Air Conditioner Styles Explained

Central Air Styles

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a central air conditioner is available in two styles: a split-system unit or a packaged unit. A split-system unit consists of an outdoor metal cabinet that holds a condenser and compressor. The unit also consists of an indoor cabinet that holds an evaporator. If the home has central heating, the indoor cabinet might also contain a furnace or indoor portion of a heat pump. A packaged central air conditioner unit places the compressor, evaporator and condenser together in one cabinet. The cabinet is then positioned next to the ground floor of the home or placed on the roof. The unit usually includes a natural gas furnace or heating coils for heat, which removes the need to purchase an indoor furnace. A central air conditioner is a style of unit that can supply an entire home with cool air or heat via a system of ducts and room vents.

Portable Styles

• If you want freedom from installation, a portable air conditioner or a portable evaporative cooler might suit your needs. An evaporative cooler unit contains a fan, moist pads, blower and water tank. The fan pulls hot air into the unit, which is then cooled by the moist pads and distributed by the blower. According to The Home Depot, this style works best in hot climates with low humidity. Also, a portable evaporative cooler is for spaces that are no larger than 300 feet. A portable air conditioner is also suitable for cooling a small area. The unit works like a regular air conditioner except that it has an exhaust hose that attaches to a removable window bracket. The hose allows the unit to remove hot, humid air from the room. Some styles contain two hoses: one that intakes air to cool the condenser coils and another that exhausts hot air.

Single-Room Non-Portable Styles

• A room air conditioner cools a single room or several rooms, but it isn't a portable unit. The unit is stationary and requires installation before use. A window-mounted unit is a common style of room air conditioner. The window unit installs into most double-hung windows but comes with side extensions that make installing the unit into a window that's wider than normal possible. A through-the-wall unit is another style of room air conditioner. The unit installs into a section on an exterior wall that's cut specifically to fit the unit. A through-the-wall unit is usually only necessary if central air is unavailable or a widow isn't available.

Alternative Cooling Methods

• A ceiling fan, window fan and whole-house fan offer alternative styles of cooling. Homeowners often use a ceiling fan or window fan in conjunction with central air or a room air conditioner. The fans help circulate the air and makes the air conditioner's job easier. A whole-house fan cools an entire house and is often used instead of an air conditioner. The whole-house fan installs into an attic, draws cool air into the home through open windows and pulls hot air outside via the attic.