Everyone knows how to turn on their air conditioner, but do you know what type you have? Understanding your cooling system is essential, especially as temperatures continue to rise. By recognizing home cooling systems, you may more accurately examine any linked concerns or problems. Understanding the cooling component is also beneficial for HVAC system maintenance from Smith Plumbing and Heating.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is the type of cooling system in your home?” You’ve arrived at the right place!
Types Of Cooling Systems For Home
Here are the different types of cooling systems to take note of:
Central Air Conditioning System
Central air conditioning systems are meant to chill the entire house. These systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit that conducts air to an indoor coil, which generates and distributes conditioned air via air ducts. These ducts are then connected to vents, with one vent supplying cold air to each room and the other returning air for recirculation.
This is the most used type of home cooling.
Heat Pump
The primary difference between heat pumps and central air conditioning systems is that heat pumps have dual functionality. Heat pumps operate similarly to air conditioners, with exterior compressors and indoor coils, but this process can be altered to produce heat instead of cool air. Heat pumps improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by combining heating and cooling into a single system. However, this is accompanied by a weaker performance.
Turn on your heating to determine whether your cooling system is a central air conditioner or heat pump. If the outdoor unit starts to operate and makes noise, you have a heat pump. Another method is to locate the outside unit’s model number and then search it online.
Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning System
As their name suggests, ductless mini-split systems operate without the use of air ducts. Instead, a mini-split cooling system uses one outdoor compressor and one indoor unit for each room or sector of a home. With each section having its own indoor unit, you have greater cooling flexibility, as you can cool only select rooms as opposed to the entire house.
This type of system is less prevalent than traditional systems, partly due to its higher initial cost. Mini-splits are more widespread in other countries. Contact Smith Plumbing and Heating if you need any service!
Evaporative Cooler/Swamp Cooler
Although these are better suited to drier regions, some homes still feature evaporative coolers. Evaporative coolers are not equipped with refrigerants. Instead, they draw in air from the outdoors and cool it by evaporation. The cold air and humidity are then circulated throughout your home. Evaporative coolers can be installed with ducts by Smith Pink Trucks comparable to a central air conditioning system, or they can be portable.
Room/Window Air Conditioning System
This is the most affordable and portable type of air conditioning. Room and window air conditioners are utilized to cool individual rooms as opposed to the full residence. They consist of a single unit that is installed directly in the room being cooled. Room and window air conditioners often consume less energy than central air conditioners and heat pumps. However, they provide less cooling and are more likely to break down.
Last Words
Depending on the size of the room or window AC, a separate circuit may be required. While the majority of smaller models should be compatible with any 15- or 20-amp outlet, others may require a 230-volt dedicated circuit.
One of the first tasks in HVAC maintenance is identifying the type of cooling system you have. And if you need professional HVAC services for home cooling systems, contact Smith Pink Trucks now.
