The definition of Common depends on where you live.
The three basic types of common residential air conditioner available to homeowners have been window units, central air conditioning systems, and portable air conditioners for a long time. However, there has been a growth in residential HVAC systems with high-efficiency heat pumps in recent years.
The most popular common residential air conditioner is the window air conditioners. They are installed in windows and use standard 115-volt electrical outlets. Window units are easy to install and can be removed at the end of the season.
- Portable air conditioners are a newer option for residential settings. They can be moved from room to room and do not require permanent installation. However, they are far less efficient than window or central air conditioners.
Central air conditioning systems are more expensive than window units, but they are also more energy-efficient. Central air conditioners use a 240-volt electrical outlet and require professional installation.
High-efficiency heat pumps are a newer type of residential HVAC system. They use less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems and can be used in both winter and summer. However, they are more expensive than other residential HVAC systems since they require additional controls and components to operate.
Packaged Unit
Package units are heating and cooling systems designed to be installed outside the home. They are similar in design to window air conditioners, but they use a standard 240-volt electrical outlet. Package units are more expensive than window air conditioners, but they are also more energy-efficient.
Split System
Split systems are residential HVAC systems with two parts, an outdoor unit, and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit contains the compressor, while the indoor unit contains the evaporator. Split systems are more expensive than package units due to the added installation materials and labor. Still, they are also (sometimes) more energy efficient depending on the installation layout.
Heat Pump
A heat pump is a device that moves heat from one place to another. Heat pumps can be used to heat or cool a home, and they are more energy-efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps can be used in both winter and summer. Heat pumps are used in the planetary drive to no longer build homes using natural gas.
- The basic principle is that the heat pump absorbs heat from inside the conditioned space (e.g.house) during the summer cooling season and moves it outdoors.
- During the winter heating season, the heat pump absorbs heat from the outdoor ambient air and moves it indoors where it is desired.
Heat pumps and air conditioners look similar in appearance.
Ductless Mini-Split System
Ductless mini-split systems are similar to central air conditioning systems, but they do not require ductwork. Mini-split systems are more expensive than window or package units, but they are also more energy-efficient. The mini-split has been used across the globe before catching on in the unites states. The installation of inverter mini-splits requires greater skill levels to be constructed onsite using modern refrigerant charging techniques. If the system is not initially charged as instructed by the manufacturer, the service life could be shortened significantly.
If you want to read about the required activities for start-up, you can jump to this article.
Geothermal Heat Pump
Geothermal heat pumps are a type of residential HVAC system that uses the earth’s heat to provide heating and cooling. Geothermal heat pumps are more expensive than other residential HVAC systems, but they are also more energy-efficient. Geothermal heat pumps require extensive installation and are not suitable for all sites. A professional installation is required, along with building permits.
Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative coolers are an air cooler (not conditioner) that uses evaporated water to cool the air. Evaporative coolers are less expensive than other air conditioners, but they are also less energy efficient. Evaporative coolers require a constant water supply and must be located near an open window or door to ventilate the space. As one cubic of air is pushed into the home, 1 cubic foot of air must be ventilated. Evaporative coolers work only when the ambient humidity is low, such as in the desert. The cooling effect decreases and stops as the ambient humidity increases. e.g., during a rainstorm, there will be no cooling effect.
There is a wide range of residential air conditioning systems available on the market today. The right system depends on your budget, existing construction, and energy efficiency expectations.
An important note is that not all systems can be used in all areas. The Department of Energy and many states have prescribed minimum efficiency standards that must be complied with. Consult your contractor for more information.
