Here in Palm Beach County, Florida, we use several different types of air conditioners to keep homes and businesses cold during the hot summer months.When deciding which type of AC unit is best for you, you’ll need to consider the ability as well as cost associated with each type of air conditioner to make a sound decision on the unit you want to purchase.
8 Types of Air Conditioners
There are 8 different types of air conditioners available on the market today. Each type of air conditioner listed below is specifically designed to work effectively in a certain space and purpose. Our AC company typically uses package units or split system air conditioners to cool indoor spaces. These AC units go from 9,000 Btu all the way to 150,000 Btu. They go from 14 seer to 26 seer.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners are the air conditioner of choice for residential homes in South Florida. This has the air handler in the home and the condenser outside of the home. The air handler can be in a closet or in an attic. The condenser can be on the ground or on a roof. This type of AC can be made more energy efficient that other types of units. Properly installed a central air conditioning unit can last 8 to 12 years depending on the location and by properly maintaining it.
Ductless Mini Split
Ductless mini splits are great for homes in Palm Beach County that don’t have an attic. These types of AC units are a version of the split system and allow you to have an air conditioner to cool one or more rooms. Some people use ductless mini splits to cool their garage or other enclosed work areas. The air handler that is installed inside inside can be wall mounted or ceiling mounted. There can also be multiple air handlers on one condenser which can cool multiple rooms with different temperature settings. These units are known to be very energy efficient.
Package Units
Package units are the AC units that have all the parts in one appliance. These can be installed on the side of a home or on a roof. There are side flow or down flow units depending on the duct work and application. These types of AC units are used in a lot of commercial applications in South Florida since some building owners do not want a rooftop unit to be visible and they do not take up space that can be better used for other things. Some package units also introduce fresh air in the space to prevent carbon dioxide buildup.
Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners are useful in areas that do not or can’t have an air conditioner installed. They can be easily moved and put in the desired area to lower the temperature. Our air conditioning company provides these to keep customers cool when their air conditioning is broken and they awaiting a replacement unit. Portable air conditioners are also great for enclosed outdoor areas.
Floor Mounted AC
There are a few types of floor mounted AC units available on the market today. Mini splits have a floor mounted air handler which can be used if a customer does not have a sturdy wall to hang an air handler on. You can also find package units that are floor mounted like the ones you find in hotels below the window. These units are great to keep individual rooms cool.
Heat Pumps
Heat pump air conditioning units can heat or cool a house without using a heater coil. A heater coil can draw 40 amps. Instead, a condenser in heat can draw 12 amps and lower your energy usage for heating during winter. These are the go-to units for customers in South Florida who like a warm house in wintertime when temperatures drop and it is cold outside.
Smart Air Conditioners
Smart air conditioners are the most popular AC units. These units are either a 2 stage or a variable speed unit and can keep your space temperature within 1 degree of the set temperature while keeping humidity down. With humidity lower, the room will feel cooler. That means you don’t have to lower the temperature and make the unit run longer to keep a room cold. These units are 17 seer – 26 seer and can lower your electric bill by hundreds every year.
Geothermal Air Conditioner
In a geothermal HVAC system, an electrically powered heat pump cycles fluid, usually water or refrigerant, through long loops of underground pipes. … The fluid is then pumped back to the building. A heat exchanger can then transfer the heat from the building back to the ground. This is what cools a building. This application is used more in commercial or multifamily buildings.