It is hard to imagine there was a time when air conditioning didn’t exist, but it is true. Homes were designed in a way that allowed them to catch a breeze, and people used fireplaces to stay warm. The air conditioning device came around and made everything a little easier, and it even made it possible to live in regions with extreme weather conditions. There is no doubt that an AC is vital and so is knowing how to find the right device for your needs. The following are a few tips that will help you do just that.
Choosing the Right AC
It might seem like choosing an HVAC system is easy, but there are several types out there, making the hunt a little overwhelming.
There is a lot to learn about the AC world that you may not know. For example, some devices are considered portable. These can be helpful in certain situations but not others. There are also a lot of terms that might make things confusing to some like evaporative cooler or ductless mini-split.
Hopefully, the following information makes things a little easier to understand:
Common Window AC Unit
The window AC unit is perhaps the most common. This device is bulky, but it is designed to sit in your window. The AC unit pulls air from your home to dehumidify it and cool it. The cold air is then reverted back into your home while the remaining hot air is pushed out the window.
These are inexpensive, but they can be an eyesore, especially if the AC unit has to sit in your living room. It should be noted that the units are so heavy that some apartment complexes do not allow tenants to use them, so be sure to inquire before installing if necessary.
Through-the-Wall Unit
Another popular AC unit is the one that fits in the wall, which are similar to the window units, except for the obvious difference. The function between the two units is essentially the same, but these are sometimes preferred since the wall helps support the AC’s weight.
Of course, putting a hole through the wall makes installation quite pricey and time consuming. The price of an AC unit that can go through the wall can be a little high, too.
The Ductless Mini-Split AC Unit
The ductless mini-split AC unit is made up of two parts. There is a condenser unit that is placed outside the house. The second part is the blower system, which is strategically mounted on the wall within the house. Both of these systems are connected through insulated refrigeration lines.
The air is cooled outside and pushed back into the house through the lines. The blower is there to simply release the air at a specific rate to ensure that the entire inner-space is cooled down. The unit is not too loud since most of the heavy work is being done through the condenser unit outside.
Of course, these units can be expensive and hard to set up, but it does come with some of the aforementioned benefits.
Portable AC
These are free standing units that come with a window kit, which allows the unit to push hot air out of the space. The kit is usually made up of a flexible hose that can be replaced if damaged. The installation is perhaps one of the easiest ones compared to other AC units.
The price is relatively close to other types of AC units, so you will not have to worry too much about over-spending. Of course, these units can feel obtrusive, and they are a lot louder than other units, which is something to consider before purchasing one of them.
The Evaporative Cooler
Those living in dry climates might need to consider using an evaporative cooler or a swamp cooler. These could be purchased as freestanding units or window units. The device pulls the hot, dry air from the space and runs it through damp pads to cool the air. The air is pushed back outside once it has been cooled and humidified.
These are perhaps some of the least expensive devices out there, making them perfect for those looking for an economical choice. Keep in mind that those living in humid regions like Southwest Florida you will not be able to use these effectively.
Hopefully, knowing a little more about AC units can help you find the best one for your needs. If you have any questions feel free to give Torocco’s Cooling & Heating a call, we love to help.
