Wait a minute. It’s summer already? Well, we are soon in the dog days of summer – the time when everyone forgets the dreadful winter weather and begins to complain about how hot it is. Our memory is awful if we can’t remember just how miserable we all were just a few months prior.
So, summer is only a few months away, and we all know what this means: You’re feeling hot, hot, hot. Most people will need to start using their air conditioner again. Without an A/C, summer in most places in North America is not tolerable.
Here is a quick overview of the seven types of air conditioning units available in the market for those who do not have an AC or are considering upgrading their old one:
1. Central Air Conditioning Units
Most new homes today have central air conditioning as a basic feature. There are many types and sizes of central air conditioners. Basically, these devices can keep the entire home cool by circulating air through the ducts. Installing a central air conditioning unit is time-consuming and requires a great deal of planning. The right size of the unit has to be installed. You cannot do this on your own. You will need to hire an air conditioning professional to install such a system.
2. Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners
Ductless mini split air conditioners are an option for people who only want to cool certain rooms in the home. These mini-split systems work just like the central A/C and have an indoor handling unit and an outdoor compressor/condenser. These machines can cool up to one to four rooms, all of which are connected to an outdoor unit. Each zone or room has its own thermostat allowing the owner to adjust the temperature in each room as needed. This type of system may be preferred by people who only want the basement to remain cool where they have stored certain foods or beverages or only require air conditioning in their bedroom etc.
3. Window Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners are very common for people who reside in apartments or older homes which do not have central air conditioning. The unit is installed in the window space and only cools one room. The device is easy to install and is ideal for a small room. The window A/C is not recommended if the room is large or if you need cooling in multiple rooms as the cooling is limited to just one room.
4. Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners come in all sizes and shapes; they function in the same way as a window A/C but do not have to be installed in the window. These portable air conditioners are generally used for small apartments and rooms that do not have central air conditioning. The latest generation of portable A/Cs is very efficient. They act by cooling the air in the room and then direct it via a fan to other parts of the room. The warm air generated is then removed by an exhaust hose that is installed in a window. For people with limited money and small homes, this is a great option. The other great feature is that these devices are portable and can be placed in any room or you can even take them to your summer cottage.
5. Hybrid Air Conditioners
Hybrid air conditioners use two different types of energy (fossil fuel and electricity) and have a dual function. The systems have been designed to select the energy source so that you save energy and money. The great feature is that during the winter, the hybrid heat pump warms up the home and during summer, the hybrid device collects the heat from inside the home and distributes it outdoors.
6. Geothermal Air Conditioners
Geothermal cooling is a relatively new, energy efficient technology which is being installed in newer homes. Since the ground below earth maintains a constant temperature all year round, regardless of the weather, this technology takes advantage of the ground temperature to heat and cool the home. The system is very efficient, but installation can be demanding. This type of system should ideally be installed at the time of new construction. It can be quite expensive to install this system into an older home.
7. Evaporative Air Conditioners
Evaporative coolers are not used as commonly as refrigerant air conditioners, but they can be quite effective. These machines work with air and water. They pull hot air into the house and then cool this air through moistened pads. The cool air is then distributed throughout the house.
If you’re considering a new air conditioner, it is best to evaluate all options at your disposal. A new A/C is just what the doctor prescribed to combat the soaring temperatures, blaring sun, and the sweat pouring down your back. If you don’t have one yet, then run – don’t walk – to your local store and buy a unit!
