What’s the Right Air Conditioning (AC) System Type for Your Needs?
April 22, 2010 | Posted by ACBlog_Editor Source: http://www.homeimprovementhelper.com
Below are the main types of air conditioners available.
- Single-Package Central Air - Single package central air conditioners are most commonly used in industrial applications. All of the components are mounted into one “package” which is typically mounted on the roof of a building although occasionally on a wall.
- Split System / Central Air Conditioning (ducted A/C) – This is what people most commonly think of when they speak of wanting air conditioning. Split central air allows you to place the noisy portion or your cooling unit outside where it will be less noticeable. Split central air requires that your house have ducting to the various rooms in your home (usually the same ducting you use for your central heat). Central air allows you to cool all parts of a house evenly and quietly.
- Central Air Conditioning is the preferred type of air conditioning in almost all situations. If you are hoping for a quiet even distribution of cool air with the highest efficiecy ratings than a split system central air conditioner is the right option for you.
- Allows you to keep the noise associated with air conditioning outside. – Even newer room air conditioner units deliver noise along with cool air. Central air keeps the largest portion of the noise outside of the house so that your home’s interior remains quiet and peaceful.
- Cools the entire house evenly so you don’t notice temperature differences going from room to room. – Older homes that use window air conditioners typically have one or two rooms that are too cold while the rest of the house is too warm. Even cooling is a major benefit of central air.
- Adjust the temperature for the entire house at one location rather than several window mount air conditioners. – No need to run from room to room to adjust the temperature of the house anymore. Central air controls the temperature from a single thermastat.
- Central air is more efficient than window mount or room air conditioners. – Increased efficiency means a savings of dollars! Lower heating and cooling bills are something that just about everyone can appreciate.
- Requires that you have ducting installed in your home for the cool air to be distributed. – If you have ducting already installed for your furnace or a prior air conditioning system you will probably be able to use it as is. However, a cooling specialist should examine the system to let you know for sure. The ducting plays a significant role in cooling your home. If the ducting is not efficient your colling system may not work properly.
- Ductless Air Conditioning – For homes that do not have ducting already in place there have been real advancements in ductless air conditioning units. While you are not typically able to cool an entire home if you have a very open floor plan this allows you to once again keep the noisy parts of the process outside while you cool the area that surrounds the ductless A/C unit.
- Ductless air conditioning offers some of the advantages of a split central air system when there is no air ducting installed. Most commonly used to cool specific rooms or the majority of a home which has a very open floor pan. In a mini split system the condensing unit stays outside the house just like in a traditional split system. However rather than one single indoor unit that circulates the cooled air throughout the house through air ducts the mini split has one, or more, indoor units that connect to the condensor outside. The individual unit(s) are mounted on walls or in the ceiling and cool a specific area. In many instances 2-4 indoor units can cool the majority of the home’s interior while avoiding the extra expense of installing a duct system.
 Single Zone Ductless/Mini-Split Air Conditioning System |
- Usually involves a simpler installation than a traditional split system
- Reduced noise by not having the condensor unit inside the home.
- Systems can be purchased that use a single control for all inside units.
- Efficiency levels are not typically as high as the more common split central air system.
- Portable Air Conditioning- For those on a budget or if you just have a room that refuses to cool as well as the rest of the house a portable unit is an economical option. It will be noisier, allow some warm outside air into the house, and have a more limited cooling area but it will make a significant difference on the temperature of your room.
- Portable Air Conditioning Offers flexibility and affordability.While central air is usually the preferred cooling option there are times when that is simply not an option. If you find yourself in that situation there are a number of portable air conditioning options available. Each has pros and cons associated with them.
- Window Mount Air Conditioner- The most commonly used portable cooling option is the window mount air conditioner. Best used in apartments or when only a few rooms need to be cooled. Less efficient than split systems they have the bonus of allowing you to only cool a specific area when you choose too. Units are in-expensive, starting as low as $100.00, and can last for many years.
- Portable (Room) Air Conditioner Vented - Like window mount units a portable air conditioner is a self contained unit but offers greater flexibility since they can be rolled easily from one room to another when the need arises. To maximize the cooling a hose is connected to the unit to vent the hot air generated outside through a window. Prices usually run from as low as $200.00 and go up to several hundred depending on the model.
- Portable (Room) Air Conditioners Non-Vented- Similar to the vented portable air conditioners this type of portable air conditioner is not nearly as efficient as it vents the heat that has been taken from the air and blows it back into the room. Prices start at a few hundred dollars.
- Evaporation coolers – Also known as “swamp coolers” evaporation coolers pull air through damp pads cooling it as the air evaporates the water that becomes attached to it.
- Evaportative coolers are popular in dry desert climates and can be tremendously effective, cooling the air by as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In simple terms the “swamp cooler” is a box that houses a large fan. The fan draws in air through vent grates which are located on three sides of the box. Between the vent grates and the fan a damp pad is placed. The pad remains damp throught the efforts of a small pump also housed within the box. As air is drawn past the moist pad molecules of water attach themselves to the air which is cooled as the water is evaporated. The cooled air is then forced into the house by the fan.
- Evaporative coolers are used primarily in the Sourthwestern portion of the U.S. due to the desert like climates. They are less expensive to run than traditional air conditioning and are simpler to maintain and work on. In a humid climate evaporative coolers are mostly in-effectual as the air does not evaporate enough for the the air to noticably cooled.
Regardless which type looks best for your home be sure to consult with a professional before you make a decision to buy. Call Mechanic’s Heating & Air Conditioning of Atlanta at 770-425-0000 Today!
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This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Great information.
Thanks for the post!
This is quite a comprehensive and detail posting on all the right air conditioning types for different requirements. I am sure many would find all this information really helpful.
Very useful information
Thanks for the post!
Very interesting information. Many customers are not aware of the different types of AC. This will definitely help them in choosing the right AC according to their needs.
This is very informative post, it will help customers in choosing the right type of air conditioning for their houses.
-Andre
Thanks for your article! I appreciated that would come back later
If you want to quality quick work on your Home or Office Heating and Air Repairs, I recommend Mechanics Heating and Air Conditioning! They’re great!
I am and many would find all this information really helpful
This is a great post – it’s refreshing to find other AC companies that are willing to give their clients and potential clients every bit of information they need to make a decision on what is right for them and their family!
This is all solid information for the homeowner to seriously consider.
The swamp cooler had me laughing. Can remember waking up in the morning wondering how it got so cold. Air conditioners remove moisture from the air to make you comfortable.
This article is drenched with useful facts. Very enlightening and understandable to the average layperson.
Here are some common heating and cooling terms and their definitions. Getting up to speed on industry terms will help you better understand your dealer�s proposal.
AFUE: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The AFUE percentage tells you how much energy is being converted to heat. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency.
Air Handler: The portion of your heating and cooling system that forces air through your home’s ductwork.
BTU: British Thermal Units. The amount of heat it takes to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. The higher the BTU rating, the larger the heating capacity of the furnace or air conditioner.
Capacity: The ability of a heating or cooling system to heat or cool a given amount of space. Heating is usually expressed in BTUs; cooling is expressed in tons.
Certified matched system: The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) puts heating and cooling equipment through rigorous certification processes to ensure systems deliver the promised performance at certain test conditions.
Compressor: The motor/pump that drives the air conditioning unit. It is responsible for pumping refrigerant throughout the system.
Condenser Coil: Part of the outdoor portion of a heating or cooling system, which releases or collects heat from the outside air.
Damper: A valve or moveable plate used in ductwork that opens and closes to control airflow. They are used to direct air to specific areas of the home.
Downflow: A type of furnace that takes cool air from the top and blows warm air to the bottom.
Ductwork: Hollow metal pipes used to transfer air throughout your house.
ecoLogic: Frigidaire�s designation of green heating and cooling equipment. Learn More About ecoLogic.
Electronic Air Cleaner: An electronic device that filters out particles and contaminants in indoor air.
Evaporator Coil: Part of the heating or cooling system located indoors that cools and dehumidifies the air by converting liquid refrigerant into gas.
Heat Exchanger: The major part of the furnace that transfers heat into your home.
Heat Pump: A unit that handles both heating and cooling. In some climates, a heat pump may handle your heating and cooling needs more efficiently than a furnace and air conditioner.
Horizontal Flow: A type of furnace, installed on its side, which draws air from one side, heats the air and then sends it out the other side.
HSPF: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Measures the heating efficiency of a heat pump. The higher the number, the more efficient the heat pump heats your home.
Humidifier: A piece of equipment that adds moisture to the air as it comes out of the furnace.
HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Refrigerant: A chemical that cools air as it evaporates.
SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER measures a unit’s cooling efficiency. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency.
Single Package: An outdoor unit that contains both a heating and a cooling system.
Split System: Refers to an air conditioner or heat pump that is combined with indoor components, such as an evaporator coil inside and a condenser coil outside your home.
Thermostat: A device that monitors and controls your temperature inside your home.
What are mini split air conditioners?
Like the central air conditioner units, ductless mini split air conditioners have two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units through a small hole (3 inches usually) that is drilled in the wall of the building. The main advantages of mini split air conditioners are their small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. The number depends on how much heating or cooling is required for the building or each zone (which is also affected by how well the building is insulated). Since each of the split air conditioner zones/rooms will have it’s own thermostat, you only need to condition that area when someone is present, which saves energy and money. If you are in a office building at a higher floor, you can also install Outside Compressor using our Wall Bracket.
When choosing air conditioner we have things to consider. The place where we put this, the quality and the price. There are lots of air conditioner out in the market that we can choose.
The heat in my room is overwhelming, and it’s time to sort this thing out. I need a good air conditioner . I hope your post will help me to choose the right one. Thanks a lot for sharing this blog.