Common Types Of Air Conditioning Units & Systems: Which Is Best For You?

Many factors matter in deciding what type of air conditioner to choose and here, we will be using all those factors to discuss the 5 best types of air conditioners to use if you are living in Australia.  

• Ducted Central Air Conditioners

If you have a large house, workplace or you run a big store, then a ducted central air conditioner is the best air conditioning system for you. This system consists of one central air conditioning unit, normally located outside or on the roof. This system works similar to how a normal air conditioner does. This system also has two parts, the inner part that uses the surrounding air and cools it with the help of a refrigerant, and the outer part that contains the compressor and condenser, as it throws out the hot air.  By eliminating 85% of airborne microbes, the merv 11 furnace filters will improve indoor air quality while maintaining the HVAC system’s performance.

The central air conditioning unit blows cold/hot air throughout the house with the help of these ducts, that is running throughout the house. In large environments, you can see these ducts very clearly. In houses, ducts are normally concealed so that the ducted system does not ruin the interior’s look. 

Even though a Ducted Central Air Conditioning System is the most effective air conditioning system, it has its cons. First of all, this system is the most power-hungry, so even with zoning enabled where you can turn off the cooling/heating or lower down the temperature of other portions of your house, your central air conditioning system is consuming a lot of power and you’ll be getting high electricity bills. Also, many duct related issues might occur with time, for example, leakage issues, insulation issues etc. Plus, cleaning the duct is a huge struggle and you have to call a professional to clean your duct every 2-3 months. 

• Ductless Split Air Conditioners

If you just want to cool a specific portion or a specific room, then you can go for a split air conditioner. This system contains an inner and outer and it’s a ductless system. Apart from that, its working is quite similar to the working of a ducted air conditioner. A split air conditioner can be installed anywhere and on any wall, without a lot of issues and ductwork. You do have to call a professional to get this system installed though. If you want to centrally air condition your home using slit air conditioners, you can go for a multi-split air conditioning system that can control up to 5 air conditioners at one time. 

However, like every air conditioning system, this system has its cons as well. First of all, if you have to cool large homes, you’ll have to go for a multi-split system, which is more expensive than a ducted air conditioning system. Secondly, every single air conditioning unit in your house will require maintenance, unlike a ducted system where you only have to maintain the central air conditioning unit and the ducts. Thirdly, a ducted system can be concealed, giving your house a clean look, however, a wall-mounted split AC will be visible and it takes up a lot of wall space.  

• Portable Air Conditioners

If you are a person who moves a lot and does not want to get an air conditioning system installed wherever he moves to, then you should go for a portable air conditioner. The good thing is that it’s a free-standing unit and you don’t have to fix, mount or attach it somewhere. It can be transferred anywhere you like and you can install it on your own. It’s also a great option for you if your air conditioner has broken down and you want a temporary solution for which you don’t have to call a professional for installation. Plus, if you are not using it, you can easily store it. 

This system also has its cons and one of them is that it has a very limited range, which is why it can cool small rooms but will have a lot of difficulties cooling large rooms or portions. Also, portable air conditioners are very loud during operations, and they will keep disturbing you while you’re trying to concentrate on your work or whatever you’re doing. Thirdly, portable air conditioners are required to be placed near the window, obstructing your view. 

Click on the links below for some tips on dealing with these problems;

How to reduce portable AC noise

How to select and improve portable AC cooling capacity

• Window Air Conditioners

Just like portable air conditioners and as the name suggests, Window Air Conditioners have to be fitted on a window and depending upon the size, these air conditioners come in different sizes and can cool a small room and larger ones can even cool a small house. Window air conditioners are more affordable than split air conditioners, are easy to operate and maintain, and don’t take up floor space. 

However, not every window supports a window air conditioner. Windows come in irregular shapes these days and the air conditioner can’t be fitted there. Plus, just like portable ACs, they are very noisy and can get disturbing. It also blocks the window view and is visible from the outside. They also have to be connected to a suitable electric outlet near the window. 

• Hybrid Air Conditioners

If you don’t buy a separate heater for winters, you can go for a hybrid air conditioner as it can perform both cooling and heating. This system combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace. This system delivers cost-effective heating and cooling, plus, it enhances indoor comfort. This system works on both gas and electricity, and based on the temperature outdoors, it will switch between fuel and electricity automatically.

But, the problem is that the overall cost of this setup is quite high, secondly, after few months of use, a breakeven might occur as well. 

We hope this comparison will be very helpful for you to decide what type of air conditioner you should buy to survive Australia’s hot summers. ComfyHomes is the best provider of climate control appliances and if you want the best air conditioning system for your house.