When it comes to cooling your home, there are several different options that you can choose from. There are a few different factors to consider before you make your final decision; such as: your budget, your homes construction, and overall efficiency.

Before you buy a new unit, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of the different types of A/C units, and you’ll also want to think about some specific features; such as: sizing, fan settings, and convenience features like a remote control to adjust the temperature without having to get up from your couch.

It’s important to find an air conditioner that is a good fit for your climate. If you live in an area where it’s often very humid, you’ll want to find an a/c that also dehumidifies, whereas if you live in a dry climate, you should look for one that will operate optimally in dry, hot temperatures.

Most A/C units have dehumidifying properties that most air conditioners have, which means

they pull the moisture out of the air.

If the humidity in your home is not regulated, it can lead to serious problems. Humidity is the perfect climate for bacteria and mold to grow, which can affect the health of those living in your home. It can lead to upper respiratory problems, coughing, wheezing, and can trigger some serious asthma symptoms. Not to mention, nobody likes sticky skin.

 If you’re looking for ways to combat the humidity in your home so that your A/C doesn’t have to work so hard, make sure you’re using your exhaust fans when cooking, bathing, or showering, and keep a fan running to help blow some of the air outside. Consider leaving windows open on cooler nights to let some of the outside air into your home, and keep the blinds on the west side of your home closed on hotter days.

 If you’ve tried all of those options and they’re not working as they should, you can consider buying a separate dehumidifier so that your air conditioner doesn’t have to do all of the work alone.

Be sure to get an annual air conditioning check-up so that your a/c is always working as it should. It’s important to look at things like:

• Cleaning and replacing filters
• Cleaning and checking fans and blowers
• Replacing fan belts if needed
• Checking temperature controls, etc.

Common Types of Air Conditioners

Central Air:

A central air conditioning unit operates from a big compressor that is located outside, and the air flows through ducts in the walls and out through vents that are strategically placed around the house. Central air systems are usually very energy efficient, but if you live in an older home, it may not be practical or even possible to retrofit your property for central air conditioning. You would need to snake ducts through your existing walls which would require cutting and patching holes in your walls in order to get the job done.

Purchasing a central A/C system may be a good option for you if you’re:

• Dealing with new construction
• Doing a full remodel and will be tearing down walls as part of the process
• Able to piggyback onto already existing heat ducts
• Wanting a practically invisible cooling system
• Not too concerned about costs

Ductless Mini Split Systems: 

This type of A/C system mounts to the wall and only requires a small hole to be cut, making it much easier to install than a central A/C unit. Air blows directly into the room that the ductless system is placed. The ductless system is highly efficient since air doesn’t have a chance to warm as it goes through the ducts in the walls to get to your room. Not every home can accommodate the ductwork needed to install a central air conditioning unit. Split ductless systems are a good option for those types of homes, because as the name states, they don’t require any duct work.

You’ll want to buy a ductless A/C system if:

• You care about the environment and energy efficiency
• You don’t mind the way the unit looks
• You’re planning to cool a garage or new addition that doesn’t already have central air
• You want to heat a new space as well
• You want to control the temperature for individual rooms
• Your home doesn’t accommodate a central air conditioning system

Window Air Conditioner:

 A window A/C is a miniature version of a large central air conditioner.  It’s small enough to fit in your window, and it works by keeping the compressor outside of your home and sending cool air through the vents inside the window.

They are usually fairly easy to install, however heavier units may require extra support to stay put in the window.

Window A/C units are generally designed to cool small spaces. If you have a large home, a window unit may not be able to keep up with all of your cooling needs. They’re perfect for homes where you want to be able to control the temperature for each individual room.

Window air conditioners are the most common type of air conditioning you see. You’ve likely seen many of them installed in windows of apartment buildings, and you might have even been dripped on by their condensation.

Buy a Window Air Conditioner if:

• You only need to cool a small space
• You rent your home and can’t modify the building
• You’re looking for instant results
• You don’t mind a little bit of vibration and noise when the unit kicks on

Portable Air Conditioner:

 A portable air conditioning unit is just as convenient-(if not more convenient) than a typical window air conditioner because it’s on wheels, making it much easier to move. Although these units are not quite as energy efficient as a window ac, portable air conditioning units are a great choice for renters, and are also ideal for people who don’t have a window to put an air conditioner into. Unlike the typical window air conditioner; with a portable ac, you can vent hot air through casement windows and sliding doors.

Buy a Portable Air Conditioner If:

• You rent and can’t modify the building
• You need a lightweight solution that’s easy to move from room to room
• You don’t have a window near an outlet
• You have casement windows or sliding doors
• You want a more stylish appliance in your home

Once you’ve decided which air conditioner is right for you, it’s also important to choose the right person to take care of the installation and any future repairs on the unit. It’s always best to leave the installation to a professional so that you can avoid causing any damage to the A/C. Call The Pleasant Plumber for any of your heating and cooling needs.