The Various Types of Air Conditioners

Posted on March 6, 2008 at 10:30 PM

Man has constantly sought ways to control his environment and make his life more comfortable. What started in making fans out of palm leaves has now evolved into making use of different types of air conditioners.

Knowing the various types of air conditioners is important because each type is suited for a different need. This means that knowing each type is crucial in making sure that you get the right air conditioner for you. Here are the various types of air conditioners:

1) Window – Window air conditioners are the most commonly used air conditioners in the world today. This is because they tend to have the cheapest price. They are also ideal for home use. Window air conditioners are called thus because they are installed in holes in walls. This is because they need to have access to air both outside and inside a room. Window air conditioners use air outside to cool down the condenser system and use the air inside to cool the room. Usually, only a small panel can be seen from the inside of the room while the bulk of the window air conditioner sticks outside a building.

2) Portable – Although portable air conditioners can be moved around, they are actually commonly too bulky to be truly portable. The whole unit is large, but it does have wheels so it can easily be moved within a room or building. This type of air conditioner usually sucks air from within the room to cool its condenser system. Because of this, it is generally less efficient than other types of air conditioners. Portable air conditioners are ideal to use in buildings where only one office room needs to be air conditioned at a time.

3) Central Air Conditioning – This type of air conditioner uses ducts or pipes to distribute cooled and dehumidified air to different rooms. Typically, the condenser and compressor units are placed outside a building. This means that the noise will be typically dampened. Central air conditioners also suck in the "old" air from within the rooms, filter it and circulate it. This means that the air is actually freshened in a cycle. This cycle continues as long as the central air conditioner is turned on.

4) Ductless Air Conditioning – This type of air conditioner combines the independence of the window air conditioner with some traits of the central air conditioner. In ductless air conditioners, the condenser and compressor is also placed outside which means that the noise level is reduced significantly. Inside units, including the evaporator are mounted inside individual rooms. Each unit can be controlled independently. This means that each room can have the temperature range that it needs. The units typically cost more than window air conditioners but less than central air conditioners.

5) Evaporative - This type of air conditioner actually costs less than other types of air conditioners. However, this type of air conditioner does not really introduce cold air into a room. It does not even change the total heat contained in a room. What it does is absorb the humidity from the air. This makes the room more comfortable. The dehumidified air is then reintroduced into the room. This makes the heat more bearable.

These are just some of the various types of air conditioners. Try finding out about other types in order to help you get the air conditioner that you need.