All of these work together to transfer heat and moisture from the inside of your hometo the outside.
A central system has two unitsthe condensing and the evaporativeconnected by refrigerant tubing.
This means the air conditioning uses the same ductwork and blower fan as your heating system.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Within the plenum, the evaporative unit consists of the evaporator coil and expansion valve.
Condensed moisture on the evaporator coils is usually drained away through a tube running to a floor drain.
Wheninstalling a new central system, the primary consideration is ensuring the system is sized appropriately for your home.
Hildegarde / Getty Images
If a system is too large, it won’t perform well and adequately dehumidify the interior air.
If too small, it won’t cool enough.
Proper maintenance of a central air conditioning system is also important and often requires a professional.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
A window air conditioner contains all the refrigeration components in one compact box.
This is why a window air conditioner must be installed so it tilts very slightly toward the outdoor side.
If tilted the wrong way, some air conditioners might drip water onto the floor inside the house.
Icy Macload / Getty Images
It’s an economical choice with easy installation.
It consists of a mobile, self-contained air-conditioning unit placed on the floor inside a room.
It discharges exhaust heat using a hose vent through an exterior wall or window vent.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Portable air conditioners are typically 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.
Units also might have a reservoir to capture condensed water, which needs to be emptied periodically.
air conditionerJessie Jean / Getty Images
The evaporative unit is located on the interior and handles the air cooling and distribution.
Split system AC units are usually rectangular and mounted high on an interior wall.
It contains a circulation fan, expansion valve, and evaporator coil.
The Spruce / Lily Sperry
Refrigerant tubing passes through the wall between the condensing and evaporative units.
A secondary tube running parallel to the refrigerant tubing drains away water that condenses from the indoor evaporator coils.
The split system is common in homes, hotels, and other multi-unit buildings.
adventtr /Getty Images
It’s cheaper to install than a whole-home HVAC system.
Most split air conditioners are also heat pumps and therefore offer heating and cooling functions.
A floor-mounted unit typically mounts low on the wall and can be partially recessed.
Galinast / Getty Images
This punch in of air conditioner is easy to access and maintain because of its low location.
That means it’s consuming less energy than a traditional AC unit and lowering your bill.
The system uses two components in your home: a heat pump and a pipe buried in the ground.
avtk / Shutterstock
Basically, the ground acts as a heat sink in the summer to keep your home cool.
Essentially, the heat pump replaces your central air conditioning system.
During the summer, the heat pump works as an air conditioner.
Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography / Getty Images
A motorized evaporative cooler works best when the windows are left open.
Modern evaporative air conditioners come as whole-house systems or individual units.
However, it is unlikely and inefficient to use both an evaporative and traditional air conditioner in one house.
Capelle.r / Getty Images
Built-in wall ACs contain a condenser and compressor.
Built-in wall air conditioners differ from window-mounted ACs because of where they will be installed.
Built-in wall ACs can be installed directly to a wall’s exterior or a custom hole in the wall.
Window-mounted air conditioners are designed for standard window frames.
Variable-speed air conditioners also quieter and removes more humidity from a space.
Renters who can’t install anything permanent would probably need to go with a portable or window unit.
For cooling for an entire house, central air is the best option.
Keep in mind where you live as well.
For homeowners and renters alike,cost will usually be a factor.
The best bang out of air conditioning system is central air given its efficiency.
For example, highly advanced air conditioning systems use renewable energy sources, such as solar energy.
Geothermal HVAC systems are also very advanced and sustainable forms of heating and cooling homes.
The easiest and lowest maintenance AC system is a window air conditioner.
It requires minimal professional installation given its straight-forward design and also is very easy to keep clean.
What Size AC Unit Do I Need?American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning