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We all love the refreshing and cool sensation of an air-conditioned room in the summer. However, how often do you wonder about the mechanism that works in the backdrop? Air conditioners come in different designs to suit individual settings. Most importantly, not all these variants might suit your interiors. So, it’s time to explore the different types of air conditioners you might need for your residential or commercial space.
Professional HVAC companies like Hurliman Heating specialize in AC services.Check here to seek their support while choosing the right type of AC.
What should you consider before choosing an AC?
Among other aspects, make sure to prioritize these four elements when you plan to purchase an AC.
●Space requirements
●Maintenance efforts
●Energy consumption
●Your budget
●Cooling capacity
ACs happen to be one of the most extensively used electrical appliances in US homes. As much as 75% of households use ACs, regardless of the variants. Besides, the U.S Department of Energy reveals that the usage of ACs accounts for 6% of the overall electricity usage in the country. Therefore, installing the right type of AC ensures you can reduce your energy bills.
Common types of air conditioning systems to choose from
1.Central AC
In case you want to cool down a large home or commercial space with multiple units, acentral AC system would be ideal for you. A split mechanism is integrated into a central AC. This system helps to circulate the conditioned air via ducts. Therefore, central AC systems are also known as ducted systems.
Since central ACs involve the split aspect, these systems have two main units. The compressor and the condenser are present in the outdoor unit. The air handler and evaporator coils remain indoors. The ducts are responsible for drawing and circulating air, ensuring proper exchange. In modern central air conditioning systems, you have programmable thermostats.
Pros of central AC
●Since all the rooms remain connected through ducts, the indoor temperature remains stable and regulated.
●Due to the presence of cool air in all the rooms, you’ll experience a lower level of humidity. This makes the livable environment more comfortable.
Cons of central AC
●The energy consumption in central AC is higher.
●In case of duct issues, the system loses its efficiency.
2. Ductless mini split AC
If you are not comfortable carrying out lots of ducting and maintaining cooling efficiency, you can go for a ductless mini-split AC. These systems are ideal for cooling small parts of your home.
The outdoor unit includes the condenser and the compressor. Depending on the capacity and area to be cooled, there can be multiple indoor units or only one. You must mount the indoor units on a wall and integrate the system with air blowers. The tubing connects the indoor units to the outdoor ones, carrying refrigerant for proper functioning.
So, if you run a small business like a café or want to cool a single room at your home, this type of AC might be the right choice.
Pros of ductless mini-split ACs
●These ACs come with a remote-control feature. Modern systems involve smart ACs that you can control using your mobile handsets.
●You can install it anywhere, regardless of the number of rooms in your home.
●It is possible to individually regulate the temperature of each room.
Cons of ductless mini-split ACs
●A single unit of this AC will not be able to cool large homes.
●Unlike central AC components, which remain concealed, the indoor units are visible.
3. Window AC
In terms of customizability, window ACs are an excellent choice. These ACs have been on the market for decades. These units are known for their excellent cooling capacity for small spaces. Besides, it is the most common variant of ACs you might find in homes and commercial spaces.
All the components of the AC remain enclosed in a single unit. It blows the conditioned air indoors and ejects the hot air through the windows. You need to install these ACs in a window or make a hole in one of the external walls of your house to place them.
The filters of these ACs slide out, making it easier for the owner to clean them. You can control the operations using a remote or manually set the desired temperature using the buttons on the system.
Pros of window ACs
●These ACs are easy to install and maintain.
●Window ACs are one of the most cost-effective cooling solutions.
●These ACs won’t occupy indoor space.
Cons of window ACs
●Window ACs can be noisy.
●You cannot install them on irregular-shaped windows.
4. Portable air conditioners
These ACs share some similarities with window ACs. They have all the components in a single unit. However, the key difference between portable AC and a window AC is that the former has a free-standing design. This gives you the liberty to move this AC from one room to another. A single unit can serve different rooms one at a time.
A portable AC needs a power source and window access, through which the exchange of air takes place. So, these ACs are ideal for you if you want to cool a space temporarily. Besides, if you are not comfortable making holes in the walls or modifying your windows, portable ACs should be your right pick.
As these ACs are completely located indoors, the evaporator fan remains continually functional. This helps in evaporating the moisture that gets condensed in the unit.
Pros of portable air conditioners
●You can easily move them around your home.
●No permanent installation is required.
●You can choose a particular spot or room to cool.
Cons of portable air conditioners
●They might not be able to cool larger rooms.
●Sometimes, portable ACs turn out to be noisy.
Endnote
Now that you know the different types of ACs available on the market, you need to use your discretion to choose the right one for your home. Based on your cooling requirements, indoor space, and budget, you can choose from the four main types of ACs we have discussed. However, you can always reach out to a professional HVAC company like Hurliman Heating for advice in case you’re unsure about your decision.
