If you live in a hot climate, an air conditioner is one of the most important appliances you can own.
These devices come in all shapes and sizes, with many features that make your summer days much more bearable.
However, many different types of air conditioners are on the market, making it difficult to know exactly what you need.
For example, an air conditioner for your bedroom might not be good enough to cool down the rest of your house, while another type of air conditioner may not be appropriate for your bedroom!
1. Central Air Conditioner
A central air conditioner is a single unit with an outdoor metal cabinet and an indoor evaporator coil.
The outdoor unit houses the condenser and compressor, while the indoor unit holds the evaporator.
A central AC system is connected to ductwork throughout your home and uses forced air to circulate cool air.
Central AC systems are the most common air conditioning system in the United States.
There are two different types of central AC systems: high-pressure and low-pressure.
High-pressure systems operate at 30 psi or higher and use one-inch tubing with 13-inch connections.
Low-pressure units operate at 20 psi or lower, using smaller diameter tubes with 6-inch connections.
2. Ductless Mini-Split
A ductless mini-split is one of the most popular air conditioners. It’s a great choice for people who want to save money on their energy bills, as it is very efficient.
Plus, it’s easy to install and doesn’t require any ductwork. There are two different types of ductless mini-splits: single-zone and multi-zone.
Single-zone units are great for small spaces, while multi-zone units can cool multiple rooms. A split system unit is also an air handler or package unit.
It’s typically placed in your attic or basement and pumps cold refrigerant through copper tubing coils to your evaporator coil (usually in your furnace).
Lastly, window units attach directly to the outside of your window. These need regular maintenance, but they’re usually cheaper than other types of ACs because you only have to purchase them once.
3. Window Air Conditioner
A window air conditioner is one of the most common air conditioners. It is installed in a window or wall and cools a single room.
They are usually less expensive than central air conditioners and are a good option for small homes or apartments.
Some disadvantages of window air conditioners include that they can be loud and take up space in your window.
The best place to install a window air conditioner is on an exterior wall because it will have easier access to fresh air. Split-System Air Conditioner:
These two units work together, meaning they can cover square footage than other types of ACs. One unit hangs from the ceiling while the other sits on the floor.
These units use gas or electricity, so you’ll need at least one vent for each type of AC.
4. Split System Air Conditioner
A split system air conditioner is one of the most common different types of air conditioners. It consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
The indoor unit is usually mounted on a wall or in a window, and the outdoor unit is usually located on the ground or a roof.
Split-system air conditioners are available in both ducted and ductless versions. These air conditioners have two main parts: the compressor and the condenser.
One part takes care of cooling, while the other takes care of transferring heat from indoors to outdoors through a metal tube called an evaporator coil.
When it’s hot outside, refrigerant from inside moves from low pressure to high pressure within this coil, which causes liquid refrigerant (turned into gas) to turn back into a liquid that cools down before returning indoors, where it does its job again.
5. Tower Air Conditioner
A tower air conditioner, also known as a floor-standing air conditioner, is a different type of air conditioner that is tall and slender.
They are a great option for small spaces because they take up less floor space than other air conditioners.
Tower air conditioners are also very quiet, ideal for bedrooms and offices. Some tower air conditioners even come with built-in ionizers, which can help purify the air in your home.
To save money on electricity, you should look into a thermostat-controlled air conditioner.
These devices work by turning off the compressor when the desired temperature has been reached so that it doesn’t keep running while not needed.
6. Spot Coolers Air Conditioner
Spot coolers are air conditioners that are designed for smaller spaces. They work by cooling the air around you rather than the entire room.
This makes them perfect for small offices, bedrooms, or even RVs and campers. There are different types of spot coolers, so be sure to choose one that best suits your needs.
For example, if you’re looking for a spot cooler with a timer, there’s the Vornado Zippi, which has an auto-off timer with 15-minute increments for up to 2 hours.
If you’re looking for something with a remote control like the DeLonghi PAC3305MNI Pinguino 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner & Heater, then look no further.
It features a 24-hour programmable timer, 4 different power modes, high-velocity fan settings, and even eco mode!
So take a deep breath and relax this summer, knowing you have all the different air conditioners covered.
7. Plasma Air Conditioner
A plasma air conditioner is a device that uses plasma to cool air. Plasma is an ionized gas, and when it comes into contact with a metal surface, it creates a cooling effect.
Plasma air conditioners are more efficient than traditional air conditioners and emit no ozone-depleting chemicals.
There are three types of plasma air conditioners: wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and portable.
Wall-mounted units are the most popular type, as they are less expensive than ceiling-mounted units and can be installed in any room.
Portable units are the least expensive but less effective than the other two types.
8. Geothermal Air Conditioner
Geothermal air conditioners are different types of air conditioners that use the earth’s natural heat to work.
They are very efficient and can save you money on your energy bill. Geothermal air conditioners come in two different types: ground-source and water-source.
Ground-source geothermal air conditioners use the earth’s heat to warm your home, while water-source geothermal air conditioners use water from a well or lake to do the same.
Geothermal air conditioners are a great way to save money and help the environment.
The National Association of Home Builders has found that 40% of new homes built today include geothermal systems.
This is one way to go if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option!
9. Smart Air Conditioner
A smart air conditioner is a type of air conditioner that can be controlled remotely. You can turn it on or off, change the temperature, and even set a schedule from your smartphone.
Smart air conditioners are becoming increasingly popular as people seek ways to save energy and money.
There are a few different types of smart air conditioners on the market, so it’s important to know what each one offers before you buy.
The first type is a wifi-enabled air conditioner, which allows you to control the AC unit from your phone without having an extra device plugged in.
The second type is an internet-connected air conditioner, which allows you to control the AC unit with your phone but requires an extra device plugged in (though it may not need wifi).
Lastly, Google Home-compatible air conditioners allow you to control them using just voice commands.
10. Evaporative coolers
Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, use the evaporation of water to remove heat from the air.
They work best in dry climates and are much less expensive than other air conditioners.
However, they require more maintenance and don’t work well in humid climates.
Using a fan to blow warm air over wet pads can make these units more energy-efficient. Fans circulate the cooled air into the room with minimal electricity usage.
One downside is the high risk of mold due to the moisture evaporating off the pad.
Another disadvantage is that they take up lots of space because you need a large pad for them to function properly.
In addition, these units can only cool about 150 square feet of area and do not provide enough cooling power for larger rooms or buildings, such as schools or office buildings.
Evaporative coolers work best for small spaces like bedrooms and living rooms. This cooler might be a good option in an arid climate.
11. Ductless Mini Split System
Ductless mini-split systems are one of the most popular types of air conditioners, and they are easy to install and can be used in various settings.
These units have two main parts: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air handling.
The outdoor unit is responsible for cooling the refrigerant, while the indoor unit blows cool air into the room.
Some models also include heating functions similar to gas or electric furnaces.
These are perfect for homes with no ductwork or central HVAC system since they use coils and fans to distribute the conditioned air throughout your home.
However, it may not be as energy-efficient as other systems because these units can’t replace your HVAC.
Ductless mini-splits typically have lower SEER ratings than central ACs and can cost more upfront due to installation costs.
Still, they’re easier to maintain and should last much longer than window ACs without any major repairs needed.
12. Hybrid / Dual Fuel Air Conditioner
A hybrid or dual-fuel air conditioner is a great option to save money on your energy bills.
These units have a heat pump that helps transfer heat from your home to the outside, making them very efficient.
There are two different types of hybrid air conditioners: ductless and central. Ductless units are great for small spaces, while central units can cool an entire home.
Central ACs require regular maintenance as they run 24/7, but they’re worth it if you live in a hot climate like Florida or Texas.
When buying a central AC unit, remember that they come with different BTUs (British Thermal Units).
If you buy one with too few BTUs, it won’t be able to cool your house properly; if you buy one with too many BTUs, it will cost more.
Conclusion
There are many different types of air conditioners on the market, each with benefits and drawbacks.
Some air conditioners are better suited for certain environments than others, so choosing the right one is important.
