Summer is coming, and if you're looking to install air conditioning, you may be wondering what your options are. Air conditioning is a great investment, but with a few steps you can make sure you have the right system for your home. The three most common systems are central air conditioning, heat pump air conditioners, and ductless split systems. Let's take a look at each one.
Central Air Conditioning Central air conditioning is by far the most popular type of air conditioning found in homes today. This system works by drawing hot air from outside and cooling it with a coolant. The air is then filtered and sent to your home through a complex series of ducts and ventilation grilles on floors and walls. In a “split” system, the most common design, refrigerant circulates between an indoor coil and an outdoor condenser with a compressor of the same brand.
The coolant cools the air and dehumidifies it; a fan circulates air through ducts throughout the house. A thermostat maintains the temperature at the setting you select.
Heat Pump Air Conditioners
Heat pump air conditioners are similar to central air conditioners in that they use an outdoor unit to draw hot air and cool it with a coolant. However, they also have an exhaust hose that runs from the unit to a window available to vent heat to the outside while the built-in fan blows cool air into the room.The function of the heat pump is to move hot air from inside to outside in summer and from outside to inside in winter. This type of system is often used as a retrofit in homes or additional rooms that do not have existing air ducts, and in multi-family homes or commercial buildings.
Ductless Split Systems
Ductless split systems are an innovative way to cool your home without having to install new ducts. This system moves cold air through the existing ducts of the house, causing cold air to come out through the ventilation grilles to reduce the temperature of the entire house.While low-efficiency air conditioners typically have a lower initial cost, this low-efficiency rating can result in a significant increase in your utility bills.
