Types of Air Conditioning

When installing a new air conditioning system there are many things you need to consider. Ultimately, the choice of air conditioning that you choose has to be one that is determined by:

• Number of rooms
• Cost of installation and maintenance
• The aesthetics of your home decor

Thankfully, there are different types of air conditioners that are designed with all these factors in mind. For a homeowner who’s getting an air conditioner installed for the first time and in some cases homeowners who currently have air conditioning installed, upgrading to a new AC unit can be very confusing due to the broad variety of AC units. We break down the various types of air conditioner systems for you in this article.

Central Air Conditioners

The central AC system is the system that is used most often in homes, businesses, apartments, and condos. It is made up of different components that include:

• The Indoor Unit
• The indoor unit contains the evaporator coil, which is typically located on top of a gas furnace inside the house.
• It also includes a thermostat that regulates the temperature levels in your house.
• Ducts that distribute air to different sections of your house.
• The Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit houses the condenser coil, electrical components, compressor and a fan. The outdoor and indoor units are connected via a series of refrigeration lines that transport refrigerant to both the outdoor and indoor units.

Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners

These type of air conditioners can be used in various places including institutional, commercial and residential buildings. Mostly though, they are used in multifamily housing units. They are also very popular with homeowners who have non-ducted heating systems in their home such as radiant panels, space heaters, and hydronic (hot water heat). Mitsubishi Mini split air conditioners are perfect for small apartments where installing a central air conditioner is not feasible. Some of the benefits of installing a mini-split AC unit is that they make cooling and heating separate rooms in your house possible. Some mini split air conditioning systems can have up to 5 zones. Check out the wall mounted MITSUBISHI 42,000 BTU 17.5 SEER FIVE ZONE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM 6+6+6+6+9 All the indoor units are connected to a single outdoor unit though. As a cost-saving measure, each indoor unit has its own thermostat so you only turn on the AC for rooms where it is needed. Another major benefit of ductless mini split air conditioners is that they are very easy to install so you do not necessarily need to hire a professional to spend hours installing it. You can do it yourself and simply have an HVAC professional determine if everything’s in order. Due to the fact mini split have no ducts, the homeowner is able to avoid costs associated with energy losses. In ducted systems, ducts account for over 30% of the energy lost.

Window Air Conditioner

The components included in a window air conditioner are all contained in one box and include:

• Refrigerant components
• Evaporator coil
• Compressor
• Refrigerant filled tubing
• Condenser coil

Most window air conditioning units come installed with thermostat controls. Window air conditioners are affordable to both purchase and maintain. In addition, they are very easy to install and homeowners can get them running in no time without having to involve an HVAC professional. Window air conditioners are also perfect for year-round use.

Hybrid Air Conditioners

Hybrid air conditioners are not unlike hybrid cars in the sense that they both can switch between using fossil fuel and electricity. No doubt that hybrid heat pumps help reduce your energy bills. In a hybrid heat pump system, the heat pump cools the home during hot weather in place of the AC unit while in cold weather, the heat pump warms the house. They hybrid system adjusts the use of energy depending on the temperature. So, if it is cold, hybrid heat pumps switch to furnace mode. This intelligent switching has a huge impact on energy savings while at the same time ensuring that carbon emissions are minimized. With a hybrid heat pump you can expect to save up to 50% in fuel expenses unlike with traditional HVAC systems.

Portable Air Conditioners

Unlike other types of air conditioners, portable air conditioners are mobile. With this kind of air conditioning unit, you need not be concerned with how to install the unit or installing ductwork for it to work. Portable air conditioners are perfect for the home as well as people on the move. So you can use this in your travel trailer, RV, or pop-up camper. If you live in the city and are not allowed to have a window air conditioning system, then you will definitely be grateful for the portable air conditioner. Apart from offering cooling, the portable air conditioner also dehumidifies so your space will be both cool and dry.