Options for Air Conditioners in Homes

Window Unit

• One of the most traditional types of home air conditioners is the window-mounted unit. It is a freestanding unit that draws in hot, humid air and passes it through coils that utilize a refrigerant-fueled compressor to cool the air. Once cooled, a fan pushes the air back into the room. As its name implies, you install it in a window. Most standard windows that slide up and down or right and left will work. The air conditioner comes with an accordion style attachment that helps it fit in place within the window frame and prevents outside air from entering through the openings. It is relatively easy to install, so professional installation is usually not required. A window air conditioner is designed to cool a single room.

Wall Unit

• A wall air conditioner is similar to a window unit except it is installed in an opening in your wall. It operates in the same manner, but installing a wall unit is more complex because you must cut a hole in the exterior wall and set a sleeve in place so the air conditioner can operate properly. You can choose from a variety of sizes of wall units, but the unit only cools a single room or area of your home. Because of its installation requirements, you will probably need to hire a professional to install your wall unit.

Portable Air Conditioner

• A portable air conditioner is the most versatile option for your home. Like a window or wall model, it is a freestanding unit. However, a portable air conditioner has wheels so you can move it around your room or home. It operates in a similar way to window and wall units, but the condensation that is removed from the air either collects in a container inside the air conditioner that must be emptied periodically or is disposed of through a self-evaporating system. Though you can move a portable air conditioner throughout your home, it must be connected to the exterior of your home when in operation so that the hot air may be sent outside. It comes with a hose that allows you to vent it through a window, wall, sliding door or ceiling.

Central Air

• The most expensive and effective option for home air conditioning is a central air system. Unlike other options, it is a not a freestanding unit and instead consists of several components. A condenser must be installed outside your home while an evaporator coil must be set up inside. Vents are placed throughout your home to circulate air through all the rooms and floors. Zones may be set up, so you can choose to cool one floor or two depending on your needs. Because of the complex system involved, a central air system requires professional installation. The benefit of this type of central air conditioning is that it usually has a thermostat that allows you to use it to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer.