8 Types of Air Conditioner, How And When to Choose Them

Are you considering buying an air conditioner but overwhelmed by the options available in the market? Choosing the right type of air conditioner can make a significant impact on your comfort and energy bills.

As air conditioners come in different types, shapes and sizes, each caters to specific needs and preferences. With various types available in the market, choosing the right air conditioner as per your requirements can be a daunting task.

In this blog guide, we will explore eight different types of AC units, pros and cons of each, how and when to choose them to help you make an informed decision.

1. Central Air Conditioner

Central air conditioner system is the largest and most expensive type of air conditioner. Central air conditioners are large systems designed to cool entire homes and businesses efficiently. They are known for their ability to provide cooling throughout the entire house.

How They Work

Central AC systems have two main parts: the condensing unit and the evaporative unit. These parts are connected by tubes that carry refrigerant, which is a cooling substance.

The condensing unit is placed outside the house and contains a compressor, coils, and a fan. It squeezes and moves refrigerant to release heat outside.

The evaporative unit is inside the furnace. It has a coil and a valve that expands. When warm air from inside the house passes over the coil, it cools down, and the refrigerant absorbs heat. This cooled air is then sent through the ducts to cool the house.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Efficient Cooling: Central AC units cool large areas evenly.	High Cost: They can be expensive to buy and install.
Comfort: They keep the whole house cool and comfortable.	Needs Ducts: You need ducts in your house or need to install them, which can be costly.
Quiet Operation: The noisy parts are outside, so they make less noise indoors.	Regular Maintenance: They need to be maintained regularly to work well.

When to Choose Them

You should consider a central air conditioner if:

• Whole-House Cooling: You want to cool the whole house, not just one room.
• Consistent Cooling: You want reliable cooling in all parts of your home.
• Already Have Ducts: Your home already has ducts for heating, making it easier to install central AC.

Application

Commonly used in residential houses, office buildings, and larger commercial spaces where consistent and even cooling throughout the entire area is desired.

2. Window Air Conditioner

A window air conditioner is also called a unitary air conditioning system which consists of a self-contained air-conditioning unit that is placed in a window or less commonly, through a hole in an external wall. It’s considered the best for a single room in a small home.

How They Work

A window air conditioner has all its components in one compact box. It ejects heat through condenser coils located on the outdoor side of the unit. It blows cooled air into the room on the indoor side where the evaporator coils are located. Cool air blows into the room on the indoor side where the evaporator coils are located.

Water from the air collects on the evaporator coils and drips into a tray inside the unit. The unit is tilted slightly towards the outside to let the water drain properly.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable: They are cheaper to buy and install compared to other types of AC units.	Limited Area: Not ideal for large spaces.
Localized Cooling: They cool one room well without needing to cool the whole house.	Noise: They can be noisy because all the parts are inside the room.
Easy Installation: You can install them yourself in a window or through a wall.	Aesthetic Impact: Installing them can block views and natural light from windows.

When to Choose Them

You should consider a window AC when:

• Cooling a Single Room: You want to cool one room or a small apartment.
• Saving Money: You need an affordable cooling option with lower costs upfront.
• Limited Space: Your space is small, and you don’t have room for a bigger AC unit or ductwork.

Application

A window AC is often used in apartments, small offices, or individual rooms where a permanent installation is feasible and effective cooling is needed without the expense of a central system.

3. Portable Air Conditioner

A portable air conditioner is a modern type of air conditioning system that you can move around easily. It's a standalone unit that sits on the floor inside a room. Unlike regular window air conditioners, portable ones use a hose to vent hot air out through a window or wall.

Portable AC units are usually used for rooms under 500 square feet, and they're an economical choice. Many people use them for temporary space cooling or wherever it's not practical to install a window-mounted unit.

How They Work

Portable AC works like this: inside their box, they have coils that cool the air (evaporator coils) and release heat (condenser coils). They are a bit noisier than other ACs because all the parts are inside the room. These units also collect water from the air, which goes into a tank that you have to empty from time to time.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Portability: Easy to move from one room to another.	Noisier: They can be louder because everything is inside.
Easy Setup: No need for permanent installation; just set up the vent.	Limited Cooling: Best for smaller rooms under 500 square feet.
Versatile: Can be used where window units can't go.	Maintenance: You have to regularly empty the water tank.

When to Choose Them

You might want a portable air conditioner if:

• You need to cool different rooms at different times.
• Your home can't have a window unit.
• Your room is not too big (under 500 square feet).

Application

Suitable for homes where installing ductwork is impractical or too expensive, or for specific areas like room additions, apartments, or rooms requiring independent temperature control.

4. Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner

A ductless mini split air conditioner is an innovative type of cooling system that operates without traditional ductwork. It consists of two main components: an outdoor condensing unit and one or more indoor air-handling units.

This split system breaks the air conditioner system into two packages or terminal units. The condensing unit is located on the building's exterior and includes the compressor, condenser, and condenser fan.

The evaporative unit is located on the interior and handles the air cooling and distribution. This is usually a rectangular box unit mounted high on an interior wall and contains a circulation fan, expansion valve, and evaporator coil.

How They Work

Here's how a ductless mini split air conditioner works:

• Outside, the outdoor unit has a compressor, condenser, and fan.
• Inside, there are units high on walls with a fan, valve, and coil.
• Tubes carry refrigerant between indoor and outdoor units.
• Water from inside coils goes out through a separate tube.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Zoned Cooling: Each indoor unit can be controlled separately for customized comfort.	Upfront Cost: Initial installation costs can be higher than traditional systems.
Energy Efficiency: No ducts mean less energy loss compared to ducted systems.	Professional Installation: Requires professional expertise for proper setup and placement of units.
Quiet Operation: Outdoor condenser noise is minimized, providing quieter indoor environments.	Aesthetic Impact: Indoor units require wall space and can impact room aesthetics.

When to Choose Them

Consider a ductless mini split air conditioner when:

• You want to cool specific zones or rooms independently.
• Your home lacks ductwork for a central HVAC system.
• Noise levels from outdoor units should be kept low.

Application

Used in situations where mobility is needed, such as in rented apartments, temporary spaces, or for cooling specific rooms during hot weather without the need for permanent installation.

5. Floor-Mounted Air Conditioner

Floor-mounted air conditioners, as their name suggests, are installed closer to the floor rather than high on a wall. They cool rooms by pulling warm air inside, cooling it, and then circulating the cooler air back into the room.

These air conditioners have units indoors and outdoors. The indoor unit cools the air, while the outdoor unit releases the heat that was absorbed from inside.

How They Work

Floor-mounted AC works like other air conditioning systems. They use special coolants to absorb heat from the air inside and move it outside. The indoor unit has a coil and fan that cools the air, while the outdoor unit has a compressor and condenser that release the heat outside.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Efficient Cooling: They cool rooms effectively, especially where wall-mounted or window units might not fit.	Installation: They need professionals to install, which means thinking about drainage, electricity, and where to put the unit.
Space-Saving: They're good for rooms with little wall space or specific designs.	Cost: They can cost more to buy and install compared to portable or window units.
Quiet: Many models make little noise, which makes rooms more comfortable.	Where to Put Them: They might be hard to put in rooms with a lot of furniture or if you need to cool specific spots.

When to Choose Them

You might choose floor-mounted air conditioners in these situations:

• Low Wall Space: When wall units could block windows or doors.
• Renovations: For older buildings or rooms with no ducts.
• Looks Matter: When keeping a room's look is important.
• Special Cooling Needs: For cooling only parts of a room or specific areas.

Application

Floor-mounted air conditioners are versatile, suitable for homes (like bedrooms and living rooms), businesses (offices, stores), and specialized places such as server rooms where cooling is crucial for equipment performance.

They provide effective climate control in diverse environments, ensuring comfort and functionality where needed.

6. Smart Air Conditioner

A smart air conditioner is a very efficient cooling system that you can control using a remote. It saves money in the long run because once it reaches your desired temperature, it operates efficiently and uses less energy than traditional AC units. This helps lower your electricity bill.

These devices connect to Wi-Fi and come with an app. This allows you to adjust the air conditioner and check its status even when you're not at home. Advanced features like energy monitoring, geofencing, and service alerts further help you manage energy use effectively.

How They Work

Smart air conditioners connect to your home Wi-Fi and are controlled through a mobile app on your smartphone or voice commands via assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. They use sensors to adjust settings based on room conditions, offer scheduling options, monitor energy usage, and can integrate with other smart devices in your home for seamless automation and efficiency.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Energy Efficiency: Smart ACs can optimize energy usage based on occupancy and external conditions, potentially reducing electricity bills.	Cost: Initial purchase costs can be higher compared to traditional AC units.
Convenience: Remote control and scheduling capabilities provide convenience and flexibility.	Dependence on Connectivity: Reliable Wi-Fi and internet connection are necessary for full functionality.
Integration: They integrate with smart home ecosystems, allowing for automation and enhanced comfort.	Complexity: Setting up and troubleshooting may require some technical know-how.

When to Choose Them

Choose a smart AC if:

• You value convenience and the ability to control your AC remotely.
• Energy efficiency is a priority to help manage utility costs.
• Integration with other smart devices in your home is desirable.
• You prefer advanced scheduling and automation features for your cooling needs.

Application

Smart air conditioners are used in homes for remote temperature control and energy savings. In offices and stores, they efficiently manage cooling and save money. Landlords use them in rental properties to monitor and adjust usage from afar. Hotels use smart AC units to give guests personalized comfort while saving energy.

7. Duel Fuel Air Conditioner

The Dual Fuel Air Conditioner is ideal for rural areas and homes with solar power. Also called a dual fuel HVAC system, it uses two types of fuel to heat and cool a house. One combination could be an electric heat pump with a gas or oil furnace.

The heat pump does the work of a regular AC unit in summer, removing hot air while the furnace spreads cooler air. In colder months, the heat pump provides most of the heat until it's very cold, then the furnace kicks in to warm things up.

How They Work

These systems utilize a heat pump for cooling and heating when outdoor temperatures are moderate. When temperatures drop below a certain point, usually around freezing, a dual fuel air conditioner switches to the gas furnace mode for efficient heating. This hybrid operation ensures optimal comfort and cost savings depending on weather conditions.

Pros n Cons

Pros	Cons
Energy Efficiency: Dual fuel systems can switch between electric and gas heating modes to use the most cost-effective energy source.	Initial Cost: They may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional HVAC systems.
Versatility: They provide both cooling and heating capabilities in a single unit.	Complexity: Installation and maintenance may require professional expertise.
Savings: Potential energy savings, especially in regions with fluctuating temperatures.	Dependence on Fuel Prices: Efficiency advantages depend on the relative costs of electricity and gas in your area.

When to Choose Them

Choose a dual fuel air conditioner if:

• You want both heating and cooling capabilities from a single system.
• Energy efficiency and cost savings are priorities.
• You live in a region with varying temperature extremes throughout the year.
• You prefer a system that automatically adjusts based on outdoor conditions.

Application

Dual fuel air conditioners can be used in many places. They work well in homes, keeping indoor temperatures comfortable all year. In offices, stores, and restaurants, they provide flexible climate control that fits different needs.

These systems are especially helpful in cold areas, where the gas furnace mode ensures reliable heating during very cold weather. This makes them great for staying comfortable and saving energy all year round.

8. Evaporative Air Conditioner

Evaporative Air Conditioners are great for cooling in warm, dry places. They're also known as evaporative coolers or swamp coolers. These work by cooling air through water evaporation. You can buy a portable one or even make a small DIY version.

How They Work

Evaporative coolers work by drawing warm air through water-saturated pads. As the air passes through these pads, the water evaporates, which lowers the air temperature. The cooled air is then circulated into the room while warm air is expelled through open windows or vents. This process not only cools the air but also adds humidity, making them suitable for dry climates.

Pros n Cons

Pros	Cons
Low Operating Costs: Generally, evaporative coolers are less expensive to operate due to their lower energy consumption.	Initial Cost: They may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional HVAC systems.
Adds Humidity: Ideal for dry climates where additional moisture in the air can improve comfort.	Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance of water pads are necessary to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Environmentally Friendly: They use natural evaporation processes and do not emit harmful greenhouse gasses.	Limited Cooling: They may not achieve the same low temperatures as traditional air conditioners.

When to Choose Them

Choose an evaporative air conditioner if:

• You live in a dry climate with low humidity levels.
• Energy efficiency and lower operating costs are important to you.
• You prefer a cooling method that adds humidity to indoor air.
• You are looking for an environmentally friendly cooling solution.

Application

In homes, they're great for single-family houses and apartments in dry areas, keeping things cool effectively. Businesses like offices, warehouses, and workshops save money on cooling costs with them. They're also perfect for outdoor spots, like patios and garages, where it's hot and stuffy. And in greenhouses, they help keep plants happy by keeping the temperature and humidity just right.

How to Choose An Air Conditioner

The size and type of space you're looking to cool will be one of the most important factors when determining which home air conditioner is right for you. Find the ideal air conditioner size for your space with our AC Tonnage Calculator.

For example, on the off chance that you simply have to cool one room, a compact or window unit will probably get the job done. Moreover, in the event that you're a leaseholder and can't introduce anything long-lasting, you likewise could have to go with a versatile or window unit.

To effectively cool a whole home, focal air is ideal. Consider the unit's cooling capacity based on the square footage of your home. In addition, if you live in a very hot region, you may need a more powerful unit to handle extended periods of cooling during hot temperatures vs. living in cooler regions where a window unit or mini-split may suffice.

No matter if you own your home or not, cost will likely be a factor. For example, instead of installing a full central air conditioning system, you might be better off with a cheaper ductless system. Look at the energy efficiency rating of each air conditioner to decide which one is better based on the initial cost and monthly running expenses.

Important Factors When Selecting the Best Air Conditioner Type for Your Home?

When selecting the best type of air conditioner for your home, consider these important factors:

1. Budget

Budget is a crucial consideration when choosing an air conditioner. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Upfront Cost: Different types of air conditioners vary in cost. Central air conditioning systems and ductless mini-splits tend to be more expensive. For example a Central AC ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000.
• Installation Costs: Factor in installation expenses, especially for systems requiring ductwork or professional installation. The average installation cost ranges from AED 500 to AED 5,000 depends on AC type, and other installation factors.
• Operating Costs: Energy-efficient models may cost more initially but can save money over time due to lower energy consumption.

2. Energy Consumption

Energy efficiency directly impacts your electricity bills and environmental footprint:

• SEER Rating: Look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for central air conditioners and ductless mini-splits. A higher SEER indicates greater energy efficiency.
• EER Rating: For window units and portable air conditioners, Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is important. Higher EER means better efficiency.
• Energy Star Certification: Air conditioners with Energy Star certification meet stringent energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA, ensuring lower energy consumption.

3. Size and Cooling Capacity

Choosing the right size air conditioner ensures optimal performance and efficiency:

• Cooling Capacity: Measure the square footage of the space you need to cool. Oversized units cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy. Undersized units struggle to cool adequately. You should select an AC size which is suitable for your home, or you will face multiple issues due to incorrect sizing
• BTU Rating: British Thermal Units (BTUs) measure cooling capacity. Match the BTU rating to your room size for efficient cooling. Common BTU capacities range from 6,000 to 12,000, which are suitable for a common-sized living room.

4. Space Requirements

Consider the layout and space available for installing the air conditioner:

• Central Air Conditioning: Requires space for an outdoor condenser unit and indoor evaporator coil, plus ductwork throughout the home.
• Ductless Mini-Splits: Each indoor unit requires wall space and access to the outdoor unit for refrigerant lines.
• Window Units: Fit directly into window openings.
• Require floor space for the unit and space for the exhaust hose to vent outside.

5. Ease of Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures efficient operation and extends the lifespan of your air conditioner:

• Filter Cleaning/Replacement: Check and clean AC filters regularly or replace them to maintain airflow and efficiency.
• Coil Cleaning: Clean coils annually to remove dirt and debris that can impair performance.
• Professional Maintenance: Some systems require annual professional inspection and maintenance.

6. Climate Considerations

Choose an air conditioner suitable for your local climate conditions:

• Humidity Levels: UAE has low to moderate humidity levels, suitable for most air conditioning types.
• Heat Load: High heat load due to desert climate; ACs need sufficient capacity to maintain comfort.
• Cold Climate Considerations: Mild winters in UAE; heat pumps or dual fuel systems can efficiently provide both heating and cooling.

If you need any help on solving any HVAC problem or choosing an air conditioner, our dedicated Customer Service is always ready to help you. Just ask your query at 971 4 330 0002 and our customer support representative will be happy to assist you.