In this article, we shall guide you about all the Types of Air Conditioners in the market with their advantages and disadvantages. This article can help you make an informed decision the next time you are purchasing something
Types of Air Conditioners
The different Types of Air Conditioners are as follows
- Central Air Conditioner
- Window AC
- Split Air Conditioner
- Portable Air Conditioner
- Floor Mounted AC
- Geothermal Air Conditioning System
- Smart Air Conditioner
- Hybrid/Dual Fuel Air Conditioner
Central Air Conditioner
One of the most common types of air conditioners for a large home & to cool multiple rooms at once is Central AC or Central Air Conditioner. A central air conditioning unit uses a split system that regulates air through ducts installed in your home. It is also known as a ducted system.
The split aspect implies that the system is a combination of two main units. The outdoor unit packs in the condenser and compressor. While the indoor unit comprises the evaporator coils & air handler. Like any typical air conditioner, central air conditioning also uses refrigerant in removing heat from the indoor air. This heat is pulled outdoors & cool air is pushed in through the ducts.
Utilizing modern HVAC technology, programmable thermostats can be coupled with central air conditioners for a smart home experience.
Advantages of a central AC system
- Simultaneous cooling
- Reduced humidity
- Efficient and quick
Disadvantages of a central AC system
- High energy consumption
- Duct-related issues
- Outdoor unit aesthetics
Window AC
One of the most common types of air conditioners is the window air conditioner and it is best suited when the requirement is to cool a single room or small area. They are available in different sizes that allow their applications in open spaces or single-story spaces for effective cooling. It has evolved into the go-to choice and the most prevalent types of air conditioner.
A Window Air Conditioner is a self-contained unit that houses all its components within a single structure. It expels heat through the outdoor side while delivering cool air into the room from the indoor side. As the name implies, it is typically installed in a window or through a wall opening. These air conditioners are equipped with a sliding filter that can be easily removed for regular cleaning, ensuring optimal AC efficiency. The units have controls integrated into the system and may even include a remote control for added convenience.
Advantages of Window ACs
- Cost-effective
- Easy installation
- Hassle-free maintenance
- Space-saving
Disadvantages of Window ACs
- Noisy
- Obstructive
- Outlet proximity
- Compatibility constraints
Split Air Conditioner (Ductless AC)
If someone is in the market for Air conditioners that offer great efficiency and less ducting then these types of air conditioners are known as Split AC or Ductless AC. These ac units consist of an outdoor and indoor unit wherein the outdoor unit further consists of a condenser and compressor and the Indoor unit which are commonly wall mounted further consists of the Blower Fan and Thermostat. Such systems are also suited for contemporary homes
The Outdoor and Indoor Unit is connected via tubing which acts as a passage for refrigerant flow. When connected in different rooms it offers zonal control where every connected room can be heated and cooled as desired. They are known for their energy efficiency and ease of installation as no ducting is required. the major drawback is too many split ac which are wall-mounted take away from the aesthetic of the home.
Advantages of Split AC
- Efficient and targeted cooling
- Easy installation without extensive ducting
- Individual temperature control for each room
Disadvantages of Split AC
- May require multiple units for larger homes
- Wall-mounted indoor units are visible
Portable air conditioner
Ductless mini-split air conditioners are an excellent cooling solution for homes without extensive duct systems. Whether it’s new additions, guest rooms, or underutilized spaces, installing ductwork can be impractical. In such cases, ductless mini-split systems shine.
Consisting of an outdoor condenser unit and a compact indoor blower connected by a conduit, they offer customizable cooling without the need for extensive ductwork. The installation cost typically ranges from $2,000 to $14,500. Ductless mini-splits are efficient and ideal for homes where traditional duct systems aren’t feasible. They provide a versatile cooling solution that suits various needs and spaces.
Advantages of Portable AC
- Versatile and portable, can be easily moved from room to room
- No permanent installation required
- Quick and simple setup process
- Effective for spot cooling
- Convenient storage when not in use
Disadvantages Of Portable AC
- Operational noise can be noticeable
- Limited cooling capacity for larger rooms
- Placement near a window is necessary for units with hoses, which may obstruct the lower part of the window.
Floor Mounted AC
Floor-mounted air conditioners offer a convenient alternative for mini-split systems when space for a wall-mounted unit is limited. The indoor unit sits on the floor, eliminating the need for major site preparation or ductwork. This type of installation is especially suitable for spaces with tilted walls or buildings made of fragile materials like glass.
The unit can be positioned slightly elevated from the floor and connected to the outdoor unit through a small wall hole. One notable advantage is easy access to the air filters, making floor-mounted air conditioners beneficial for maintaining clean indoor air quality.
Floor-mounted systems cool or heat the room quickly as the fan directs airflow at your level. In contrast, high-mounted wall units may struggle to achieve a uniform and efficient cooling. It is important to ensure sufficient free space around the floor unit for proper air circulation, avoiding obstruction by furniture or walls.
Advantages of floor mounted AC
- Accessibility
- Easy installation
- Space-saving
Disadvantages of floor mounted AC
- Obstructed airflow
- Limited suitability for large rooms
Geothermal Air Conditioning System
Geothermal air conditioning is an innovative approach that harnesses the earth’s insulating properties for heating and cooling purposes. This technology capitalizes on the consistent temperatures found under the ground, approximately 4 to 6 feet deep, regardless of weather conditions. By utilizing this resource, geothermal systems offer more efficient heating and cooling for your home.
The system involves a piping network that forms a loop, circulating water between your home, a heat pump, and the ground. Setting up this system requires significant underground installation work to ensure its proper functioning.
Advantages of a geothermal AC system
- Energy-efficient
- Longevity
Disadvantages of a geothermal AC system
- Location-dependent installation
- High setup cost
Smart Air Conditioner
Smart air conditioners are a modern variation of mini-split, window, or portable air conditioners that are equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities. These AC units are Wi-Fi enabled and offer convenient control through a dedicated smartphone app.
Depending on the manufacturer, smart air conditioners provide a wide range of functionalities. These include features such as weekly scheduling, geofencing, comfy mode, temperature range control, and many more. By utilizing these features, users can achieve optimal comfort while also benefiting from energy savings.
Additionally, there are smart AC controllers available in the market that can upgrade any conventional ducted unit to have the functionalities of a smart AC. These controllers function similarly to programmable thermostats but at a significantly lower cost compared to dedicated smart AC units.
Advantages of Smart Air Conditioners
- Compatibility
- Convenience
- Energy efficiency
Disadvantages of Smart Air Conditioners
- Connectivity dependency
- The high cost (for some systems)
Hybrid/Dual Fuel Air Conditioner
Hybrid systems offer an efficient and cost-effective solution for heating and cooling by combining the benefits of a gas furnace and an electric air-source heat pump. They automatically switch between fossil fuels and electricity based on the outdoor temperature. You can set the desired temperature for the switch or manually switch between modes.
During summer, the heat pump removes hot air from the inside and expels it outside. In winter, the process reverses, distributing heat throughout the home. When the temperature drops too low for the heat pump’s efficiency, the furnace takes over for reliable heating. Hybrid systems provide year-round comfort with optimal energy usage.
Advantages of Hybrid/Dual Fuel Air Conditioner
- Cost-effective performance
- Efficient heating and cooling
- Automatic switching between the gas furnace and electric heat pump
Disadvantages of Hybrid/Dual Fuel Air Conditioners
- Dependency on outdoor temperature for optimal operation
- Potential manual adjustment required for switching modes
Conclusion
In conclusion, with all these different types of air conditioners available in the market. In this article, we aimed to provide the best explanation of all types of air conditioners with their advantages and disadvantages. By reading this blog we hope you are clear as to which one you should buy for your needs let us know in the comments if we missed any and share your experience if you bought one
