thick walls, unique layouts, and historic details can make it tricky to know whether you should stick with your trusty window unit or finally upgrade to central air.

So what’s really best for your home?

The HVAC pros at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drain Cleaning break it down.

Why So Many Brooklynites Use Window Units

Window units are a summertime staple in NYC. They’re cheap, easy to install, and for many people, they get the job done. If you’re renting or only trying to cool a single bedroom, they can be a solid short-term solution.

But in a multi-story brownstone—or if you care about efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings—window units often fall short.

The downsides of window units:

• They’re energy inefficient and expensive to run all summer
• They create gaps that compromise security
• They’re loud, bulky, and block natural light
• They cool rooms unevenly, especially in tall or oddly shaped homes
• They don’t last long and aren’t built to handle serious heatwaves

And let’s be honest—lugging them in and out of the windows every season gets old fast. They also tend to drip condensation, which can damage your windowsill or attract pests if not managed properly.

The Case for Central Air in a Brooklyn Brownstone

Modern central AC systems are more compact, more efficient, and more feasible to install in older homes than ever before. Even brownstones with no existing ductwork can often accommodate some form of central cooling—especially with the help of an experienced Brooklyn air conditioning technician near you.

Here’s why more homeowners are making the switch:

• Whole-home comfort: Even temperatures across all rooms and floors
• Cleaner indoor air: Built-in filtration improves air quality and reduces allergens
• Lower monthly energy bills: High-efficiency models use less power and cool more effectively
• Increased home value: A major selling point if you ever move
• Quieter operation: No more buzzing boxes or rattling fans

Upfront costs for AC installation in Brooklyn are higher than a window unit—but the long-term benefits make it a smart investment for many brownstone owners. Plus, with professional design, the system can be installed in a way that blends into your home’s aesthetic, preserving your original architecture.

Not Ready for Ductwork? Consider Ductless Mini-Splits

If you’re not ready to commit to a full central system, ductless mini-splits offer a great middle ground.

These systems deliver central-level cooling without the need for ductwork. A small wall-mounted unit connects to an outdoor condenser, cooling each room individually while keeping energy usage low. Some models can even be recessed into ceilings or designed to look less intrusive.

They’re especially useful in:

• Brownstones without existing ductwork
• Renovated homes where preserving interior walls is a priority
• Multi-family or multi-story homes where zoned cooling is needed
• Spaces like home offices, finished basements, or top-floor bedrooms that tend to overheat

Mini-splits also offer heating in the winter, which can make them an even smarter investment for year-round comfort. And because they’re modular, you can add units over time as your cooling needs evolve.

Which System Is Right for You?

If you’re renting or cooling a single room, a window unit might be all you need—for now.

If you want even comfort throughout your home, lower long-term costs, and a boost in property value, central air is worth the investment.

And if you’re somewhere in between, ductless mini-splits might give you the best of both worlds: comfort and efficiency without a full renovation.

Still unsure what’s best for your home and lifestyle? Our team can walk you through your options based on the age, layout, and structure of your home. With decades of experience handling AC services in Brooklyn, NY, we know what works best for brownstones, row homes, and historic properties.

Don’t Wait for the Heat to Hit

The worst time to think about replacing your AC is in the middle of a heatwave. If your current unit is noisy, inefficient, or struggling to keep up, it might be time to explore your options.

Whether you’re looking for a full AC replacement in Brooklyn, NY, a quick AC repair, or just want to stay ahead of breakdowns with routine AC maintenance, our team is here to help.

We’re not just here to install systems—we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your home comfort.

Schedule Your Cooling Consultation with Petri

At Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. We take time to understand your space, your comfort preferences, and your long-term goals—so you end up with a system that works beautifully for your lifestyle.

Don’t sweat it out this summer. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward reliable, efficient comfort that fits your Brooklyn brownstone perfectly.

Learn More About AC Installation in Brooklyn

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

• When to Repair vs. Replace Your Air Conditioner: A Brooklyn Homeowner’s Dilemma
• Need a New AC Unit? Consider One That Uses the Newest Refrigerants
• Is Your AC Failing? Key Signs You Need Repair or Replacement in Brooklyn
• Is Your Brooklyn Air Conditioner the Right Size?