5 Different Types of Air Conditioners and Which Is Right for Your Home

Air conditioners are a necessity in most households, and getting a good quality one is critical. Choosing an air conditioner that will serve your needs may be a stressful task, but you can buy air conditioners from ActronAir, which has a variety to choose from. Some factors to consider when selecting an air conditioner include cost, space requirements, maintenance, energy consumption, and cooling power. Let's look at some different air conditioners and help you choose the right one for your home.

1. Central / Ducted Air Conditioners

If you have a large home, the central AC is the best option for you. This type of air conditioner uses supply and return ducts to circulate cool air. The supply ducts and registers carry cool air into the home and are usually fitted in the walls or floors. Central air conditioners are quiet and cool all the rooms in the house simultaneously, which is a significant advantage. The disadvantage is that it is costly to run because it consumes a lot of energy leading to high energy bills. If there is a problem with the ducts, the unit may lose its efficiency.

2. Window Air conditioners

If you want to cool a single room or a small area, a window AC will work well because it comes in different sizes and is available for various window types. This type of air conditioner comes with a remote and also has controls on the unit. The advantage of window air conditioners is that they are easy to install, and you can even do it yourself. They are also less costly to operate and are energy efficient, especially if you are cooling specific rooms. The disadvantage is that they can be noisy when in operation and have a limited cooling area.

3. Portable Air conditioners

Portable air conditioners are free-standing units that can be transferred from one room to another and only require a power outlet to power it up and a window to ensure the air from the unit is exhausted from using its funnel. It is a great temporary cooling solution that is affordable and easy to install and store when not needed. A portable air conditioner can use a single hose or a dual hose to take air from inside the room and exhaust it outdoors. The disadvantage is that it is noisy and may not be efficient when cooling large spaces.

4. Ductless Mini-split Air conditioners

These air conditioners have an outdoor compressor and an indoor handling unit and are perfect for contemporary homes. This is an excellent option if you want a more permanent cooling solution than window air conditioners and no ductwork for your home. It is efficient to run and quiet when in operation. It also controls the temperature of each room individually and comes with a remote, which you can operate from anywhere on your phone if you use it with a smart AC controller. The disadvantage is that it is not ideal for larger homes, and it's expensive to install in new construction.

5. Hybrid Air conditioners

A hybrid air conditioner alternates between burning fossil fuels and electricity, delivering a cost-efficient and effective solution that saves you from rising energy prices. These air conditioners continue the cooling process through the inner coils by using the thermal energy absorbed. The heat pump pulls hot air from your home and throws it outdoors during summer and draws heat from the outside, and distributes it in your home during winter. The main advantage of this air conditioner is that it minimizes the cost of utility bills and maximizes indoor comfort. The disadvantage is that the initial cost of setting up is high.