The 4 Main Types of Air Conditioners

The 4 Main Types of Air Conditioners

At Airrific Air Conditioning & Heating, we are proud to service a range of air conditioning equipment. However, sometimes we find that with the innovations in the HVAC industry in recent years, it can be difficult for consumers to differentiate between various systems. With all the information on the Internet, customers can do intense research about which option is right for them—yet we understand that this amount of information can also feel confusing and overwhelming at times.

From portable AC units to “swamp coolers” to geothermal heating and cooling systems, there are now more options for cooling your home than ever. And this isn’t even getting into package terminal air conditioners, or other systems that are used by commercial properties. All that said, there are still 4 types of AC systems that continue to stand as the cornerstones of the HVAC industry. Keep reading to learn about the 4 main types of air conditioners today, and remember, for all your AC questions and concerns, feel free to contact our Sarasota HVAC pros anytime.

Type 1: Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioning systems are generally considered the top option by homeowners, as they are able to cool every room of your house at the same time, and generate little noise while doing so. Central AC systems are comprised of 2 connected units—a condensing unit inside of your home, and the evaporate unit, located inside (usually near the furnace.) The condensing unit generates cool air, which is transferred to the evaporate unit, which then pushes that air throughout your home using your ductwork. If you can afford to install one, any HVAC professional will tell you that central AC systems continue to be an excellent way to generate cooling relief.

Type 2: Window AC Units

Window AC units are self-contained air conditioners, either placed in (you guessed it) your window or a specifically designed hole in your wall. This type of air conditioner is most common in apartments, though you also often find them in houses with one story. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the window unit is, the greater cooling power it has. However, while you can size your window air conditioner based on the space it’s going in, it is Important to note that these units are not designed to cool more than one room at a time. Window units are great for smaller residences, where you can put one in the main room and one in the bedroom of everyone who living there. While there is a limit to their power, they can be very effective, especially when used in conjunction with fans to circulate air. They are also fairly easy to transfer from one property to the next, in case you have to move. That said, the bigger your home is, the less energy-efficient it is to install multiple window units.

Type 3: Heat Pumps

For some, the term “heat pump” in and of itself is confusing, as it makes it sound like this equipment is designed strictly for heating. rather than cooling. Yet what a heat pump actually does is to distribute hot and cold air throughout your home, concentrating the warm air in your house and dumping it outside in the summer, and bringing in concentrated warm air from outside in the winter. Unlike a furnace, which runs on gas or oil, or a typical AC unit, which runs on refrigerant, heat pumps are extremely energy-efficient because they transfer air through your home’s ductwork without relying on any kind of fuel. Installing a heat pump can be expensive, yet the cost of running and maintaining this equipment is very minimal. Some homeowners find that heat pumps are not as effective for combatting extreme temperatures, however, others like to use them in conjunction with their existing AC system.

Type 4: Ductless Mini Split Systems

Also known simply as ductless air conditioners or split systems, ductless mini splits are perfect for homeowners that do not have existing ductwork in their home or apartment. These systems are made up of 2 small units, one of which is installed on the exterior of your property, and one which is mounted high on the walls inside. The outdoor terminal condenses cold air, passing it through refrigerant tubing to the interior terminal, which uses a fan blower to pump that air throughout your home. Ductless mini split systems are excellent for smaller or older properties that do not have any existing ductwork, or for houses where the heating ducts are not compatible with an AC unit. In the past, these systems were used to cool one room at a time, but new technology is allowing ductless mini splits to spread cool air to multiple rooms in your house at once.

Whichever Option Is Right for Your Home, Airrific Air Conditioning & Heating Has You Covered

Hopefully, this blog has helped clarify some of the differences in AC technology for you. Rest assured, whichever kind of system you decide is right for your property, our Sarasota HVAC team has the skills, training, and experience to get the job done. We offer AC repairs, installations, and maintenance for multiple kinds of units, as well as eco-friendly AC service, so you can always feel good when you hire the experts at Airrific Air Conditioning and Heating.

Need Air Conditioning Installation? Talk to your air conditioning repair experts at Airrific Air Conditioning & Heating today! Call (941) 371-3355.