Air conditioners or ACs offer comfort that we not only enjoy but also can’t think of being without. In the US, almost 75% of homes have an air conditioner installed. Thus, they have become one of the most common household appliances nowadays, and for a good reason.
Air conditioners come in a wide range of varieties including stand-alone systems to split AC units into central air conditioners. There are portable options available as well as systems mini split ACs which have units installed both inside and outside the home.
Before choosing the one for your home, you need to learn about air conditioners and their various types to choose a unit that best matches your needs and budget.
This guide gives a thorough review of the most popular types of air conditioners, taking into account factors like cost, installation, and efficiency.
What is The Classification of Air Conditioners?
The working principle of all the air conditioners remains the same, and it’s fairly easy to understand.
There are two sets of metal coils. The first one absorbs all the heat from inside the house, and the second one disperses the heat outside. The major role played here is by the refrigerant. A refrigerant is a mixture of liquids that transfers heat between two sets of coils.
Depending on this, all the air conditioners are classified into two groups.
- Stand -Alone ACs: It’s a single-unit device. Examples: Window AC, Portable ACs, Wall mounted ACs, Floor mounted ACs, etc.
- Split System ACS: It has two different units. Examples: Central ACs, Wall Mounted ACs, Ceiling Air Conditioners, and Mini Split ACs.
What are the Types of ACs?
1. Stand–Alone AC
Both coils are contained in one unit in stand-alone AC units (usually located inside the house). They are convenient options since they are easier to install. They are also cheaper than most split AC systems.
Features of Stand-Alone ACs:
- Stand Alone AS units can be easier to install and move around
- They can be noisier
- They have lower cooling capacity compared to split AC systems
- Cheaper options
- The hot air from inside the room goes outside via an air vent
2. Window AC
These types of ACs are quite common in Europe. The windows AC are chosen depending on the room size that you want to cool off. They come in different sizes. And they are best suited for cooling small areas or rooms.
If you can opt for a large window AC, you can cool off your entire home, given that it’s one open space.
Since their invention, window air conditioners have been hailed as the best at cooling compact rooms and are thought to be the most popular kind of air conditioner.
The entire unit of the window AC is enclosed in a single shell, which is installed into the wall or a window by making a hole in the wall. It disperses the heat out of the window while blowing cool air inside the room.
The major disadvantage of these types of AC is that they are built into the wall which is not thicker than 9”. The thickness of the walls messes with the airflow preventing it from ejecting outside. Thus making them energy inefficient compared to other AC types.
The larger your space the more BTU will be consumed to cool off the room. For small rooms of up to 100-350 feet, 5 to 10 thousand BTU is good enough. While for the biggest rooms of up to 1000-1500 plus feet, you will need 29 to 24 thousand BTU AC units. The biggest type of Window ACs is able to provide up to 25,000 BTU of cooling output.
Their price ranges start from $100 for the smallest units and can go up to $1100 depending on their size and installation costs.
Pros of Window AC:
- They don’t take up your floor space
- They are usually less expensive and cheaper to operate
- Window ACs need less maintenance
- They are simple to install
Cons of Window AC:
- Noisier operation
- They block the window view and must be placed near a power outlet.
- Not all windows can accommodate Window ACs; for example, certain window ACs cannot be used with casement or oddly shaped windows.
3. Portable AC
Portable ACs are most popular among people living in rented apartments or condos. If you need quick cooling without making a lot of fuss, the Portable AC units should be your choice.
You don’t have to mount them onto a wall or place them in a single room. They are maneuverable and always come with wheels. So, you can move them from one room to another and drag them just like a vacuum cleaner.
Simply place a portable air conditioner near a window and a working electrical outlet in the appropriate place. The unit comes with an exhaust pipe that goes from the unit to an outside window in order to expel the heat outdoors while the built-in fan circulates cool air across the room.
They are quite small in size. The cooling capacity ranges from 5000 BTUs for the smallest units to 14, 000 BTUs, for the biggest portable Air Conditioners.
The biggest drawback of Portable AC units is that when you move the unit you need to move the exhaust pipe as well. It has to go outside of the window or door. For that reason, the majority of portable AC units include a long air pipe that can be as long as 10 feet and measures 4”-6” in diameter.
All in all, portable AC units are very versatile. You can go for a portable air conditioner if you want a temporary space cooling or in places where it’s not practical to set up a window or split AC. Their handy smaller versions can be used in kitchens and bathrooms.
Their price ranges from $200 to $800, and the installation is incredibly simple. Although they take up some floor space.
Pros of Portable AC:
- Quick and easy installation
- Can be moved from one place to another
- Effective option for spot cooling
- Easy to store away when not in use
- They don’t need permanent installation
Cons of Portable AC:
- Less cooling capacity
- Not ideal for larger rooms
- The exhaust pipe blocks the window view
- Noisier operation
4. Floor Mounted AC
These are more or less similar to Wall-mounted AC units. The only major difference between them is that floor-mounted AC is mounted on the floor instead of the wall.
This sort of air conditioner has two pipes that go through the wall in order to expel the heated air. They are not so popular, and we see very less of them nowadays although they are very energy-efficient.
However, they do take up a lot of floor space and cannot be stored away when not in use like the portable AC units. Older structures may have had them built in, but in the twenty-first century, no professional architect will include them in their designs.
Pros of Floor Mounted AC:
- Good for spot cooling
- Quiet operation
- Energy efficient
Cons of Floor Mounted AC:
- They are permanently installed so they cannot be tucked away during summer months
- Take up floor space
- Installation can be costly
- Not ideal for larger rooms because of uneven air circulation
5. Wall Mounted AC
Even though they are not that popular, they play a special role in cooling older buildings that get extremely hot during the summer season.
They are ideal for people living in older structures, where placing a split system is not allowed. These protected historic sites don’t allow you to place any Shell on the exterior wall. Hence, your best bet is a wall-mounted AC, that is easy to install and doesn’t take much of your floor space.
These air conditioners can be hung on the wall with sturdy supporters (the higher, the better). For the hot air to be vented outside, you must also install two air pipes through the wall behind the AC unit. Clearly, you will require expert assistance with the installation.
The wall-mounted or through-the-wall-mounted AC units are quite big in size. Additionally, they might end up heating the wall behind them if you continuously run them at 100%. The two air vents that distribute the heat outside can warm up the room if you’re not careful enough.
Sometimes they include an in-built heater that can be beneficial during the winter months as well as during the summer. But they are more expensive.
In most cases, window AC units need an AC support bracket if the unit is positioned on the outside wall. For instance, you are required by law to install them in New York City to add more support for exterior wall units.
Pros of Wall-Mounted AC:
- Energy efficient
- Doesn’t block the window view
- Great for larger rooms
- Doesn’t take up floor space
- Some are even equipped with heaters
Cons of Wall-Mounted AC:
- You will be cutting into the wall to fit the unit
- Availability issues
6. Spot Coolers for Boats & Ships
These are big units, unlike portable air conditioners and only useful for people who want some cooling inside their boat, ship or airplane.
They are also portable, but they have a much higher capacity which can be as much as 30,000 BTU or higher. It can cool down an entire boat (small to medium-sized).
These types of units are special in terms of where they are located. The spot coolers for boats and ships are located outside the room where it is warmer while most AC units are placed inside the room where it is cooler.
It has two or more pipes that draw the warm air out while blowing cool air in.
7. Split System AC
As the name suggests Split System Ac consists of two units or shells. The smaller quieter unit is placed inside the house which blows cool air in, and the noisier one is placed outside which vents the warm air out.
This means the cooling coil will be placed inside your room and the heating coil which exhausts the warm air is placed outside of your house. These are superior to Stand-alone AC systems in many ways.
- First of all they are very quiet
- The cooling efficiency is great, and most of them have a big capacity as compared to stand-alone units
- The unit that is placed inside is better looking and never blocks your window view
- There’s no need to place air pipes as with a stand-alone AC unit
However, there are a few drawbacks, first is the price point which is significantly higher than its counterparts. And the installation needs you to place the outer unit somewhere close to the room you want to cool off.
All in all, Split System ACs are exceptionally capable of cooling down the entire room quickly and efficiently.
Here are the types of Split-System ACs
8. Central AC
You will find Central Ac systems in more than 50% of the houses in the US. Central System AC units are actually ducted pipe systems that spread to all rooms in your house or apartment. This type of air conditioning system is possibly the most complex to install but the simplest to operate.
According to the divided aspect, the system is thought to be a combination of two primary units. The compressor and condenser are integrated into the outside unit.
While the air handler and evaporator coils are part of the indoor unit. Central ACs use refrigerant, just like a standard air conditioner, to dissipate heat from indoor air. Through the ducts, cool air comes in, and this heat is drawn outside.
The duct-mounted AC is usually pre-installed in your home. Central AC would be really nice if you want to replace your current AC unit.
But the installation process alone is challenging. Due to the numerous ceilings that must be broken and the numerous walls that must be pierced, the cost may be as high as $10,000.
Pros of Central AC:
- Quickly cools down the entire house and connects to the duct system, thus creating a cooler climate around the house.
- It circulates cool air around the house reducing humidity and making the overall environment more comfortable.
- Quieter indoor operation
- The entire unit can be controlled from the home thermostat
Cons of Central AC:
- Consumes a lot of energy resulting in higher electric bills.
- Installation cost and initial purchase cost is high
- The outdoor unit can be noisy and unattractive
- If any damage is caused to the ducts, these units may lose their efficiency and effectiveness
9. Wall Mounted AC
Wall-mounted Split AC is similar to Stand-alone AC but is quieter, and the installation process is different here.
The wall-mounted AC can be both a split AC or a Stand-alone AC. But the main difference is that they are quiet. It’s possible to find a 15000 BTU wall-wall mounted AC two times quieter than a 6,000 BTU portable AC.
The main advantage of wall-mounted ACs is that they allow you to connect two or three units like this to a single outside AC shell.
This effectively allows you to have 3 units inside the house, say 9,000 BTU, 12,000 BTU, and 15,000 BTU units. You would have a larger, noisier generator outside the house. A stand-alone form of air conditioner cannot possibly reach the 38,000 BTU capacity of such a system.
Pros of Wall-Mounted AC:
- Let’s you connect 2 or 3 units to the same outside AC shell
- More effective cooling
- Ideal for a large house where you cannot have a centralized AC system
- Quieter operation than stand-alone units
Cons of Wall-Mounted AC:
- You need to cut down a wall to install them
- The outdoor unit is ugly and noisy
10. Floor Mounted AC (cabinet, column)
Wanting to install a mini-split but don’t have the necessary space for a wall-mounted one? Floor-mounted AC is made for you.
The indoor unit of a floor-mounted AC unit is placed on the ground, while the other unit is installed outside without any significant ductwork or site preparation.
These units can be installed up to 6 inches higher than the floor. The indoor unit attaches to the outdoor unit with a small wall hole. Hence, this style of installation is perfect for buildings made of delicate materials, such as glass, or spaces with inclined walls, like attics.
Because they are mounted within your reach, you can clean the air filters at any time. Easy access to the filters makes them ideal for people with respiratory issues or who like to keep their indoor air quality as clean as possible.
These units can cool or heat your room more quickly than any other mounting system. All thanks to the fan that directly blows air at your level.
Floor-mounted units require adequate space around them to provide proper and efficient air circulation. Make sure that any wall or furniture does not obstruct them.
Pros of Floor-Mounted AC
- Good for small spaces as they don’t take up much space
- Ideal for elderly people due to its accessibility
- Simple installation
Cons of Floor-Mounted AC
- Airflow can be hampered due to the obstacles in the room, such as furniture
- Not for larger spaces due to uneven distribution of air
11. Ceiling Air Conditioners
Ceiling Air Conditioners look like a cassette, and they are best suited for office spaces. They are either installed on the ceiling or are hanged from there and are attached to the building’s air pipes.
The main benefit of the ceiling air conditioner is its cooling efficiency and aesthetics.
Firstly, they are incredibly powerful air conditioners. Because these cassette-like air conditioners are attached to the central airflow system, they can replace up to five window ACs and up to seven portable air conditioners.
In short, they look expensive and have a modern appearance. They don’t stick out of a wall and seamlessly blend with the interior. Only the four outlet louvers are visible through the ceiling.
They produce a vertical wind flow rather than a horizontal breeze. While “sideway wind” is produced by most of the air conditioners, which are positioned on the walls, you will feel a “downward breeze” when standing beneath the cassette air conditioners due to their ceiling mount.
Pros of Ceiling AC:
- Incredibly powerful AC
- Doesn’t stick out of the wall
- Saves floor space
- Ideal for office set-up
Cons of Ceiling AC:
- Purchase cost and installation are pretty high
12. Ductless Mini Split
If you want a simple installation without a lot of ducting or want better cooling, you should opt for a ductless mini split AC. They are taking over the HVAC industry. They are ideal options for modern homes.
They are extremely energy efficient and have a higher cooling capacity ranging from 12,000 BTU to 60,000 BTU. The installation is simple and without any ductwork. Moreover, the lower installation costs are making them more and more popular.
The ductless mini split AC is rather straightforward to understand. It comes with one coil inside the indoor unit, which gathers the heat, and the coil is placed in the outdoor unit, where it dissipates the heat outside.
These split-system air conditioners are usually smaller, good-looking, and above all, produce less noise. All thanks to the compressor that generates the most noise in the AC unit here is located outside the house.
The indoor units of these types of units are smaller and compact in size. and as a result, you can choose to install one in each room that can either be used for cooling or heating.
These types of air conditioners are much more energy efficient compared to some other models available but also can be pretty heavy on your pocket if you wish to install one in each room to cool down the entire house.
Depending on their size and cooling capacity, they are typically priced between $500 to $5000.
Pros of Ductless Mini Split AC:
- Needs not ductwork, so can be installed anywhere you like
- Individually controlled unit
- Saves on unnecessary energy consumption
- Saves on floor space
Cons of Ductless Mini Split AC:
- Not intended for cooling larger rooms or the entire house
- Wall-mounted units hence visible to the naked eyes.
13. Smart AC
Smart ACs are smart home-compatible units that are IoT enabled, meaning they can access the internet and operate with WiFi. They can be window AC, Split AC, or Wall mounted AC with the ability to connect to the internet.
They have dedicated smartphone apps through which you can control the unit. By just downloading the app on your smartphone or tablet, you get access to control your unit remotely. It allows you to turn the AC on/off, change the temperature, and modes, create a cooling schedule, and much more.
The features of these air conditioners vary depending on the manufacturer. These features include economical mode, comfortable mode, temperature control, weekly temperature scheduling, and many others. With their help, you may save energy while experiencing excellent comfort.
Smart features now come with almost any type of AC, including the more expensive centralized AC units to the more economical window and portable ACs. Due to this wide variety, the cost of a smart air conditioner can drastically vary depending on the model, from roughly $200 to $8,000, for example.
Pros of Smart AC:
- Energy saving
- Convenient remote control
- Smart home system compatibility
Cons of Smart AC:
- Expensive
14. Geo-Thermal AC System
This modern kind of air cooling system is an alternative to Central AC units. It’s an innovative technology that reduces the entire house temperature by circulating cool air through the home’s existing air ducts and forcing hot air out through the vents.
It can also be used as a heater during winter months, and the running costs are far less than a standard furnace. However, the initial cost of installation and purchasing, ranging from $15,000 to $30,000, is significantly higher than that of other solutions.
Geothermal AC systems work by circulating water as a heat absorbent. In the winter, the cold water from the house draws heat from the earth 10 feet below the surface. The heat is then returned to the house, which is compressed by the heat pump, raising the temperature before releasing hot air into the building.
During the summer, the water carries the heat out of the entire house and disperses the heated water deep into the soil, where it is absorbed by the earth.
Pros of Geo-Thermal AC System:
- Utilises the current duct systems to cool the entire house.
- Low energy use keeps cooling expenses low.
- Longer life compared to other cooling systems
Cons of GeoThermal AC System:
- High initial purchase and installation cost
- Not ideal for a rented apartment, condos with limited yard space
15. Hybrid AC / Dual Fuel AC
Hybrid ACs are also known as Dual Fuel AC as they combine a gas furnace and an electric air-source heat pump to provide both cooling and heating that’s both affordable and effective.
Based on the outdoor temperature, these units can automatically switch the function between burning fossil fuels and using electricity.
Either set a temperature at which the unit switches from heat pump to furnace or annually switch between the two.
The heat pump operates as intended throughout the summer, expelling hot air from within your house to the outdoors. This technique is switched around in the winter to disperse heat evenly throughout your house. When it’s too cold outside for the heat pump to operate, it uses the furnace.
Pros of Hybrid AC:
- Saves on electricity bills
- Lower your carbon footprint
Cons of Hybrid AC:
- The hefty initial setup costs
16. Evaporative AC or Swamp Coolers
Evaporative AC are sometimes also called Swamp Coolers. These systems largely vary in price. Small, portable units can be purchased for as little as $100, but larger, whole-home evaporative air conditioner systems can cost up to $7,000 or more.
Evaporative air conditioners use water or ice to cool the air, unlike conventional air conditioners, which cool the air with refrigerant.
These units circulate warm air over an ice bucket or via cool water pads. The hot air is cooled down as it moves through the water or ice, and then it’s blown into the house. This technique is thousand years old, but the only major drawback of this system is that they only function efficiently with cold water or ice.
This means the portable units need regular monitoring and refilling. Also, these air conditioners increase the humidity level in the house, or they are only suitable for dry areas.
Pros of Evaporative AC:
- Comes as portable or whole-hole units
- Doesn’t rely on hazardous chemicals for cooling like Freon
- Increases the humidity levels to improve dry weather conditions
Cons of Evaporative AC:
- Lacks the cooling capacity of standard air conditioners
- Increased humidity levels might not be suitable for some places
- Ice or water needs regular monitoring and refilling
17. Package Terminal AC(PTAC)
Package Terminal AC or PTAC units are commonly found in commercial spaces such as hotels and hospitals. They are sometimes called wall-split air conditioners.
Unlike wall-mounted AC, PTAC systems have two separate units that are connected together through an opening in the wall. They are good for cooling single rooms. But sometimes, they are used as an additional cooling unit in a room with central air conditioning.
Some rooms may be hotter than others, so you need to install a PTAC. A PTAC will ensure you don’t need to turn up AC in all the rooms just to cool down one room.
These AC systems are typically installed through the wall, beneath the window close to the floor, with the exhaust outlet pointed outside. Unlike central air conditioning systems, they are ductless, making them easier to install.
Most PTACs also double up as a heating system.
Pros of PTAC:
- Easy to install
- Most of them double up as a heater
- Alternative to central air conditioner
Cons of PTAC:
- Best suited for commercial places
18. Multi Split AC
As the name suggests, this is a split AC system that connects multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit. This means one outdoor unit can be used to cool several rooms.
This is achievable because of the larger condenser, which is far more powerful than the standard split AC systems.
Two to four indoor units can be connected to the outdoor unit. You can control each indoor unit separately, which means you can change the temperature setting of each indoor unit as per your preference.
The main disadvantage to these systems is the reliability of one compressor unit. If any problem occurs with the outdoor units, it will affect the performance of all indoor units.
Pros of Multi-Split AC:
- Several rooms can be cool down with one outdoor unit
- Easy to install
Cons of Multi-Split Unit:
- It can affect the performance of all indoor units
What Are the Factors to Consider While Buying An AC?
1. Energy Consumption
Make sure you purchase energy-efficient air conditioning that helps to lower your utility bills.
Check the energy efficiency ratio or EER rating, which suggests the energy efficiency ratings. The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the AC will be.
Another important parameter is the SEER rating or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating of an air conditioner is calculated by dividing the cooling output by the total energy consumed at the same time.
This might sound similar to the EER rating, but there’s a difference between them. While SEER is calculated for several months at different temperatures, EER is calculated at only one set temperature. Again the higher the SEER rating, the better the energy efficiency.
2. Budget
Below is a list of the most cost-effective AC system types, from lowest to highest.
The cheapest, most cost-effective type of air conditioners that you can get are window ACs and portable AC. Keep in mind that they are only able to cool a single room at a time.
Next comes the ductless mini split air conditioners. They are easy to install, need no ductwork, and are energy-efficient too. But they are not ideal for cooling down larger houses. If you want to cool down your entire house, you have to keep the AC on at all times, which will add to your utility bills with low effectiveness.
If you want to save on your electricity bills, you can opt for Smart ACs. Smart ACs, depending on their type, which can be a window AC, portable AC, or mini-split, are slightly overpriced but because of their smart technology, they can save energy and hence are not that expensive to run.
A central air conditioning system comes with higher initial purchase and installation costs, but they are more effective in cooling the entire house. The running costs of these ACS are also much higher, but they tend to last longer compared to any other types.
Although geothermal heating and cooling is the priciest option available, it eventually pays for itself through energy savings. Compared to the other types of air conditioners currently on the market, geothermal units’ efficiency and efficacy are unmatched.
It is claimed that if you spend a lot of money on such a system, it may, once installed, last you for almost the rest of your life.
3. Cooling Capacity
The cooling or heating capacity of an air-conditioner is measured as British Thermal Units or BTUs. The higher the BTUs, the more the cooling or heating capacity of a unit.
A standard-sized living room needs 6000-12000 BTUs of cooling capacity. You must choose an air conditioner with the required amount of BTUs to cool your room size.
This will ensure the air conditioner consumes the least energy while providing the best cooling or heating.
Here’s a rundown of Square footage and BTUs required:
| Room Size (sq ft) | BTUs Required |
| 100-150 | 5000 |
| 150-250 | 6000 |
| 250-300 | 7000 |
| 300-350 | 8000 |
| 350-400 | 9000 |
| 400-450 | 10,000 |
| 450-500 | 12,000 |
| 500-700 | 14,000 |
| 700-1000 | 18,000 |
| 1000-1200 | 21,000 |
| 1200-1400 | 23,000 |
| 1400-1500 | 24,000 |
| 1500-2000 | 30,000 |
| 2000-2500 | 34,000 |
This chart is a general guide to BTUs required in cooling a given size of the room.
Type of Control and Plugs
Air conditioners use a lot of power, and most are not compatible with standard plugs.
While most portable AC and window ACs use standard 120-volt plugs, the bigger, more capable units use 240-volt or 250-volt plugs, which demand a special outlet.
Check the plug of the AC you’re buying. They often have larger unusual plugs if the AC has more than 15,000 BTUs of cooling capacity. If you intend to buy one of these larger units, you must hire an electrician to install a special 240-volt outlet.
Another factor you must consider is the type of control you want. For instance, the central air conditioner units are connected to your home thermostat. All you have to set your ideal temperature, and the unit will handle the rest of the work.
Other models, such as Window ACs, wall-mounted, floor-mounted, or portable units, don’t work automatically. They either come with a remote controller, a manual dial, or the smart units have dedicated apps that you need to operate by hand.
1. Ease of Maintenance
If you want to extend the life of your air conditioner for years to come, its maintenance is crucial. Clean your air conditioner’s filters every month or two if used continuously. Filters may need frequent replacement or changing during the cooling seasons. If the air conditioner you use is exposed to dusty conditions, or you have furry friends in the house, the filters might accumulate dust more frequently. So, taking care of your AC unit is crucial.
2. Space Requirements
The next factor you must consider is the available space in your house. Smaller homes might not require a more powerful init. A portable or wall-mounted AC might suffice your needs.
Whereas larger rooms and people living in big houses will need more power from an AC to cool the entire space and maintain a steady cool temperature.
Also, an open-concept floor type needs a different strategy for cooling than homes with a closed-floor plan, if you wish to keep all rooms cool.
3. No. of Storeys
The number of storeys in your house also has an impact on temperatures via the stack effect. Cold air pulls downhill to create cooler basements and lower levels as hot air rises to the top levels of the house.
You might want to install a window air conditioner on higher floors to stay cool and avoid needing a larger AC system. You might even get away with installing a radiant barrier in your attic.
Conclusion
There’s no best type of air conditioner. So when choosing the air conditioner, you must pick the one you need.
Some people like to invest $10,000 for a central air conditioner, while some are satisfied with a 6000 BTU portable or window AC. You need to be realistic when deciding what AC unit and how much power (BTU) you require. Next, you need to decide whether you want to drill holes in your walls or mount an outdoor shell.
All in all, smaller homes or single rooms can be cooled down by a mini split air conditioner. You can also opt for portable AC in individual rooms. This way, you can save both money and energy as you can turn them off individually when not in use.
If you want to cool down the entire place, central air conditioners are often the best choice. Though there are people who prefer geothermal air conditions or whole-home evaporative air conditioners. Note that the initial cost of set up is much higher in the case of a whole-home unit than portable units and mini-split size AC units.
