Replacing your air conditioner can be a large task. The different types of air conditioners available have their own perks and quirks. Let’s explore the options to help you make an informed decision.
Central Air Conditioner
A central air conditioner is a combination of an indoor and outdoor unit. The indoor unit consists of the air handler and the evaporator coils, while the outdoor unit contains the compressor and the condenser. The system expels heat from your home outdoors and pushes cool air to your rooms through the ducts.
A central air conditioner is ideal for cooling multiple rooms at the same time. However, among the different types of air conditioners available, it is one of the costliest cooling systems to set up.
Ductless Mini-Split System
Ductless AC systems combine one or more indoor units with an outdoor condenser and compressor. Tubing connects the outdoor and indoor units while refrigerant flows through it. The wall-mounted indoor units let you control the temperature of rooms individually.
While ductless, mini-split systems can be more energy-efficient than other AC systems, they will be more expensive if you want to install them in every room to cool your entire house.
Portable Air Conditioner
A portable AC unit can cool down a small space quickly. You can move this freestanding unit from one room to another, and you’ll only need a power outlet to turn it on and a window to exhaust the unit’s air. Note that of all the different types of air conditioners, portable units are not good options for cooling larger rooms.
Window Air Conditioner
A window air conditioner has all its components enclosed in a single unit. It sits in a slot made in the windowsill or wall. The indoor side blows cool air into a room, while the outdoor side ejects heat. The unit should be located close to a suitable outlet. Note that it blocks the view from your window.
Geothermal AC System
A geothermal system offers both heating and cooling using an underground series of pipes. In the summer, it extracts heat from your home and distributes it into the ground. It is the most energy-efficient and longest-lasting type of air conditioner. It, however, has a high setup cost.
As you choose between the different types of air conditioners, you’ll want to consider your budget, energy consumption, space requirements, and desired cooling power. For further assistance with selecting the right air conditioner for your Dayton-area home, contact Ace Hardware Home Services.
