Understanding Types of AC Systems - A Guide to Cooling Solutions

When it comes to the realm of cooling solutions in the sweltering heat of summer season, air conditioners play a pivotal role in maintaining indoor comfort. These devices come in various types, each designed to cater to specific needs and preferences of users. From the familiar window units to the more sophisticated split-systems, this diversity in the types of AC system allows you to tailor your choices based on factors like space, efficiency, and installation convenience. Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly and best ac service in Delhi then you can book you service at keyvendors, understanding the different types of AC units will help you in making the right decision. In this guide, we’ll explore the common types of air conditioner, shedding light on their distinctive features, including their advantages and disadvantages. Read on to make informed decisions for your cooling needs!

Table of Contents

Price Table Of All AC Varieties

One of the most important factors to consider when deciding on the type of AC for your home is the initial cost. That’s why we’ve made a list of AC varieties and their estimated cost below:

Types of Air conditioning Units	Estimated cost(INR)
Window air conditioner	15,990 – 41,000
Split Air conditioner	19,920 – 67,990
Central air conditioner	298,440 – 538,330
Portable air conditioner	16,580 – 66,320
Floor-mounted air conditioner	16,580 – 67,300
Smart air conditioner	16,580 – 66,320
Geothermal air conditioning system	829,000 – 2,000,000
Hybrid/Dual fuel air conditioner	58,000 – 150,000
Evaporator cooler	8,290 – 580, 300

The Top 9 Types of AC With Their Advantages And Disadvantages

Below are the different types of AC with advantages and disadvantages of each:

Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioner, also technically known as “unitary air conditioners”, is a single AC unit with all its components enclosed in one compact box that can be mounted in a window or a hole in an exterior wall. They provide cooling specifically for single rooms or small spaces. The main components of this type of AC unit includes the compressor, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and fan

Window air conditioner works when the compressor circulates the refrigerant, which in turn absorbs heat from the indoor air through the evaporator coil. The cooled air is then blown into the room by the fan. Meanwhile, the refrigerant carries the absorbed heat to the condenser coil, where the fan in the outdoor section helps to release it outside.

These types of air conditioning units have adjustable settings, which allows you to pick the right temperature and fan speed for your comfort.

Advantages of Window Air Conditioner

Window AC generally have low initial cost
Relatively easier to install
Does not take up floor space
More easily maintained

Disadvantages of Window Air Conditioner

Noisy and not aesthetically pleasing
Obstructs window view while the unit is installed
Only provides cooling to a single room or space

Split Air Conditioner

Split AC units are also called ductless mini-split units that can be used not only in households, but in hotels and multi-unit buildings. This type of AC consists of two main units, which are: the indoor and outdoor units. These units are usually connected by refrigerant tubes, electrical wiring, and a drainage pipe.

The indoor unit which is otherwise called the evaporative unit, containing the circulation fan, expansion valve and the evaporator coil is installed high on the interior wall. The outdoor unit also known as the condensing unit containing the compressor, condenser and the fan is usually installed on the exterior of the building. The split AC works by circulating refrigerant between the two units, absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it to the outdoors.

When the unit is turned on, the compressor compresses the refrigerant which raises its temperature. The heated refrigerant flows to the condenser coil, where it releases the heat to the outside air. This refrigerant then returns to the indoor unit as a cool, low-pressure gas. Then the evaporator coil cools the warm air from the room, and the fan circulates the cooled air back into the space. Additionally, most of these units also have heat pumps, which means they provide both cooling and heating functions.

Advantages of Split Air Conditioner

Individually controlled units
Helps in reducing unnecessary energy costs
Saves on floor space
Quiet and highly efficient operations

Disadvantages of Split Air Conditioner

Not intended for cooling large rooms or the whole homes
Has high installation price

Central Air Conditioner

The central air conditioning unit is the largest and most expensive of the traditional ACs. It is designed to cool an entire building or house by distributing cool air through a network of ducts and vents. Just like a split AC unit, this unit is made up of two units: the condensing unit and the evaporative unit which are connected to each other by refrigerant tubing.

The condensing unit which is the outdoor unit is a large box consisting of the compressor, condenser coil and the fan. The compressor circulates refrigerant, which absorbs heat from the indoor air and carries it to the outdoors. The condenser coil releases the heat to the outdoor air, and the fan helps in dissipating the heat. The indoor unit which is otherwise called the evaporative unit is installed in the plenum(the large central chamber between the furnace and duct system of your home). It contains the evaporator coil and a blower fan. It works by absorbing heat from the return air by the evaporator coil, and the blower fan circulates the cooled air through the ductwork into various rooms.

Advantages of Central Air Conditioner

Cools the whole home through existing duct systems
Relatively quiet indoor operations
Can be controlled centrally from the home thermostat

Disadvantages of Central Air Conditioner

High initial and installation cost
consumes a lot of energy which results in high energy bills

Portable Air Conditioner

Portable air conditioners are standalone units that can be moved from room to room to provide cooling wherever it’s needed. They are another type of unitary AC systems that do not require permanent installation or ductwork to operate.

Like windows AC, portable AC usually consists of the compressor, fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and a condensate collection tray in a self-contained unit. It also includes wheels for easy mobility and a flexible exhaust hose that releases hot air outside through a window or an opening specifically designed for that purpose.

The portable AC works when the compressor circulates refrigerant, which absorbs the heat from the indoor air through the evaporator coil. The fan then blows the cooled air back into the room. Simultaneously, the condenser coil releases the collected heat to the outside air through the exhaust hose. The condensed water produced during the cooling process, is collected in a tray that needs to be emptied periodically.

Advantages of Portable Air Conditioner

Can be moved to wherever cooling is needed
Inexpensive and very simple to set up
They do not require any permanent installation
Easy to store when not in use

Disadvantages of Portable Air Conditioner

Not an ideal cooling system for large spaces
Very noisy operation

Floor-Mounted Air Conditioner

If you prefer a mini-split unit but do not have the required space for a wall-mounted AC, a floor-mounted unit also known as through-the-wall AC is an ideal and very convenient choice. It contains all its necessary components in a self-contained unit which provides cooling for individual rooms or specific areas.These units are ideal for spaces with tilted walls, like an attic and also for buildings constructed with fragile materials, such as glass.

The floor-mounted air conditioners are usually installed in a sleeve that is mounted into the wall opening located about 6 inches above the floor. The sleeve provides support and stability for the unit, as well as insulation to prevent air leaks and maintain efficiency. The front panel of the unit protrudes into the room, allowing for easy access to the controls and air vents.

Advantages of Floor-Mounted Air Conditioner

Installation is relatively easy
Cools a space faster due to it low mounting location
Easy access for maintenance
Perfect for spaces difficult to access.

Disadvantages of Floor-Mounted Air Conditioner

Requires a large hole in the wall for installation
Obstacles can block airflow

Smart Air Conditioner

In today’s world of technological advancement, smart AC is fast becoming a popular choice. This is a type of either window, split or portable AC that have been incorporated with smart features that are loT enabled. They are connected to a central WiFi system that can be controlled through an app in your smartphone.

These ACs consist of several high-tech functionalities such as, weekly scheduling, geofencing, comfy mode, energy monitoring and other numerous features. You can even set a custom cooling schedule that guarantees that your home stays at the perfect temperature according to the weather conditions. You can access these features by simply pulling up the corresponding app on your phone.

Advantages of Smart Air Conditioner

Helps to improve energy efficient
Smart features allows for continuous comfort control
Ability to control your AC system from a mobile app

Disadvantages of Smart Air Conditioner

More expensive and difficult to set-up
Requires wireless connectivity to function effectively

Geothermal Air Conditioning System

The geothermal AC system, a good alternative to central AC, is considered to be a relatively new cooling method. The system uses two simple components: a heat pump and pipe. It works by utilizing earth’s natural insulating properties to cool your home.

Instead of traditional air conditioners that rely on outside air, geothermal systems use a loop of pipes buried underground. These pipes contain a fluid that absorbs heat from your home. The warm fluid then goes through a compressor, where it releases the heat into the ground and cools down. This cooled fluid circulates inside your home, removing heat and keeping it comfortable.

Advantages of Geothermal Air Conditioning System

Requires less maintenance
Uses substantially less electricity to operate
Extremely safe heating and cooling system
Cools the whole home through the existing duct systems

Disadvantages of Geothermal Air Conditioning System

High initial and installation cost
Not suitable for all property

Hybrid/Dual Fuel Air Conditioner

Hybrid air conditioner, better known as hybrid heat pump system, is an innovative system that uses two sources of fuel to heat or cool your home. These systems can provide both cooling and heating capabilities, by using an electric heat pump and a gas furnace which makes it versatile for year-round comfort.

Hybrid air conditioner uses advanced sensors and controls that allows it to switch automatically between cooling and heating modes based on the set temperature which optimizes energy efficiency.

When in cooling mode, the system operates like a conventional air conditioner, removing heat from the indoor environment and releasing it outside. It does this by circulating a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the indoor air, cools it through the process of compression and expansion, and then releases the cooled air back into your home.

Advantages of Dual Fuel Air Conditioner

Reduces reliance on fossil fuel
Minimize the cost of utility bills
Highly energy efficient
Offers year round comfort due to heating and cooling capacities

Disadvantages of Dual Fuel Air Conditioner

Installation cost is extremely high
Can be difficult to convert some systems

Evaporator Cooler

An evaporative cooler, also known as swamp cooler, is sometimes classified as an alternative to AC even though they are different in both mechanism and structure. They’re simple cooling devices consisting of a water reservoir, pump and cooling pads that work by harnessing the natural process of evaporation.

The pump wets the pads with water, and warm air is drawn through them by a fan. As the air passes through the wet pads, the water evaporates, absorbing heat and cooling the air in the process. This cooler is effective in very dry climates where humidity is low. It’s an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to make your surroundings cooler and more comfortable during hot weather.

Advantages of Evaporator Cooler

Consumes less electricity
Adds moisture to very dry spaces.
Has a low carbon footprint.
Available as portable or whole-home units

Disadvantages of Evaporator Cooler

Requires professional installation for large systems
Not good for humid climates

Conclusion of Different Types of AC

Air conditioners come in various types, each with its own set of features and advantages. From window units to split systems and portable ACs, there’s a cooling solution for every need. Understanding their differences will help you in making informed choices based on your specific requirements. Whether you’re seeking energy efficiency, flexibility, or targeted cooling, there are diverse options to cater to different preferences. Moreover, as technology evolves, newer models with advanced features emerge to provide comfort in our indoor spaces throughout the seasons.

FAQs: About Types Of AC For Home/Commercial

Which is the best AC model?

Determining the best AC depends on factors like the room size, energy efficiency, and personal preference. So, it’s advisable to research and compare options for your specific requirements.

Which are the best ac types for home?

Best ac types for home are window units, split systems, and central air conditioning.

Which is the best type of AC for malls?

Central air conditioning systems are often considered the best for malls due to their efficiency and ability to cool large spaces.

What is a split AC?

A split AC is an air conditioner with two main units – one installed inside a room for cooling, and the other outside to release heat generated during the cooling process.

What is a central AC?

Central AC is a cooling system that circulates cool air through a network of ducts to cool an entire building or home

What is an inverter AC?

An inverter AC adjusts its compressor speed to regulate the temperature more efficiently, providing energy savings and consistent cooling.

Which AC is the most powerful?

The AC with the highest BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating is generally considered the most powerful, as it can cool larger spaces more effectively.

Which is the most electricity efficient AC?

The energy efficiency of air conditioners varies, but models with a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating tend to be more electricity-efficient.

Which is the most suitable AC for a 10*15 room?

A 1-ton window AC or a 0.8-ton split AC would be the most suitable for a 10*15 room.

How do I choose the best AC?

To choose the best AC, consider the size of the room, energy efficiency, and your budget to find a suitable option for your needs.