Let’s take a look at the types of air conditioners you should be aware of when shopping for a new unit.
There are many different kinds of air conditioners for households out there. So, choosing the right one is not easy.
Here, we’ll show you the available options and help you decide which one is best for you. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of what units make the best sense for your needs.
Table of Contents
Central Air Conditioner (Packaged And Split-System)
Let’s start with the two types of central air conditioners: split-system and packaged
Packaged Central Air Conditioners
An indoor/outdoor unit combines the compressor, condensing coil, and evaporator into one unit.
This unit is usually built onto a concrete slab or another surface next to your house. Ductwork connects your home’s exterior to its interior.
Split-System Central Air Conditioners
An outdoor unit contains a condenser and compressor. Meanwhile, the evaporator is housed inside an indoor unit.
If you live in an area where you need a furnace, it will usually be located inside this indoor cabinet.
Benefits Of Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners are a great way to cool your home. They can be used in the summer and winter months, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not they will work during certain seasons. They…
- Cool more than one room with just one unit – central air conditioners are great because they can cool multiple rooms without having to install extra appliances. Additionally, these units are quiet and energy-efficient.
- Add more value to your house – if you plan to sell your property, then installing a central air conditioning unit could increase its value.
- Can control the humidity in your home as well – central air conditioners can reduce the amount of moisture that builds up in your home which can prevent mold growth.
Downsides Of Central Air Conditioners
As with every type of air conditioning unit, a central air conditioning unit may not work for you. Here are some of the downsides.
- Cost – depending on the size of your home, a central air conditioner might cost thousands of dollars.
- Landlord’s permission – landlords tend to frown upon tenants who do installations and other work to homes without permission, so if you are renting, you will need their permission before deciding to get a central air conditioner installed.
- Size – central air conditioners come in various sizes; however, most of these units take up a lot of room, and if you live in a flat or do not have the outdoor and indoor space for them, you won’t be able to install a central air conditioning unit.
Mini-Split/Ductless Air Conditioners
The Mini-Split is a ductless air conditioning system that provides cooling and heating to your home or business.
If you don’t have any space for ductwork in your house, a mini-split air conditioner might be just what you need.
A split system air conditioner features one exterior compartment housing a condensing coil that feeds multiple evaporator coils throughout your house’s interior.
It’s the most energy-efficient way to cool or heat your home, while also saving you money on utility bills.
The mini-split is typically made up of three components: 1) A blower unit that pulls air through the coils 2) An electronic controller that regulates the temperature 3) And an optional filter.
Benefits Of Mini-Split/ Ductless Air Conditioners
A ductless air conditioner is great for people who want to save space. As the name suggests, it doesn’t require ductwork, which means there isn’t going to be any mess when you install it.
- You can use it year-round – since it doesn’t require a ton of space, you can use it all year long.
- You can add additional zones – if you decide to buy a second unit, you can easily connect both units to create additional zones within your home.
Downsides To Mini Split/ Ductless Air Conditioners
While mini-splits are very easy to install, they aren’t necessarily cheap. If you are looking to spend less on your air conditioning needs, then this may not be the best option for you.
Window Units
Window units are small, portable air conditioners (see also ‘How To Vent A Portable Air Conditioner Without A Window‘) that can fit into window sills or even onto window frames.
They provide excellent cooling performance and are perfect for rooms where you have limited access to an external wall.
They are also great for apartments or condos because they don’t require much space.
They are also great for those who don’t have enough space for a full-sized air conditioner.
Benefits Of Window Units
Window units are a great way to add value and style to your home. They can be used in many different ways, from adding privacy and security to creating an attractive focal point for the room they’re in.
Here’s what you need to know about window units:
- They are compact – window units are smaller than traditional air conditioners. This makes them easier to move around and store away when you are done using them.
- They are quiet – window units run at lower speeds than other types of air conditioners so they make fewer noises.
- They are affordable – window units cost less than half as much as larger units.
- They are environmentally friendly – window units consume less electricity than other air conditioners, making them better for the environment.
Downsides of Window Units
- Window air conditioners only work with windows that open outward. So if you live in a condo or apartment building, you won’t be able to use these units.
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners are the same size as window units but are designed to sit on top of your refrigerator. They come with their remote control and usually include filters and screens.
Benefits Of Portable Air Conditioners
- Good For RVs – these units are great for homeowners who like to travel. These units are small, lightweight, and easy to pack up and take along when you go somewhere else.
- They are also ideal for renters – since they can be moved out of the way when you leave.
- They are also a good choice for people who want to cool down their bedrooms without having to worry about running the AC in the rest of their house.
The Downside Of Portable Air Conditioners
- If you are trying to cool more than one room you’ll probably need to purchase more than one unit.
- Weight – if you plan on taking your portable air conditioner with you when you travel, be sure to check its weight limit before packing it.
- Extra purchases – keep in mind that some portable air conditioners do not include filters or screens. So you will need to buy those separately.
Geothermal Pumps
There are several things that you need to know about air conditioning systems before you buy one.
If you don’t know anything about air conditioning systems, you might find yourself buying the wrong kind of unit for your home.
So, here is everything you need to know about geothermal pumps.
What Are Geothermal Pumps?
Geothermal pumps are heat exchangers that transfer heat from the ground below your home into your home. The heat then goes through pipes and radiators to warm your indoor space.
Benefits Of Geothermal/Heat Pumps
- Great for most climates – a heat pump may provide sufficient warming and cooling for middle-range temperatures.
Disadvantages Of Geothermal/Heat Pumps
- Shorter lifespan – as they work year-round, they have a shorter lifespan than other types.
- Highest cost – these tend to be the highest cost to install, though they are cheaper to run once you make the initial investment.
- Not suitable for big temperature ranges – places like Texas or Seattle probably wouldn’t benefit from this kind of heating/cooling source as it doesn’t handle extreme temperatures well.
Air Conditioner Installation Tips
When installing any kind of air conditioner, it is important to follow some basic guidelines.
First off, you should always read the instructions carefully before starting the installation process.
Make sure that you understand everything about the unit before you start working on it.
Also, make sure that you know exactly what size hole you need to drill into the wall.
Next, you should make sure that you do not damage anything else during the installation process. There are certain things that you should avoid doing when installing an air conditioner, such as drilling holes into walls or ceilings.
Finally, you should never use electrical tape to secure the wiring harnesses together. Instead, you should use zip ties or similar products. This way, you won’t accidentally cut yourself when removing the wires later.
10 Things That Really Matter Before Installing A Central Air Conditioner
There are many benefits to having a central air conditioner installed in your home.
Not only does it help keep your home comfortable year-round, but it also helps save money on energy bills compared to lots of little fans and units.
In fact, according to Energy Star, a central air conditioner can reduce your monthly electric bill by up to 30 percent!
If you are considering having a central air conditioner (see also ‘How Much To Install Central Air With Ductwork‘) installed in your home, here are some tips to think about:
1. Size matters – When choosing between a central air conditioner and a window unit, you should choose the one that has the right capacity for your needs. The bigger the air conditioner, the better it will work, but it will cost you more.
2. Location matters – Your location is going to play a huge role in determining whether or not a central air conditioner is worth the investment. If you live in a cold area, you might want to consider getting a smaller unit.
3. Efficiency matters – How efficient your air conditioner is will determine how much power it uses. It is recommended that you get a model that uses less electricity.
4. Price matters – Of course, price is another factor to take into consideration. While you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a central air conditioner, you shouldn’t pay too little either. Find a model that fits within your budget.
5. Maintenance matters – Another thing to consider is maintenance. Is the company that you hire for the job going to provide regular service? Will they come out every few months to check on the system? These questions will help you decide if you want to go with a local company or a national brand.
6. Warranty matters – You should look at the warranty. Some companies offer lifetime warranties while others offer limited ones. Ask the salesperson which type of warranty he offers so you can be sure that you are covered in case something goes wrong.
7. Installation matters – If you are planning on hiring someone to install the air conditioner for you, make sure that you ask them all of the details about their experience. Do they specialize in this particular type of installation? What tools do they use? Are there any special steps that you need to follow before they start working?
8. Safety matters – Safety is always of the utmost importance. Make sure that the person who installs the air conditioner (see also ‘Air Conditioner Running But Not Lowering Temperature‘) is trained and certified to handle these types of systems. Also, make sure that the unit is properly grounded.
9. Cleanliness matters – There are certain things that you should always remember to clean after installing an air conditioning system. First, you should remove all of the packaging materials from around the unit. Then, you should wash the unit thoroughly. Finally, you should dry it off completely.
10. Comfort matters – Once you’ve chosen a central air conditioner based on all of the above criteria, you should then focus on comfort. Does it fit well? Does it feel like it was made just for you? How does it smell? Is the sound too much? All of these factors will affect your overall comfort level.
Common Problems With Air Conditioners
If your air conditioner (see also ‘How Much Power Does An Air Conditioner Use?‘) is inefficient, you get constant high bills, or you have bad airflow problems, you may have an issue with your air conditioning system, and you could be facing a big problem.
Here are some common issues that you may face:
1. Dirty filters – A dirty filter will cause your air conditioner to run more often than necessary. This means that you will end up spending more money on energy bills. To prevent this, change your filters regularly.
2. Leaks – Leaks in your ducts will cause your air conditioners to work harder than necessary. They also lead to poor indoor air quality. To avoid this, make sure that you tighten all of the connections and seams.
3. Inefficient cooling – An inefficient air conditioner will not cool your home as effectively as possible. It will also cost you more money because it will require more electricity to operate. To fix this, replace your old air conditioner with a new one.
4. Overheating – When your air conditioner runs constantly, it will overheat and damage your HVAC system. To avoid this, keep your thermostat set low enough to allow your house to cool down naturally without using the air conditioner.
5. Poor airflow – Poor airflow will mean that your air conditioner doesn’t circulate the right amount of fresh air throughout your entire home. This can result in mold growth and other health hazards. To solve this, make sure that your vents are open and that your windows and doors are closed tightly.
Air Conditioning Tips
1. Check the thermostat regularly. This will ensure that the temperature inside your home stays as comfortable as possible.
2. Keep windows closed when using air conditioners. This will keep the heat outside instead of letting it inside.
3. Use fans to circulate the air. Fans work best when used together with air conditioners.
4. Don’t leave appliances running when you aren’t using them. They will waste energy.
5. Turn down the lights. The more light that is available, the warmer the room will become.
6. Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are great because they allow cool air to flow up towards the top of the house.
Final Thoughts
An air conditioner is essential if you want to enjoy a comfortable home during the hot summer months. However, there are many different types of air conditioners out there.
Hopefully, you have a better knowledge of what one suits your needs and how you can best look after your air conditioning units so they perform at their peak!
