Types of Air Conditioners

If you’re in the market for a new Air Conditioner unit, it always pays to do your research to see what types of Air Conditioner system options you have for your facility. There are lots of decisions to be made when choosing the type of Air Conditioner suited for your facility, generally speaking, the answer comes down to three things: the size of the area you want to cool/heat, the type of building and the biggest reason: pricing.

There are 4 types of fixed Air Conditioner’s options for you to consider, excluding portables:

Central or Ducted Air Conditioner

This is where air is circulated evenly throughout a facility via a system of ducts and registers. One of the most commonly used Air Conditioner systems. Typically used for facilities that have existing duct-work or the space is built with it in mind as it takes up a lot of space. It’s perfect for a property that requires the same even temperature throughout like supermarkets, warehouses, open offices, retail stores and the likes.

If put in to existing duct-work this would have the lowest installation cost. If you are thinking of installing into a new build, or an existing building with no duct’s costs are higher

These are really quiet and convenient and more efficient than a window unit but can be costly on a annual basis as its working throughout the day.

TIP: planning and preparation should be considered with the floor plan as it does take up a lot of space. You also need to make sure your ductwork is sealed and connected correctly with no sags or excessive bends.

Cost: $$$

Window Air Conditioner /Unitary Unit

A compact unit to cool one room by emitting the warm air out the back of it and blowing cool air into it. Great for small spaces and can either be fitted in a window or used as a portable Air Conditioner unit at an affordable price. Not great for large spaces, and can be found to be noisier than most units.

Cost: $

Through-the-Wall Air

Similar system to the Window Air Conditioner whereby the unit circulates the air removing the warm air from the room and replacing it with cooler air in the room. The difference is this system requires you to cut through the wall and exterior of your property and is permanently installed, leaving your window free. Due to the installation process the cost of installation is quite high.

Cost: $$

Ductless Split System Air Conditioner

The most popular system in Australia (choice.com.au) as it cools or warms zones within a property at different temperatures due to the inbuilt thermostat on each unit. This is a two (or more) part system most commonly used in properties with little to no ducts. They are easy to install but do cost  a considerable more.

Cost: $$$

Other areas to look at:

  1. Ongoing Costs – how much does it cost to run, ideally compare winter to winter, summer to summer
  2. BTU Output – the amount of energy your Air Conditioner put out in British thermal units (BTU).
  3. Room occupancy
  4. Shade or sunny
  5. Other factors that could cool the room
  6. Controls