Replacing your air conditioning system is no easy feat. With so many cooling and heating options available to homeowners today, do you go with a central air conditioning? A ductless AC? What about window units? It’s easy to be confused and overwhelmed.
The right air conditioning system for your home depends on a few factors including your budget, your comfort preferences, and how your home is built.
Before you invest in a new air conditioning system, take a look at what is available for homeowners today, as well as the pros and cons of the most popular types of AC to choose from.
1. Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning systems are the most common type of air conditioner in Florida (and the rest of the United States). The most common type of central air conditioning system is a split system.
As the name implies, these systems consist of two major components: outside and inside. The outside component is a large metal cabinet which contains the condenser and compressor. The inside component is tucked in a cabinet and consists of a fan-and-cool system that removes both heat and moisture from the air. These systems contain pipes that carry refrigerant and connect the outside and inside components.
While the refrigerant works to cool the air and remove moisture from it, the blower fan circulates air through a series of ducts throughout your home. When you set your desired temperature on the thermostat, the system cycles until that temperature is reached.
Things to consider about central air conditioning systems
- Easy installation: These systems are incredibly easy to have installed if your home has pre-existing ductwork. Most of the work is done outside of your home, which is convenient for any homeowner.
- Efficient: These systems are highly efficient. They can cool and heat your home without much energy, resulting in significant energy savings over time.
- Cost: Although central air conditioning systems are more expensive than other cooling and heating options, these systems typically save homeowners more money, in the long run, thanks to their long lifespan and efficiency.
2. Packaged AC Unit
This type of air conditioning system essentially combines everything in one place. A single cabinet houses the blow, compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Typically installed outdoors, the cabinet can be placed on a concrete slab or the roof.
The packaged AC connects to the indoor air supply and returns ducts through an exterior wall or the roof. These systems typically include electric heating coils or a gas furnace for the colder months of the year.
Things to consider about packaged air conditioning systems
- Compact: These systems are great for homes or small commercial buildings with limited space since they take up less room than a split system central AC.
3. Mini Split AC / Ductless Systems
Similar to a basic split-system AC, a mini-split AC contains two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. The outdoor and indoor units are linked via a conduit which contains the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain. The significant difference is that these systems don’t have ductwork.
This type of AC is best for retrofit add-ons to a house that doesn’t have ductwork. It’s also a great option for multifamily housing, small apartments, or homes with an addition. Any situation where adding additional ductwork isn’t feasible, a ductless system is a great go-to.
Things to consider about mini split / ductless air conditioning systems
- Design: These systems offer homeowners more flexible when it comes to interior design options because they can be hung on a wall, suspended from a ceiling, or mounted flush into a drop ceiling.
- Custom comfort: Each of the indoor units has its own control, which means you and your family can create a customized environment based on each individual’s comfort preferences.
4. Window AC
Window AC units are much different than central air conditioning systems. These are single units that contain a condenser, evaporator, thermostat, and fan. Designed to wedge in between a window frame, these vent to the outside of a room.
While these cost a fraction of the price of a central air conditioning system, they are only recommended for single rooms like a small studio or small addition.
Things to consider about window units
- Inexpensive: This cooling option is one of the most inexpensive.
- Cooling time and capacity: Window units tend to take a long time to cool down a space. A single window unit won’t be a viable option for a multi-room home or a large space.
Find the Right Air Conditioner for Your Home at Colman Air
At Colman Air, we understand that selecting the right air conditioner is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your home. That’s why we work to make it simple. We offer a variety of HVAC systems for homeowners with varying budgets, comfort preferences, and styles of homes. If you’d like to learn more about the right option for you, contact us today for a consultation.
Call Colman Heating & Air Conditioning at (321) 269-4565 or contact us online to schedule service!
