Four Different Air Conditioner Types

September 14, 2021

There are many air conditioner types and they are known under various names. So the average buyer does not get flustered by all those different names (some of them technical), here is a short description of the main air conditioner types used today.

The two most common air conditioner types are known as unitary conditioners and PTAC or Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners. The latter are more sophisticated versions and are typically used in commercial facilities or in large houses, whereas the unitary systems are ideal for separate rooms or smaller spaces.

Unitary systems are so-called since all the refrigerant components in such units are put in one compact box. The two main types in unitary conditioners are:

1. Window air conditioners
2. Portable conditioners.

Window conditioners are among the older types of conditioners but are still widely used. They can be placed through a hole in the exterior wall, but since that generally involves additional construction work, most prefer to place it on a window. These conditioners recycle the heated air in the room and discharge fresh and cooler air inside while the exhaust vent releases the heated air on the outside.

With portable conditioners, you do not need to worry about installation and can simply put it in a convenient place on the floor. The hose vent attached from the unit to the exterior wall ejects the heat outside.

PTAC conditioners, on the other hand, use two separate units and are more commonly referred to as split or ductless air conditioners. The evaporative unit in these systems is installed inside the conditioned space, whereas the condenser unit is placed in an exterior location. The two units are connected by refrigerant tubing. These units are typically used at offices and in larger spaces.

A central air conditioning system is also an example of a PTAC unit. It is the most expensive option you have, but also the most comfortable. The units make little or no noise and are extremely energy efficient.

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