What Are The Different Types of Air Conditioner Units Available?
We use several air conditioner brands in Florida 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 and cost of each type of air conditioner to make a sound decision on the unit you want to purchase.
Types of Air Conditioners
There are eight 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 specific 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 house and the condenser outside the home. The air handler can be in a closet or an attic. The condenser can be on the ground or a roof. This type of AC can be made more energy efficient than other types of units. An adequately installed central air conditioning unit can last 8 to 12 years, depending on the location and proper maintenance.
Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners
Ductless mini splits are great for homes in South Florida 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 use ductless mini splits to cool their garage or enclosed work areas. The air handler that is installed 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 AC Units
Package units are AC units that have all the parts in one appliance. These can be installed on the side of a home or a roof. There are side or downflow units depending on the ductwork and application. These types of AC units are used in many commercial HVAC installations in South Florida since some building owners do not want a rooftop unit to be visible and do not take up space that can be better used for other things. Some package units also introduce fresh air in the area to prevent carbon dioxide buildup.
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners are helpful in areas that do not or can’t have an air conditioner installed. They can be easily moved and put in the desired place to lower the temperature. Our air conditioning company provides these to keep customers cool when their air conditioning is broken, and they are awaiting a replacement unit. Portable air conditioners are also great for enclosed outdoor areas.
Floor Mounted Air Conditioners
A few types of floor-mounted AC units are 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 floor-mounted package units, like those you see in hotels below the window. These units are great for keeping individual rooms cool.
Heat Pump Air Conditioners
Heat pump air conditioning units can heat or cool a house without 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.
Energy-Efficient Air Conditioners
Energy-efficient 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 more relaxed. 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 – 26 seer and can lower your electric bill by hundreds yearly.
Geothermal Air Conditioners
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 into 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.
