Whether you’re installing a brand-new air conditioning system or want to upgrade your existing AC, you have plenty of options. The number of air conditioner types has dramatically increased in the past decade, leaving customers spoiled for choice.
With so many different air conditioner types to choose from, making the right decision can feel overwhelming. Every type has its strengths and weaknesses, so considering your needs is essential to finding the perfect one for you.
Air Conditioner Types
Air conditioning is a catch-all term to refer to any method of controlling temperature and humidity in a space. The simplest way to group air conditioner types is by whether they use ducts or not.
When choosing the right air conditioner for your space, you need to consider whether you want a whole-home solution or are satisfied with cooling a specific area. Ducted air conditioners are ideal for larger, whole-home solutions, while ductless systems offer targeted spot-cooling options.
Ducted Air Conditioners
Ducted air conditioners cool air in a central location and then use those ducts to transport the air around the home.
Central Air Conditioning
When people talk about AC, they usually mean central air conditioning. These systems have an outdoor cooling unit, indoor air handler, and ducts that lead into every room.
The system uses a refrigerant to cool down air and remove moisture and then pumps this cooler air into the home. Smart systems can even control how much air goes into each room, allowing for better room-to-room control.
Heat Pumps
Despite their name, heat pumps are actually a type of air conditioner. The only difference between a heat pump and a central air conditioner is that a heat pump can also operate in reverse, taking cool air and warming it up. Heat pumps are a great all-in-one solution if you want a comprehensive cooling and heating system without installing both an AC and furnace.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
These pumps rely on the fact that underground temperatures stay constant throughout the year. The system uses a network of underground pipes for thermal exchange.
In the summer, hot air gets cooled down by the earth. In winter, the earth heats the air before the pump moves it into the home. While very eco-friendly, installing a geothermal system is expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive.
Ductless Air Conditioners
Ductless systems rely on multiple units throughout the space, allowing for separate temperature control in different rooms without transporting air.
Window Air Conditioners
These air conditioners consist of a single unit that takes warm air from the outside and expels cool air into the room. They’re easy to install, relatively affordable, and don’t take up any floor space. However, they are noisy and will drip water outside, which can be a problem in apartments.
Portable Air Conditioners
If you need occasional cooling in a small space, portable air conditioners are a good option. These mobile units take air from inside a room and vent it out via a small outlet. You’ll need to remove water manually and place the outdoor hose outside for best results.
Mini-Split Air Conditioners
If you only want to cool one room without dealing with bulky machines hogging the floor or window space, ductless mini-split air conditioners are your best option. They consist of two units — an outdoor compressor and evaporator and an indoor air blower. A small length of tubing connects the two units, leading to a simple installation and fast cooling in a room.
Evaporative Coolers
These coolers work by adding moisture to the air for a cooling effect. They pull air from the outside, add water to bring the temperature down and then move the air into the home. They’re an excellent eco-friendly option for dry climates but won’t work at all in humid environments.
Factors When Choosing the Best Air Conditioner Types for Your Home
Every situation is different, and what will work for someone else may not be the right choice for you. Before you start shopping around for an AC, consider your needs. Then you can match the strengths of air conditioner types and find the ideal one that fits your requirements.
Budget
Unfortunately, budgets are often the biggest limiting factor in air conditioning installation. The most affordable options tend to be one-room solutions and come with some disadvantages like noise and inconvenience.
In addition to the installation cost, consider how much it will cost to run the system. Some of the most expensive cooling systems to install are the cheapest to run long-term. Geothermal system installation can cost thousands of dollars. Still, once you factor in the long-term lack of energy use, they can be the most affordable option on a year-to-year basis.
Energy Consumption
The more energy-efficient the system, the cheaper they are to run. Different air conditioner types have different consumption ratings. Take a look at the unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating to understand its energy efficiency — the higher, the better.
Cooling Power
You need to match your AC’s cooling power with your room size. The international measure of cooling capability is British Thermal Units, or BTUs. This metric measures how much energy it takes to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
You need to aim for an AC system between 6,000 and 12,000 BTUs to cool an average living room. If you live in a hot area, you’ll need more BTUs to maintain the same temperature, as the unit will have to work harder to produce the same amount of cooling.
Call SM Mechanical for Expert AC Service
As the premier air conditioning contractor in Glastonbury, CT, SM Mechanical Services is proud to offer exceptional air conditioner installation, repair, and maintenance services. We provide an expert assessment, quote, and help choose the right air conditioner type for your home.
Our comprehensive suite of services include:
- Split AC installation and repairs
- Ductless AC installation and repairs
- Central AC installation and repairs
- Tune-ups and maintenance
If you want to learn more about air conditioning installation or need advice on the right choice for you, give SM Mechanical Services a call at (860) 296-5100 today!