Last Updated on September 13, 2023 by Flavia Calina
Air conditioners use a refrigerant chemical that transfers heat between two coils. This process produces cold air in the room and removes unwanted heat from the environment.
These systems cool a home by pushing air through ducts like furnace ducts push heated air to warm rooms. The outdoor unit has a condenser, compressor and evaporator. The indoor unit is equipped with an evaporator.
Window Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners can be a good option for those who only need to cool one room and don’t wish to purchase a whole system. These air conditioners are usually cheaper upfront and have high energy efficiency ratings.
A pump shifts heat in a window AC unit by compressing and releasing a chemical mixture. This process is called phase transition, and it turns liquid into gas. The gas then moves through a fan and cools the room.
These units can be noisy, but they’re a good temporary solution for people who need to cool a space without a whole-home AC system or who live in a place that doesn’t have ducts. They’re also easy to move when you relocate or switch homes. This makes them a good option for renters. They’re less efficient than a ducted system but can still cool your home effectively. They’re also fairly inexpensive and easy to install.
Wall Air Conditioners
Wall air conditioners called through-the-wall air conditioning systems or ductless split system air conditioners, are self-contained cooling appliances installed permanently in an exterior wall within a specially framed hole. They work by blowing air over coolant gas coils and returning the cooled air into the room.
They differ from window ACs by allowing for a more permanent solution that doesn’t block your view out the window. Require more work to install since they must be vented through an exterior wall and need a hole cut into it.
Most through-the-wall air conditioners are only used for cooling. Still, some models include supplemental heating during winter months using electric heat coils or by redistributing warm air between the indoor air handler and the outdoor compressor. They also offer additional benefits like dehumidifying, fan-only, and energy-efficiency modes. Some models also have smart control capabilities for advanced home automation.
Split System Air Conditioners
The indoor and outdoor units are housed separately, so split-system air conditioners are more aesthetically appealing than packaged units. They can be installed in small or large luxury homes and boast a range of design choices, including wall-mounted, floor-standing and ceiling-suspended. They also offer quiet operation, ensuring they do not disturb the ambiance of your home. Some leading air conditioning company have units with operating noise levels as low as 19dB (breathing produces 10 dB).
As they do not rely on ductwork, split systems are energy efficient. Ductwork can lead to energy loss, with leaks in ductwork accounting for up to 30 percent of cooling energy loss. Additionally, zoning capability allows different rooms to be cooled using just one outdoor unit, giving the occupants control over the temperature in their own space. This can save on electricity bills and help reduce your environmental impact.
Ductless Air Conditioners
Ductless air conditioners, or mini-splits, are a great solution for homes without ductwork. They provide energy-efficient cooling and excellent zoning capability. Many of these systems come with a high-efficiency heater for the winter, allowing them to function as full HVAC systems.
These units connect to a remote control and are placed inside rooms, garages, and sunrooms. The team pulls heat from the room and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant then moves through a suction conduit to the outdoor unit, dissipating heat into the air.
Wall-mounted air handlers can cool individual rooms, while ceiling-recessed units push cooled air from hidden vents on the ceiling. Multi-zone mini-split systems connect four indoor air handlers to one outdoor unit. These systems are ideal for rooms in older homes that can’t accommodate ductwork or newer homes where adding ducts would be costly. These systems are more efficient than central air and far better than noisy, power-hungry window units. Read more exciting articles on Today World Info