Eventually, the air conditioner you have in your home now will break down, and we all know how crucial air conditioners are with the hot climate in Phoenix. You will need to replace it to have cool air circulating throughout your home. However, you do not necessarily have to get the exact same one you had before. There are numerous possibilities in the marketplace, and you should review each one carefully to see which one is ideal for your home and needs. Here are some of the most common types of air conditioners you will find and the benefits of each one.
Central Air Conditioner
Central AC is one of the most popular options. It is ideal for large houses where the homeowner wants to cool down all the rooms at the same time. It consists of a cooling compressor, which is located directly outside of the building. This compressor is responsible for actually cooling the air. A fan then blows the air and travels throughout your house through the ductwork.
With central air conditioning, you enjoy cleaner air because it utilizes filters to improve the indoor air quality. It also makes much less noise than what you will find with other units. Since the primary unit is outside the home, you have more room inside for whatever you like. It is also simple to use, and you just need to operate a single control panel to set the temperature and time you want the unit to turn on. You can also typically find central AC units that also function as a heating system. Therefore, you can keep your home comfortable with only one unit.
Window Air Conditioner
Window air conditioners are another type of common AC unit. As you drive down the street, you will likely come across plenty of houses and apartment buildings with window units cooling down the inside. You need to mount this unit into a window. It utilizes an exhaust system that moves hot air out of the back end. Refrigerant coolant inside the system is pointed inside the building, cooling down the room.
It is far less expensive to operate this type of AC unit than similar ones. It uses far less power than other units, but it can only cool down one room at a time. However, it is fairly simple to move the unit around your home to cool down different rooms as needed. You can also take the device out completely during the winter months when you do not need the air conditioner working. You can store it in the garage for the time being and wait until spring. It is a great option for people in apartments or smaller houses that may not need a larger system in place.
Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner
Through-the-wall air conditioners work similarly to window ACs. They operate in the same way – they blow out hot air while sending cool air in. They are self-contained systems that may be preferable for homes without a lot of windows. Some homes and apartments may not have windows in the bedroom, living room or bathroom. In these cases, it may be preferable to bring one of these units into a home. One consideration to make is that it is permanently mounted into the wall, so you cannot remove it.
One significant benefit of this type of AC unit is that you still have full use of your windows. For window air conditioners, you cannot see out the window. You also cannot open the window very much to let a breeze roll through. You also get to enjoy greater energy efficiency. There is a tighter seal between the wall and the air conditioner than between the window and the AC. You lose less cold air, so you may not need to run it as much to enjoy the benefits.
Portable Air Conditioner
This is another type of self-contained air conditioner. All of the most vital components are found within a single appliance. It consists of an exhaust hose, which resembles a dryer vent, that connects to the window kit. This directs the exhaust outdoors. Portable air conditioners tend to be a bit noisier. This is due to the presence of an evaporator fan, which collects the condensation that forms within the unit. If you decide to purchase a portable AC, then you should check to see how much square footage it covers.
For people who live in rental properties, portable air conditioners may be the best resource for cooling the place in the summer. Many landlords forbid tenants from using window or through-the-wall units because they do not want to risk liability if the unit were to fall out of place. Portable ACs are typically last resorts for people with no other resource. Fortunately, they are easy to move from one room to the next. They generally come with wheels and are simple to operate.
Package Terminal Air Conditioner
You will typically find package terminal air conditioners in commercial spaces. They are ideal for assisted living facilities, apartment buildings, hospitals, and hotels. You have surely seen PTACs before at hotels. They are the large unit near the floor. Most of the time, they are directly underneath the window. You do not see the AC on the other side of the wall, but it sends hot air outside of the building. Although commercial spaces usually use them, you can get one installed on a residential building.
One of the primary benefits of a PTAC system is that it also functions as a heater. It also works well under specific circumstances. If you added a new room onto your home and did not attach the central AC to it, then you can simply install a PTAC unit to cool down that one room. It also works well if one room in your house gets particularly hot. You can cool it down with this unit instead of the central AC, so you do not spend a lot of money cooling one room. Modern versions come with smart controls, which offer energy savings and flexible running times.
Ductless Split System Air Conditioner
Any kind of split system air conditioner can deliver cool air to any room in your home. They are a two-party system, and you usually find them in buildings that lack a comprehensive duct system. They consist of evaporative units, which are mounted on the walls, and then a condenser unit, which goes outside. You can set up several evaporative units around your home depending on where you want cool air to flow.
The great aspect of these units is that they cool down different rooms at varying temperatures. Each compact unit has a separate thermostat. You may need to cool down the kitchen more when you cook, but still, want the living room at a manageable temperature when people are hanging out there. Everyone can be comfortable. This makes them far more energy efficient, resulting in big savings over time. They also come with easier installation because the refrigerant is pre-installed.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling Unit
This is a relatively new cooling and heating system that utilizes energy efficient technology. This system uses the natural, insulating properties of the earth. The ground contains a relatively consistent temperature of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This is constant regardless of the time of year. The earth remains unaffected about four to six feet below the surface. Geothermal technology uses this to its advantage to more effectively cool your home.
The main reason why this system has taken off is that it does not utilize fossil fuels. It simply transfers heat from the earth into your house. It is still dependent on electricity to an extent to run the pump, fan, and compressor. It is expensive to install, but it has amazing longevity. Ultimately, more homes are installing this system because it is better for the planet, and everyone can help do their part. It is no wonder why it has taken off in Sweden, Switzerland, and many other countries around the globe.
Evaporative or Swamp Cooler
Swamp coolers are not as common as air conditioners that use refrigerant. However, they are effective within limits. If the outside temperature is 108 degrees, a good swamp cooler can reduce the inside temperature to approximately 72 degrees. To cool a room, swamp coolers only utilize water and air. The technology for this dates all the way back to ancient Egypt. When air passes through or above cold water, the air cools down. Evaporative coolers pull hot air inside your home through moistened pads and cools it. It then distributes the cold air throughout your home for you to enjoy. Swamp coolers only work when the air outside is hot and dry, so they may not be ideal everywhere. The higher the humidity, the less effective these units are.
One advantage of swamp coolers is that they use substantially less electricity than traditional AC units. The only way electricity gets used is to power the fan and the water pump. Additionally, evaporative coolers do not emit any carbon dioxide, which is also great for the planet. If you live in an area of the country that is prone to hot, dry climates, such as Phoenix in the American Southwest, then swamp coolers may be right for you.
Get Help Making a Decision With Day & Night Air
It gets extremely hot in Phoenix during the summer, so you want to make sure your air conditioning unit always works. You need to regularly maintain and repair your unit so that it works when you need it to. Call us today 602-497-4662 to learn more about the different types of AC units. We will work with you and your property’s needs to find the best solution.
