For many, an air conditioner is an essential appliance to have in your home. Especially if you live somewhere that gets hot. It keeps you and your home cool and at a comfortable temperature.
If you’re looking for a new air conditioner, it can be a bit overwhelming. With so many different types to choose from, you may not know which one is the best to get. Each kind has its own advantages.
That’s why Blain’s Farm & Fleet is here to help you decide which type of air conditioner is best for your home.
Central air conditioning is one of the most popular types of air conditioners, especially among homeowners. It works by sending cold air throughout the ducts in your home. The air then enters each of the rooms in your home through vents.
If you have multiple rooms you want cooled at once, a central air conditioning system is the best option. It is very effective at cooling your house quickly.
Many people also like this type because it can be a lot quieter than other options. Plus, you can easily adjust the temperature of your home with a thermostat.
The biggest downside to central air conditioning is the price. It’s one of the most expensive options. And you’ll likely need to have someone come and install it in your home.
It also requires a large unit to be stored outside, which can be noisy. And some people don’t enjoy how it looks outside their home.
A window air conditioner is one of the most common types for smaller spaces. You install these units in a window, and they turn the air from outside into AC.
People like them for several reasons. They can be inexpensive; they’re easy to install and maintain; and they don’t use any space on your floor.
There are also many different types of window air conditioners to choose from. You can get them in a number of different sizes. And there are smart window units, which use Wi-Fi and connect to your smartphone. That means you can adjust the temperature and other settings straight from your phone.
Window air conditioners are good for cooling a single room or a smaller area. That’s why people who live in apartments or condos often prefer them.
Some disadvantages to window air conditioners is they can be pretty loud. They also don’t look the nicest, and they’re visible from both the inside and outside of your house.
Not all windows are compatible with the unit, either. So you’ll need to make sure you have one it will work with before purchasing. And, of course, you’ll have to be okay with the air conditioner blocking part of the view out your window.
A split ductless air conditioner, also known as a “mini-split,” is an air conditioning unit that gets mounted onto your wall. It creates AC using two different units—one that gets stored indoors and one outdoors. The two use tubing to carry air into your home.
Unlike central air conditioning, a split system doesn’t rely on the existing ducts in a house. So it’s good for older houses, houses with additions, and ones that don’t have an HVAC system.
You can control this type of air conditioner with a remote. It also comes in smart versions, which allow you to use your phone to get your desired temperature.
Split ductless units are only powerful enough to cool the one room that they’re in. So they’re good if you only want certain rooms in your home cooled, but not all. If you want a cooling system for your entire house, you’ll need to buy separate units for every room.
And some people don’t like the looks of mini-splits. They must be installed on the wall, so they can’t be hidden.
A portable air conditioner works very similarly to a window AC unit. It uses the air from outside to create air conditioning. But instead of having to be installed in your window, a portable air conditioner stands on your floor.
Portable air conditioners are ideal for cooling only one room. However, they’re on wheels, so you can easily move them from room to room.
Many renters prefer portable air conditioners because they’re affordable, don’t need to be installed, and are compatible with windows that regular window units might not be.
Some people don’t like portable units because of how big and bulky they are. They will use some space on your floor. They also tend to be quite loud when they’re running.
For more tips and buying guides like this one, check out our Home Maintenance Blog.
