Air conditioning in Georgia is a necessity, no matter where in the state you live. Everyone in the Peach State can appreciate the benefits of cool, refreshing air on a warm, humid day.
However, just as each home and resident has different cooling needs, each of the six types of air conditioning we’ll mention below serves a unique purpose. Before purchasing any cooling unit, you must know what you need. Our Pooler air conditioner repair company, Georgia Air Cooling & Heating, explains what factors should narrow down your options and, in turn, which units are fit for your home.
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning is your best option if you need to cool several rooms at the touch of one button. Unlike the other units on our list that relieve only the space they sit in, central cooling creates a uniform temperature across all corridors with its duct system.
The duct system sends cool air from the AC through several vents inside your walls and ceilings, each vent leading that air to a different room. It’s ideal for large homes or commercial buildings with plenty of individuals who need their own space or smaller homes where residents are constantly on the move. It often proves better for your budget than buying multiple pricey units for each location.
However, while central air may seem like the easiest and most comfortable way to handle your Pooler, GA, summers, its cooling power may become excessive if you don’t use most rooms in your home. Unnecessarily cooling all rooms draws more electricity, spiking your utility bills. Central air conditioning systems are also the wrong choice if:
· You don’t want an unsightly box in your backyard: This two-part system has an indoor unit containing the air handlers and evaporator coils and an outdoor unit comprising the compressor and condenser.
· You don’t want to install ducts throughout your home
· You don’t want to deal with duct maintenance or the energy inefficiency that may arise from cracks or splits in the seams
Window Units
Window units are among the most common types of air conditioning due to their compact form containing all their components within one unit. Instead of having separate indoor and outdoor compartments, the single box sits on most window frames, with one part of the box facing outward and the other inward. The outer portion releases heat, while the indoor side cools and releases clean air through vents and filters.
These systems come in numerous sizes and don’t require an intricate duct system. They’re also highly sought after since they’re easy to install and remove without professional assistance. They’re excellent for living in small spaces such as studio apartments and basements.
What’s more, if you like the sound of central cooling but don’t want to spend central cooling money, those with one-story flats and open floorplans get the same effect with these units since the entire abode is essentially one big room. Window units also have cheaper purchasing costs and maintenance repairs. That said, they still have drawbacks, which include:
- Noise: You’ll notice a slight hum or vibrating sound that may seem overwhelming for some.
- Window obstructions: If you have only one window in a room, your AC unit will occupy that space. This means you’ll be unable to open your window on a balmy day to conserve electricity and savor the decent weather. A bulky unit also obstructs your view of outdoor scenery and sunlight.
- Unusual window shapes: While window ACs come in different sizes, they all possess the same box shape. Any window shape straying from the classic square or rectangle form will not find an AC fit. These units also won’t fit windows with sashes that open outward instead of windows that slide up and down.
Wall-Mounted Units
If you want a window unit but don’t have the window shape or style for one, a wall-mounted or mini-split system is one of the alternative types of air conditioners for your home. Instead of placing it on a window opening, a professional installs the unit on your desired wall.
Like window units, mini-splits are compact units that don’t take up much space and are ductless. They cool a single room to your ideal temperature, but like central air conditioners, they consist of separate indoor and outdoor units.
The units are effortless to install in any location around your home, but because they sit at the top of your wall near the ceiling, they are among the most visible types of air conditioning and are nearly impossible to conceal. These may make your wall look bulky or draw attention away from the style and beauty of your abode. These systems also don’t cool large areas, so if you have spacious rooms or a big home, consider other options.
Floor-Mounted Units
If you don’t have window or wall space for a unit, you can still conveniently cool your room with a floor-mounted unit. Most Georgians must use a floor-mounted instead of a wall-mounted unit if their home or company building walls feature a delicate material like glass that won’t hold the heavy cooling system. Floor-mounted units are also better for angled walls, such as attic walls that slant up into a peak.
Rather than sitting at a higher elevation like window and mini-split systems, these rest on the bottom of your wall, no further than six inches above the floor. That makes them easier to cover up by placing a tall-legged table above them or other furniture around them. They’re also more accessible for the elderly or those with disabilities, who won’t have to reach to change the air filters or toggle the unit settings.
Unfortunately, while the installation process is simple, not everyone likes the idea of having to cut their wall to place the unit. Others have floor space with many obstacles, from furniture to piles of clothes, that obstruct airflow and limit cooling efficiency. That’s why this permanent setup is best for open floorplans.
Portable AC Units
If you live alone, meaning the controlled air needs to follow you rather than chill the entire home, consider a portable AC. A portable system is a compact unit like a window AC, meaning all components are in one unit rather than two. However, unlike a window unit, this unit is free-standing, requiring only an outlet to power it on and an accessible window through which the unit’s funnels can release warm air.
That makes it easy to attach the unit anywhere and move it from one room to another as you deem fit. It also eliminates the need for a formal or permanent unit installation and is the quickest of all types of air conditioning to situate. Choose a single hose unit that uses air within your home and sends the warm air out through the tube or a double hose that draws outdoor air in through a separate tube.
While these are the most cost-efficient units on the market, some residents find:
- They’re sometimes annoying and bulky to move from one room to another.
- They’re not efficient enough to cool large rooms, which may mean spending more on utilities in the long run as the unit works harder to match the thermostat setting.
- They’re ineffective for those constantly on the move between rooms since they won’t cool one area thoroughly before moving onto another.
Geothermal Units
Another way to cut cooling costs is to use a system that relies on another energy source besides electricity. While geothermal units still add to your utility bills, you’re only paying for up to one-third of the energy you use, unlike other types of air conditioning. The rest comes free from the stored, insulated heat within the earth, a few feet below your basement.
During the winter, the geothermal heat pump sends heat from the earth into an intricate piping system that further heats the air before releasing it into your home. During the summer, the system reverses the process, drawing warm air out of your home and depositing it into the earth.
However, even with an extensive lifespan, fewer repair and replacement requirements, and lower monthly energy costs, the upfront price of installing the underground system is one of the highest. Many won’t want to spend $18,000 to $30,000, depending on the size of their system.
We Have the Heating and Cooling Power for Any Unit Choice
Choosing between the different types of air conditioning is overwhelming. However, we want you to know enough to make an informed decision, considering your budget, cooling needs, and area requirement. So, we’re happy to answer additional questions.
Whether you want to know if UV light is effective in HVAC systems or a given unit’s capacity of air in BTUs, call 912.513.3756 for assistance in Pooler, GA, and surrounding areas. Our qualified Georgia Air Cooling & Heating team has years of experience installing, maintaining, repairing, and replacing heating and cooling units of all sizes, brands, and types. Schedule your professional appointment today!