You have four types of air conditioners you can choose from when it comes to keeping your family comfortable. Which one you decide on depends on your home’s structure and how much you have to spend on both installation and on your utility bills each month. If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, Mechanical Technologies has a variety to choose from. Before purchasing one, you should know which of the four kinds is best for you.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners are intended to cool the entire house. Each system has a large compressor unit that is located outside along with an indoor coil filled with refrigerant that cools the air that is then dispersed through the house through ducts. One of the best things about central air conditioners is that they can be used all year. This is because they are equipped with heat pumps. Heat pumps work the system in reverse in order to heat the house.
Room Air Conditioners
Room air conditioners are mounted in windows or through walls. They work the same way a central air conditioner does, with the compressor located outside. However, room air conditioners are sized to cool just one room. Therefore, you will need more than one of them in order to cool your whole house. Individual units cost less to buy than central air conditioners. Most do not have heat pumps, so they cannot be used to heat your home the way central air systems can.
Evaporated Coolers
Evaporative coolers, or swamp coolers, are a practical alternative in very dry areas. They work by pulling fresh warm air through moist pads. The air is cooled by evaporation and then circulated through the house and can lower the temperature by as much as 30 degrees. The only mechanical component that uses electricity is the fan and the unit is cheaper than central air conditioning. It is hard to control the exact temperature in your home and it does not heat the air.
Ductless Air Conditioners
Ductless air conditioners can be an attractive option for room additions and for houses without ductwork. Like conventional central air conditioners, these systems use an outside compressor and indoor air handling units. The difference is that each room or zone has its own air handler mounted on the wall or ceiling that is connected to the outdoor unit. The major advantage of a ductless air conditioner is by providing dedicated units to each space, it is easier to meet the varying comfort needs of different rooms. While they cost less to install than traditional central air conditioners, they cost the same to keep running each month.
If you are in El Paso and are looking into a new air conditioner for your home, contact Mechanical Technologies. They can help you find the best one for you.