Different Types of Air Conditioning
HVAC is one component that makes your home cozy. The air conditioning part, in particular, allows you to inhale fresh air and avoid predisposition to diseases. We need maximum comfort at home and buying accessories that will help enhance the feeling of involving a lot of decision making. The HVAC system market is flooded with different brands and the type of air conditioning system that have varied functions and features. When purchasing a new air conditioner for your home, the choice can be overwhelming. Knowing the different types of air conditioners available in the market will help you make a decision.
There are six types of air conditioners available today. They differ in functionality. Also, they got their pros and cons. The suitable choice of air conditioning will depend on your unique needs. As such, one type may be appropriate for one but not another individual. Selection may also vary when you consider a commercial or residential building. Obviously, there are differences in cost. Here are the six widely used types of air conditioners.
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Central air conditioning
I bet you must have come across the central air conditioning system. It is the most common of all types. It is the type that is preferred for big homes since it efficiently helps in cooling large areas. It is used in big houses, factories, offices, and hotels. The unit has a large compressor capable of producing vast air conditioning. During its operation, it circulates air through the supply and the duct, back and forth. It takes cold air through the pipes, this gets warm as it returns to the register. The unit can be mounted on the walls, openings on the floor or ceilings, or even under raised access floors.
Tactful planning and preparation are crucial in the installation of central air conditioning systems. The size of the machine must match the coverage area. Fixing the wrong size unit will decrease energy efficiency making you spend much on electricity bills. The system is beneficial in that it will help you dehumidify the incoming air without necessarily having to buy a dehumidifier. There are two forms of central air conditioners available.
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Split system air conditioners
This type of central air conditioner consists of two cabinets, and this is probably the source of the name. The first cabinet is on the outside and comprises of the condenser and the compressor. The second cabinet contains the evaporator and is situated inside the unit. Split air conditioners are suitable for those already having a furnace but lack the air conditioners. It is an effective and affordable option for small homes.
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Packaged central air conditioner
The four major components of the system are assembled in one. You will have the evaporator, compressor, condenser and the valve installed in a single cabinet. The cabinet is often fixed on the roof or the floors. The packaged types are usually connected with a heating coil to avoid the need of having a separate furnace. It is an excellent choice for homeowners lacking furnace.
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Window air conditioner
The name is suggestive of the location of the unit in the house. It is also referred to as a unitary unit since it can only supply a single room emanating its effects from the window. It is the best practice to consider installing the unit during construction to allow for a firm fixing on the window. The working mechanism is by emitting warm air from the house while pumping fresh air into the house. It will be a good choice in the event of a limited budget and in places that are difficult to cool using the ductwork. Also, they are easy to fit.
Notable disadvantages of the system are; inability to cool larger rooms increased noise at home. It is possible to reduce the resulting sounds by doing frequent maintenance to allow for seamless operation. The units were getting phased out in part of Europe as a result of the New European efficiency regulation of 2013. However, the introduction of the new Erp regulation compliant systems has seen a significant comeback.
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Portable air conditioners
The improved modification of the window air conditioner has solved the mobility needs. It is relatively popular now since it allows for cooling from any space. You don’t have to mount this type of air conditioner, all you got to do is route the flexible pipe on any opening. The unit takes air from the room, cools it and give it back. Warm air is emitted outside the habitat using the fixed vents. It is beneficial in that it is an affordable option allowing for easy installation and versatile use. On the underside, it has the located within the unit; hence it exhibits a limited capacity and is quite noisy.
There are several units available in the market considering much love. Most of them being small units in the range of between 9000 and 12000 Btu.
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Geothermal heating and cooling
The type has been promoted by the need for sustainable and energy efficient devices. It consists of a geothermal coil that extracts heat either from the ground to dissipate in the house or the other way round depending on the prevailing conditions. During winter, the geothermal loop will get heat from the ground and distribute it on the floor of the house. It is a rare type of air conditioner that people are starting to use owing to its efficiency in energy use.
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Ductless mini-split air conditioner
As the name indicates, this is the type of air conditioner that provides cooling to different parts of the room. Like the central air conditioning system, it consists of two parts, and there is the part that is fixed outside that is the compressor or the condenser. They can have several indoor handling units connected to a single outdoor unit; therefore, it forms the best choice for cooling several rooms at a go. Furthermore, each zone will have their thermostat hence it’s possible to adjust temperatures differently depending on the particular use of a place. Because the system requires many thermostats, it is going to be expensive to install this system.
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Hybrid air conditioners
Hybrid systems generally seek to save money and energy. The air conditioner will intelligently alternate between the use of fossil fuel and electricity to run. It works based on the second law of thermodynamics to keep your home warm during winter and cool in summer.
