When it comes to controlling the temperature in your home, there are a variety of air conditioning systems to choose from. The most common types of air conditioners are room air conditioners, split-system central air conditioners, packaged central air conditioners, window air conditioners, wall units, and portable air conditioners. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand the differences between them before making a decision. Room air conditioners are designed to fit in a single room and usually don't require any major modifications for installation. They contain all the components - compressor, condenser, coils, and evaporator - in one unit.
Window air conditioners are designed to fit in a window frame and are relatively inexpensive. However, they can be difficult to move when you move home. Wall units are similar to window units but require a hole in the wall for installation. Portable air conditioners are easy to move around your home but need to be installed with a window kit. They work by sucking in warm air, cooling it, and returning it to the room.
Single-hose models draw warm air from inside the room and expel warm air outside, creating negative pressure inside the room. Double-hose models have an additional hose that extracts air from outside, reducing negative pressure issues but making them less efficient than other types of air conditioners. Window air conditioners come in different sizes and capacities, measured in “tons”. A one-ton unit can remove 12,000 British thermal units (BTUs) of heat per hour. Split air conditioners have a capacity of between one and three tons while packaged air conditioners weigh between three and 15 tons.
Central air conditioning systems are used for cooling large buildings or entire homes and can produce hundreds of tons of cooling. Air source heat pumps are a low-maintenance, low-energy cooling solution for homes with ducts. They work as both an air conditioner and heater and can increase the value of your home. Portable air conditioners are practical and affordable options for cooling small spaces quickly but can be energy inefficient in the long run. When choosing an air conditioning system for your home or business, it's important to consider your budget, energy efficiency needs, and long-term maintenance costs. Make sure you hire an experienced HVAC company if you decide to install a central air conditioning system.
