Residential air conditioning systems play an integral role in keeping our living spaces comfortable. With over 70% of homes in the U.S. relying on some type of HVAC system, it’s clear why AC units take up such a big portion of the home appliance and utility budget. Choosing the right type of residential air conditioning system is crucial, as this impacts your comfort level and energy costs.
When it comes to air conditioning, Grand Prairie, TX relies on Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating for A/C installation, repairs and maintenance. Call us at 469-240-5618 or visit us online for more information.
Read on for more information about residential air conditioning systems.
5 Common Residential AC Systems
When choosing a new HVAC system for your home, factors like budget, energy consumption, space requirements and unit efficiency all come into play. Different types of units each have their own set of pros and cons. Let’s look at 5 common types of residential air conditioning systems:
1. Window Air Conditioner
Window units are the most common type of residential HVAC systems for single rooms. All parts, such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator coils and blower fan, are enclosed in a single unit. Window air conditioners can be mounted on window sills or in a slot in the wall. Proper sealing and insulation where the unit meets the window or wall is important to ensure cooling efficiency. They come in different sizes and can efficiently cool single rooms or small spaces.
A window unit expels hot air out of its outdoor side and blows cool air indoors. Filters typically slide out, which makes cleaning or replacing them easy.
Here are the pros of a window unit:
- Budget friendly.
- Works in small spaces.
- Easy to install.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
These are some of the cons of a window unit:
- Visible from outside.
- Noisy during operation.
- Not all windows can support or fit a window A/C unit.
2. Central Air Conditioner
Central air conditioner systems, sometimes referred to as split air conditioners, consist of an indoor and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is a free-standing enclosure that houses the condenser, compressor and expansion valve. The indoor unit is usually smaller and contains the evaporator and cooling coils, along with the cooling fan.
The indoor and outdoor units are connected through piping. Cooled air is distributed throughout the home via air ducts. Central air conditioners are an excellent option if you have a large home and need to cool multiple rooms at once. These units offer better placement flexibility and outdoor units can be installed out of sight. Modern central HVAC systems can also be coupled with a programmable thermostat.
Here are some of the benefits of installing a central air conditioner:
- Cools multiple rooms at once.
- Reduces humidity throughout the home.
- Distributes cool air evenly.
Here are the downsides to installing a central unit:
- High energy consumption.
- Outdoor units can be an eyesore if not properly hidden.
3. Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
Ductless mini-split air conditioners make great additions to modern homes. These systems consist of an outdoor unit, which houses the compressor and condenser, and comes with one or more indoor units. Ductless systems are highly efficient, eliminate ductwork and lower monthly energy bills.
Indoor units are mounted on the wall and contain an air blower. Refrigerant cools the home as it circulates between indoor and outdoor units via tubing. Ductless mini-split air conditioners are compact, allowing for quick and easy installation. These units are remote controlled, but can also be paired with a smart system, which allows you to control the temperature from your phone.
These are some of the benefits to using a ductless system:
- Easy installation.
- No ductwork required.
- Control the temperature of each room individually.
Here are some of the cons to ductless systems:
- Installing an indoor unit in each room can be costly.
- Indoor units are highly visible.
4. Floor Mounted Air Conditioner
Floor mounted air conditioners are installed up to 6 inches above floor level. These units work well in spaces with tilted walls, like attics, and don’t require any ductwork. Floor mounted systems work like mini-split systems, with an indoor unit that connects to an outdoor unit through a small hole in the wall.
Floor mounted air conditioners provide easy access to air filters, which makes them a great option for those who change filters themselves. They also cool and heat rooms quickly, as they blow air out at your level. Floor units require clear surroundings to effectively operate.
Here are some of the advantages to using a floor mounted air conditioner:
- Easy installation.
- Don’t take up much space.
- Easy to access, which makes them perfect for elderly homeowners.
These are some of the cons of using floor mounted units:
- Not suited to cool large areas.
- Furniture or other objects can obstruct airflow.
5. Hybrid Air Conditioner
Hybrid air conditioners, also known as dual-fuel air conditioners, combine a gas furnace with an electric heat pump. These units are cost-effective and provide both heating and cooling. A hybrid system switches between using electricity and burning fossil fuels, depending on the temperature. During the summer months, the heat pump works by pulling hot air from inside your home and expelling it outdoors. In the winter, when temperatures drop below the point where a heat pump would be effective, the furnace kicks on.
There are many benefits to using a hybrid air conditioner:
- Reduces your energy costs.
- Efficiently heats and cools year-round.
- Lowers your carbon footprint.
Here are some of the disadvantages to using this kind of system:
- Higher installation costs.
- Additional space required for furnace.
Residential Air Conditioning in Grand Prairie, TX
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating offers plumbing, heating and ac service Grand Prairie TX residents can depend on. Our customers receive a 100% satisfaction guarantee and we’re proud to offer a variety of financing options. To learn more about air conditioning Grand Prairie, TX homes, give us a call at 972-885-6373 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today. Our team is always ready to help.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.