Air conditioners are one of the most commonly used appliances in residential and commercial spaces. They come in various shapes and sizes but operate on the same basic premise. Despite that, when it’s time to purchase one, there are certain factors you need to consider. They include space requirements, maintenance, budget, cooling power, and energy consumption. Knowing the various types of air conditioners available can help you choose the right system for your needs. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve described four types of air conditioners below, each with advantages and disadvantages.
1. CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
A central air conditioning system, or a ducted system, is one of the most common air conditioners. It is best suited for cooling multiple rooms at once. It works by using a system that regulates air through the ducts in the residence.
The system is made up of two main units. The outdoor unit packs in the condenser and compressor and the indoor unit contains the evaporator coils and air handler. This AC unit also uses refrigerant to remove heat from the indoor air. This heat is expelled outside, and cool air is pushed the through the ducts.
PROS
The main merit of a central air conditioning system is that it provides consistent and even cooling throughout your home. This is a great air conditioning option if you want to ensure you have a more comfortable environment around the house and that the entire space is cooled simultaneously in minimum time.
Another advantage is that this AC can be controlled from a central thermostat designed with smart capabilities. This makes it convenient for you to adjust the temperature in your house easily, set cooling cycles, or simply turn it on or off. Moreover, since it doesn’t require individual units in each room, it contributes to having a cleaner and more organized look for both the inside and outside of your house.
This air conditioning unit also filters the air in your home. As long as your ducts are clean, the filter is replaced when needed, and your AC unit is serviced regularly, the indoor air quality in your home will improve as filtered cool air is pumped into each room. For this reason, you’ll be breathing cleaner air because there won’t be as many allergens circulating through your house.
CONS
It can be expensive since it requires professional expertise to install the ductwork and central unit.
Such units may lose efficiency and effectiveness if a problem arises in the ducts.
It consumes a lot of energy, especially if the building is large. This can result in higher utility bills.
2. DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT
This is one of the air conditioners that is becoming popular as an alternative option to traditional central air conditioning. It also has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is responsible for cooling air and contains a fan, evaporator coil, and compressor. It is usually mounted on the wall of the room to be cooled. On the other hand, the outdoor unit houses the condenser, provides ventilation, and is installed outside the home.
These two units are linked through refrigerant lines running through the wall or ceiling, which allows heat transfer between them. This AC unit doesn’t use ducts to deliver cool air indoors. Instead, each room has its own self-contained AC unit with a single outdoor compressor component connected directly to all the indoor air-handling units.
PROS
It is easier to install because it does not require ductwork. This makes it a more flexible option for new and existing homes or buildings.
You can create different temperature zones in different rooms. Hence, each indoor unit can be controlled independently, providing personalized comfort and energy efficiency.
It is generally more energy-efficient as it avoids the energy losses associated with ductwork. Additionally, the zoning capabilities contribute to energy savings by only cooling occupied spaces.
It operates more quietly than some traditional air conditioning systems. This way, you’ll have a more comfortable and peaceful indoor environment.
CONS
A ductless mini-split system may not be suitable for large buildings or spaces that require a high cooling capacity. This is because multiple units may be needed, which can increase the overall cost.
It has a high initial cost.
3. WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER
A window air conditioner is a single and self-contained unit with all its components enclosed inside. It is available in various sizes and is suitable for cooling a single room or a small area. It fits in a window frame and works by removing the heat from its outdoor side and blowing cool air into the room from its fan installed at the front on the indoor side.
PROS
It is simple to install and easy to maintain.
It is much less expensive.
It is effective at cooling specific areas or rooms. This helps in providing localized and targeted cooling where needed.
CONS
If you use this AC, you will likely need to purchase multiple indoor units.
Installing a window air conditioner may obstruct the view from the window and limit natural light. It also prevents the window from opening while the unit is in use.
It can be noisy during operation and is visible from outside the home.
4. PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER
This is a free-standing AC unit that is recommended for temporary space cooling since it can be moved from one room to another. All it requires is a power outlet to power it up and access to a window where the unit’s air can be exhausted. Portable ACs can be a single-hose design that takes in air from inside a room and expels it outdoors or a dual-hose design. In the latter, air is pulled in from the outdoors using one hose, and it cools the compressor. The other is the typical exhaust hose.
PROS
It is easy to set up.
It can be easily moved around the house.
It does not require any permanent installation.
CONS
It can be noisy during operation.
It is not capable of cooling larger rooms.
The portable units with a hose must be placed near a window. This results in the hose obstructing the lower part of the window.
HOW TO CHOOSE AN AIR CONDITIONER
When choosing the most appropriate cooling option for your home, it is important to understand the types of air conditioners. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages depending on budget, space, energy efficiency, and preferences. However, with the above information, you can choose the best option for your home comfort purposes.
GET IN TOUCH WITH PROFESSIONALS
Are you ready to install air conditioning equipment but you’re not sure which company to turn to for the service? Look no further than Garrett Mechanical. We are a BBB-accredited company dedicated to doing the best job each time. Our NATE-certified technicians will assess your home or building, recommend the most suitable solution, and handle the installation process seamlessly.
We also offer plumbing, electrical and HVAC services to residents of Marietta, GA and the nearby areas. Don’t hesitate to contact us at Garrett Mechanical today to schedule a consultation.
