Four Different Styles Of Air Conditioners

Are you tired of always feeling hot and sticky inside of your home? One of the first things you'll need to do is decide what type of AC system you want and need. Here's a look at four different types of systems and when each one works well.

Central AC

If you have a ducted heating system with a furnace and a blower unit, your HVAC company will probably recommend having a central air conditioner installed. This system has two main appliance components. The condenser sits outside, and the evaporator coil sits inside -- often on top of your furnace. Central AC systems use the same ducts as your furnace to circulate cold air through your home. You will be able to control the air conditioning with the same thermostat you use to control your furnace, and the entire home (or at least the portion that is heated) will be cooled.

MiniSplit AC

If you do not have air ducts in your home -- such as if you have a boiler heating system -- then your contractor may recommend a minisplit system. This AC system has an outdoor condenser unit, but also a panel that mounts on your wall. The wall-mounted panel blows the cold air into your home, and it also has a thermostat on it for control. In a big home, you may have two or three wall units, and you can control each one individually. Installing a minisplit system is easy since there are no ducts involved.

Window AC Units

Window AC units are a good choice if you're in a rush and don't want to make any changes to your home. You can buy one at a home improvement store and basically set it in your window. At the end of the season, however, you need to take the unit out of the window. You can use multiple window units if you have a larger home and want to cool all rooms. Though inexpensive to purchase, they can cost a lot to run -- and they are a hassle to take in and out of the window.

Portable AC Units

If you do not want to modify your walls to install an AC unit -- and you do not have ducts running through your home -- then you might want to opt for a portable air conditioner instead of a window unit. This type of appliance sits on your floor, sometimes on wheels, and it vents out of your window. It is less of an obstruction than a standard window AC unit. Most portable air conditioners are more effective at cooling than are window units. Plus, you do not have to lift them in and out of the window.

Contact a service, like Derek Sawyers Smart Energy Heating & Air ,  for more help.