Because of increasing temperatures around the world, home air conditioning systems are gaining popularity almost everywhere. These have become necessities rather than luxury. In Asian countries, these are especially popular in Singapore and Hong Kong where the majority of their population are living in high-rise apartments, and in India where temperatures can reach more than 45°C.
Such systems are also common in the US and Canada. Both countries have freezing temperatures during the winter but also have very hot weather during the summer. However, these systems are not widely used in European countries due to higher energy costs in those countries, moderate summer temperatures, and because these systems are considered environmentally unfriendly since the refrigerants used are associated with ozone depletion.
Air conditioners come in various sizes, cooling capacities, and prices. The following are the types of home air conditioning systems:
- Window and through-wall units – These are what we commonly see placed in a window or through a wall opening. The warm air is drawn from inside the room and expelled outdoors. Condensation is allowed to freely drip from the unit to the ground.
- Evaporative Coolers –These are often called “Persian coolers” because Iran has the largest number of these units worldwide. These are also called “Swamp coolers”. Evaporative coolers pull air through wet pads, cooling it as the air evaporates the water that has become attached to it.
- Portable Air Conditioners – These are moveable units that can be transferred from one room to another and do not require installation. These work by drawing warm air from a room then expelling it to the outside of the building through a ventilating tube. Condensation is collected in a bucket and requires manual removal. These are usually used in homes, apartments, and small offices or business establishments.
- Split System Central Air Conditioning (ducted A/C) – The compressor or the noisy portion of the unit is placed outdoors. This is the part that cools the air to be blown into the room or building. Condensation is allowed to freely drip from the external unit to the ground. This system allows even cooling of all areas in the house. Almost all central air conditioning systems use the split system.
All home air conditioning systems have their advantages and there will always be one perfect for you. However, before making any purchases and installations, it is always best to consult a professional.