Air Conditioning: Different Types and How to Choose the Right One for Your Needs

When you are going to buy an air conditioning unit for the first time, it is quite a tricky task. If you are to choose which type of air conditioner is best for your room or home, remember to note energy consumption. 60,000 BTU (British Thermal Unit) denotes the most robust AC unit and can increase your energy bill, while 5,000 BTU unit is the weakest but can leave you sweating in those summer days. 

Choosing a particular type of air conditioning unit depends on your home or room size, and of course, your budget. We will tackle the different air conditioners in this article for you to determine which one will suit you best. 

Two Major Types of Air Conditioners

The principle behind how air conditioners work is relatively simple. There are two sets of metal coils. The first metal coil collects the heat coming from your house, while the second one disperses the heat coming from the outside. The main component is the refrigerant which is a liquid mix.

Based on this principle, we have two major types of air conditioning units.

1 -Device Stand-Alone AC unit

This type of AC unit has its coils inside one device. It is the air conditioning that is usually located inside the house. Its features include the following:

• Compared to other types, it is easier to install and move.
• It is less expensive.
• Its compressor is inside the house, making it noisier.
• This type has a lower capacity compared to the split-system AC unit.
• It always needs an air vent since the hot air has to go out somehow.

Under this type of air conditioning unit, there are different subtypes which include:

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are the most popular, especially for those who will use them for single-room cooling purposes. It is convenient and less expensive. In addition, it does not require mounting nor installation. The portable air conditioners have these wheels so that you can move them around quickly. However, even though you can move them around, you always need to move the air pipe so that the hot air can go outside the house. Therefore, place your portable AC unit where you attach the hose into the device and the other end out of a window.  Project Launchpad presents low cost and unique solutions for major problems in Portable AC especially disposing of water generated from condensation. Learn more about it here: www.projectlaunchpad.com

Window Air Conditioners 

Window Air conditioners are also known as the Through-The-Wall European Air conditioners. This type of air conditioning unit is in a single shell. The shell is built-in a window or can be placed through the wall. One part of this unit is facing indoors while the other part is facing outside, making it unique in this way. 

Since it is built into the wall, its drawback is that the wall must not be thicker than 9 inches. If the wall is thick, it usually prevents the airflow making the AC unit energy inefficient. As compared to split-system units, window air conditioners are cheaper and easier to install. Some of the advanced models even offer heating features and the cooling effect that they can give. 

Wall -Mounted Air Conditioning Units

The wall-mounted air conditioning units are best suited for older buildings that become hot during the summer season. Though the perfect air conditioning unit for older buildings is the powerful split-type system, you are not allowed to put any air conditioning shells on the outside wall since they are usually part of heritage. Thus, the best alternative is to mount the AC unit on the wall.

You need strong supporters when you hang these types of air conditioners on the wall. If possible, the higher, the better. Also, you need to install two air pipers through the wall behind the AC unit so that the hot air is released outside. Since its installation is quite complicated, you need a professional when planning to install this type of unit. 

Usually, through-the-wall mounted air conditioners are more oversized. If you run them continuously, the wall behind them can become hot. Therefore, you need to be careful since the two air pipes that are dispersing the heat outdoors can warm up slightly. This type of Ac unit is also expensive since it has an in-built heater type, but it can be a good heating source, especially in the winter season, and an excellent cooling source in the summer months. 

Floor-Mounted Air Conditioning Unit

Floor-Mounted Air Conditioners are similar to wall-mounted air conditioners. However, they differ in the manner of mounting. The former is placed on the wall; alternatively, the latter is mounted on the floor instead. Floor Mounted units have two metal pipes that go through the wall to release the heated air. 

This air conditioner takes up a lot of space and cannot be tucked away during summer compared to the portable units. 

Big Industrial Mobile Air Conditioning Units

This type of air conditioner stands as spot coolers for boats and ships. With more than 30,000 BTU capacity, it has the capability to cool down a mid-sized ship. How they are positioned is unique. Most air conditioning units are placed inside the room, which is known as the cold side. In this type, they are placed outside the boat, considered the warm side. Spot coolers have two or more pipes that are inside the ship. These pipes are capable of sucking the warm air out while blowing the cold air in. 

Split-System Air Conditioning Units

This type of AC unit has two shells. The inside is a smaller, softshell while the other one is the outside bigger noisy shell. Its cooling coil is inside the house, and the heating coil and compressor that dispenses the heat is outside. Its features include: 

• This type is quieter since its compressor is outside.
• It has a bigger capacity and can cool your house quickly.
• Air Vents are not necessary compared to the monoblock AC units.

Under this type of air conditioning unit, there are different subtypes which include:

Central Air Conditioners

This type of air conditioning unit is also known as channel air conditioners. They usually use a combination of indoor and outdoor air. The unit’s powerhouse is located outside and is typically attached to the house. In order to install this, you need professional help to establish the duct air conditioner piping in your home.

Wall and Floor Mounted Air Conditioning Units

These two work the same as a stand-alone AC unit, but they are quieter and stronger. You can install them on the wall or the floor, and they can act as a stand-alone system or a split-system type installation. In addition, you can connect two or three AC units to a generator with a ventilator and compressor.

Ceiling Type Air Conditioners

This type of air conditioner is cassette-like and is best suited for office spaces. It is installed on the ceiling and is attached to the invisible air pipes throughout the building. The main advantage of the ceiling air type is that it provides aesthetics and power. They have modern designs that give out a sophisticated look. In this type, the manner of cooling the air is vertical instead of horizontal. 

Wrapping It Up

When you decide on the type of air conditioning that suits you, you need to choose the kind that you need. Some people shell out a considerable amount of money when a simple portable air conditioner is enough for them. The essential part of choosing the best unit for you is to be realistic in their features or capacity, like how much power you need. You also need to consider and think about if you are prepared to make holes in your wall and have an outdoor air conditioning shell made. 

If you are more into convenience, the stand-alone units are above. They are the easiest to install, cheapest to buy, and most convenient. Portable air conditioners are a good choice if you just need some cooling without a fuss. Window types are second when it comes to affordability and easy installment. They can provide cooling and heating capacity. If you live in older buildings and need some cooling, Wall Mounted Types will do the work for you. Floor Mounted Types are the same as that of the wall-mounted one, but they just differ in the manner of mounting.

When you opt for exceptional cooling capabilities, and a more sophisticated air conditioning unit design, Split- System types will do the job for you. They are more powerful and complex compared to the stand-alone types. Thus, making them more expensive.

In all cases, be realistic in choosing and always check the energy-efficient ratings and the seasonal energy-efficient ratings. These two play an integral part in your energy consumption capability. You don’t want to have a skyrocketing of energy bills or a sweaty summer, don’t you?