Choosing which\u00a0air conditioner\u00a0to buy for your home or office can be a complex decision as there are several factors other than just what type of cooling system will suit your needs that need to be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cooling systems fall into one of three main groups \u2013 unitary (or monoblock) systems, split systems and multi-split systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a unitary air conditioner, all three major components fit in one box. These systems can be further categorised into several types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This system is generally mounted on a window, and usually its exhaust system pushes hot air out the back and sides while the refrigerant cooling system points indoors. This makes it less expensive than other units. However, because the compressor is situated in the same place as all the other parts, it\u2019s a lot noisier. (You may have noticed this with your fridge \u2013 you hear some noise while the compressor is working).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Window air conditioners are a good choice for small homes or apartments. Each unit can generally cool only one room at a time, although it can be moved between rooms as necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A disadvantage is that you\u2019ll lose the use of the window that the system is installed in. Also, be wary that units placed close to the ground could easily be reached by burglars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like window air conditioners, through the wall units are self-contained, or unitary, systems. They\u2019re mounted into a sleeve that\u2019s cut out of an exterior wall. These are a good choice if you don\u2019t want to lose the use of a window. They\u2019re also more likely to be energy efficient because an airtight seal is created when they\u2019re installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s best that a professional install this unit because a hole must be cut into the wall of a building strong enough to support the cooling system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Package Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) are often found in hotels, hospitals, businesses and condominiums and apartment buildings that do not offer central air conditioning. These systems are often mounted just above the floor and under a window, and function similarly to window air conditioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These types of air conditioners are most often used in commercial settings but can be a good choice in a home where you need to cool a room that\u2019s significantly warmer than others. A PTAC system is also useful if you\u2019ve added a room to your house and the new room isn\u2019t connected to your existing central cooling ductwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A PTAC system provides similar cooling and heating capacity to a central air-conditioning system but is less expensive to install.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a\u00a0portable air conditioner,\u00a0warm air is expelled through a large exhaust pipe connected through a window or a hole in the wall, directing the warm air outdoors. This type of unit is designed to be inexpensive and easy to install and move. However, it can also be comparatively noisy and limited in capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This type of air conditioner is usually attached high on the wall with two air pipes which are routed from the back directly through the wall. They are ideal for older buildings where planning doesn\u2019t allow for an external condenser unit. Wall mounted air conditioners are thicker than split wall mounted units as the condenser is contained inside. These units also come with heat pumps so they can be used for heating during cooler months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Floor-mounted air conditioners are typically placed against the wall and are similar in size and shape to storage heaters. They function in the same way as wall-mounted systems and can provide cost-effective heating, as well as cooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Split air conditioning systems consist of two parts. The noisiest part of the air conditioner, the compressor, is placed outside, while the much lighter and quieter part, including the control panel, is placed indoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Modern split air conditioning systems are equipped with a remote control, and a heat pump facility for during the colder months. They typically come with a coarse air filter which protects the systems\u2019 coils. They\u2019re also equipped with fine air filters, which help purify the air, removing pollen, dust and odours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a wall-mounted split air conditioner, the wall unit and outside condenser are mounted on either side of a wall, with hosing connecting the two. The positioning of the two components can be varied to suit the design of a specific room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wall-mounted split systems are among the most common of all air conditioner types in residential settings. They\u2019re ideal for providing efficient cooling and minimising operating noise, and provide users with a high degree of control over temperature settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also known as channel or central air conditioners, duct-mounted air conditioning is ideal for a building that has a ducted air system. It\u2019s often used where several zones or rooms, or even separate premises, must be cooled. This makes it suitable for many office premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An advantage of these types of air conditioners is that you can turn off the air conditioning in zones that aren\u2019t occupied or to suit different temperature preferences, without having to run multiple units. However, this system can be expensive and installation is more complex and time-consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Portable units are ideal for someone looking for a simple temporary to semi-permanent solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A portable air conditioner commonly has a plastic sheathed cord, which contains the electrical line and refrigerant pipes. It requires a pipe for venting purposes. This can usually be passed through a window or even a small hole in a wall. Installation of these units is typically quick and easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cassette air conditioners\u00a0are ideal for cooling and heating residential and commercial spaces. The biggest advantage of this type of unit is aesthetics, as the bulk of the unit is unseen as it is above the ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The units can be wall- or ceiling-mounted, or even suspended, in narrow or confined spaces, where it wouldn\u2019t be possible to install a split or ducted system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because the air in these units is distributed in four directions, a centrally mounted unit can deliver an increased cooling (or heating) capacity across a wide area \u2013 one ceiling cassette air conditioner could do the same job as three or four wall units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Multi-split systems are essentially the same as split systems, except that there is more than one indoor unit linked to the external unit\/compressor. The condensers in this type of unit are often more powerful than those in the average air conditioner. They also allow for the option of having different types of indoor units \u2013 wall mounted, ceiling cassette and so on \u2013 to be run from the same condenser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest disadvantage of this type of unit is that if the outside unit breaks, the entire system becomes inoperative. However, a multi-split system may be a more cost-effective alternative than several split systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few factors you need to consider to ensure that you purchase the best possible air conditioner for your home or business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choose an air conditioner with a cooling capacity that is appropriate for the size of the room. Too big and it won\u2019t dehumidify correctly, or it will be switching on and off too often. Too small and you\u2019ll be spending more on electricity. Also pay attention to how many people will be in the room, if it is in a sunny or shady area and if there are appliances in the space as these all influence how warm the room will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cooling systems come with star-based energy efficiency ratings (EERs). The more stars, the better a system\u2019s energy efficiency and the less it will cost to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inverter air conditioners\u00a0are designed to adjust the refrigerant flow inside the unit to control its cooling capacity as required. This eliminates the frequent start-stop cycles that normal air conditioners have \u2013 non-inverters switch off once the desired temperature is reached and then on again when the temperature increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inverter systems are more expensive than their non-inverter counterparts, but use a third less electricity. They also typically have longer lifespans and need less maintenance because the system doesn\u2019t have to work as hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How well your cooling system functions is heavily dependent on how well it is installed. This is especially the case with split systems which require an understanding of where and how to place the external unit\/compressor. A Climitech\u00a0<\/strong>installation\u00a0and service technician will be able to accurately assess your indoor air quality needs and give advice on products and\u00a0maintenance\u00a0requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping the filter clean can save up to 5-10 per cent energy and it can extend the service life of your cooling system. Ensure you can easily access it to clean it. A good filter also ensures clean air by removing dust, germs and odours which is very important for people who suffer from allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The last thing you\u2019d want is to have an air conditioner that ruins your sleep or affects the productivity and concentration of your employees. Each cooling system should have the noise level of operation in its product specifications. A quiet air conditioner would be in the 50 to 60 dB range, roughly the same noise level as quiet conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Climitech specialises in providing affordable and efficient cooling systems to South African homes and businesses. We offer a range of different types of\u00a0air conditioners, give us a call or fill in the form on the contact us<\/a> page to discuss your cooling needs.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Choosing which\u00a0air conditioner\u00a0to buy for your home or office can be a complex decision as there are several factors other than just what type of cooling system will suit your needs that need to be considered. Different types of air conditioners Cooling systems fall into one of three main groups \u2013 unitary (or monoblock) systems,<\/p>\nGood filter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Noise control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n