The Georgia heat rages on as summer rapidly approaches. Is your AC not cooling like it used to? Is it time to replace an old machine? Or are you just thinking of adding a new system to your house?
With the variety of air conditioning units available, picking out the ideal system for your lifestyle can be an arduous task. You need to consider your needs, your home’s layout, and your price point, among many other factors that can overwhelm you. Thankfully, Deal’s Heating & Air offers a helpful rundown of the multiple different options available to you.
10 Types of Air Conditioners
1. Window Air Conditioners
One of the most budget-friendly options for those seeking a simple air conditioning system. The window air conditioner comes in multiple sizes and is easily installed almost anywhere that happens to have a window. However, these units can be loud when in use, can obstruct the use of the window they’re in, and require the window unit to be in close proximity to an electrical unit to maintain power.
2. Central Air Conditioners
An air conditioning unit that’s most efficient at cooling your entire home is suited for large buildings with multiple rooms. Due to the connected cooling system, it also regulates and reduces the humidity level throughout the house. However, this unit is one of the most expensive options for home cooling and requires a dedicated outdoor space. As the unit is outside, your air conditioner will be relatively quiet inside.
3. Ductless Mini-Split
In the event that your home does not have preexisting ductwork or ductwork installation is unfeasible, a ductless mini-split offers a method to cool your home without relying on ductwork. Instead, this unit connects the indoor and outdoor units through the tubing. This design is best suited for small areas as it is small and can be placed almost anywhere in the home. It is not suited for cooling large areas.
4. Portable Air Conditioner
An inexpensive option for those seeking additional cooling in poorly air-conditioned rooms that don’t require physical installation. These units are cheap and great for small buildings such as condos, studios, or apartments. However, like window units, they tend to be noisy and will take up floor space, which can be inconvenient in a small space.
5. Floor-Mounted Air Conditioner
Also known as through-the-wall ACs, these units serve a similar purpose as mini-split ACs in that they offer cooling without using duct systems. Instead, they connect directly to their outdoor unit instead of relying upon tubing. Even though these units can be placed almost anywhere with an outside-facing wall, they aren’t as common as other systems because they require a hole to be cut into the wall. They are cheaper than a mini-split system, however, as they are one system as opposed to two.
6. Smart Air Conditioner
While not necessarily a wholly unique style of AC, these systems are usually mini-split, window, or portable ACs but with Wi-Fi connectivity and numerous convenience features that can help save energy or allow you to monitor and track your cooling patterns remotely. However, these systems are predictably much more expensive but may save you money in the long run on energy bills.
7. Geothermal Air Conditioning System
A highly efficient energy-saving system that uses the geothermal energy from the land to keep your house cool (or warm) throughout the year. This system lasts much longer than any other AC system and requires far less maintenance work. However, it comes with a hefty installation cost and complicated set-up that may only be feasible for some housing situations.
8. Hybrid/Dual Fuel Air Conditioner
An energy-efficient system that uses both electricity and gas to heat and cool your house based on the temperature outside. It cools by drawing out the hot air from within your house and dispersing it outside. Those seeking entire home cooling while trying to achieve an energy-efficient AC system. Unfortunately, these systems do go back with some drawbacks. They have a shorter life span, high installation cost, and might need more maintenance in the long run. However, you can offset this with lower utility bills.
9. Evaporative Air Conditioner
If you live in a particularly dry environment, an evaporative air conditioner is your best option. It pulls warm air from the environment and cools it through water-saturated pads. This is a highly energy-efficient cooling method, though it is often not considered a “conventional AC system.” While it does use far less electricity and has a lower carbon footprint, with variability in sizes for all needs, it also tends to require a large amount of water and is not recommended for humid climates.
What to Consider When Picking an AC?
Choosing a new AC unit for your home is a big decision. You need to consider several questions before making your purchase, such as:
- How important is energy efficiency?
- What is the size of the area I need to keep cool?
- How important is paying a significant amount upfront over savings over time?
- What is the climate like, and what common extremes am I like to face?
- How often do I want to perform maintenance?
- What space am I willing to allocate for a cooling unit?
- What noise level do I find acceptable?
When you’ve answered all these questions, you’ll be able to determine what style of AC unit suits you. But don’t worry if you’re struggling; the experts at Deal’s have your back. Our expertise with HVAC systems can help us guide you through picking the best AC system for your needs and help you with the HVAC installation! Once you’ve picked your AC, we’re happy to continue to help with the preventative maintenance needed to maintain it.
