Pros and Cons of Different Air Conditioning Types

No matter what type of air conditioner you have, your AC unit is very beneficial and will provide you with comfort throughout the hottest summer days. Air conditioners have become an important part of our daily lives and something many of us never want to have to live without. While AC units are beneficial no matter what type you have, there are different AC unit styles to choose from, each having its own pros and cons.

At Climate Mechanics, we offer a variety of air conditioning services, ensuring that your home is comfortable and cool all summer long. Our team of experts can provide services for central air conditioning, heat pumps, and ductless systems. In this blog, we are going to talk about each of these types of AC systems and give you a breakdown of the pros and cons of each. Read on to learn more and be sure to contact us to get your questions answered and find out which is the best AC style for your home.

Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning is a very common type of AC unit in which air is cooled in a central location and then distributed throughout your home with one or more fans and ductwork. While this system is popular, especially in larger homes, there are some pros and cons to be aware of!

Pro

The main benefit of a central air conditioning system is that it provides your home with a consistent and even cool atmosphere. This is a great air conditioning option for ensuring that every room is cooled to the same temperature and that your home stays at a constant temperature. If keeping your entire home at a consistent, cool temperature is important to you, this could be a great option.

Another benefit of a central air conditioning system is that it provides your home with filtered air. As long as your ducts are clean, the filter is changed, and regular maintenance is done on your AC unit, the indoor air quality in your home will be boosted with this filtered cool air being pushed into every room. This means you will have fewer allergens floating through your home, allowing you to breathe cleaner air.

Cons

Keeping your entire home at a cool and consistent temperature requires a lot of energy. The bigger your home is, the more energy your AC unit will use to cool your space. This can lead to high energy bills. While you may not run into too many maintenance issues with your central AC unit, they can be pricey to fix when they do need repairs.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps work by pumping heat from one place to another by using a compressor and a circulation structure of refrigerant. During the winter, heat is extracted from an outside source and pumped into the home. In the summer, this cycle is reversed. Heat is extracted from the inside of the home and pumped outside, acting as an air conditioner. There are several pros and cons of heat pumps that are important to consider.

Pros

There are many benefits to heat pumps that can make them a great option for your home. They have a lower running cost than other systems and have a longer lifespan. Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than other systems and can provide good air quality. These systems are quiet and provide a pretty even cool.

Cons

While there are many pros to heat pumps, there are also some disadvantages to consider. They have higher upfront costs and are tricky to install. They may not be as efficient in extreme weather and are prone to power outages. They also are larger than other systems, taking up more room. Compared to some systems, they may require more maintenance.

Ductless Systems

Ductless systems include two components — one outside and one inside. The outside portion includes the condenser and compressor and feeds cool air through the indoor component. These ductless AC units are a great option for small spaces that can’t support a duct system. A small hole is drilled in the wall to accommodate the tubing that runs from the indoor unit to the outdoor. Again, there are pros and cons to this AC system that could determine if it is a great option for your pace.

Pros

Ductless systems are small and allow for flexibility. You can cool different spaces to different temperatures and only cool areas of your home that need to be cooled. This makes them more energy-efficient options and can help save your money. Since air ducts can often collect dust, contaminants, and pollutants, ductless systems can provide better indoor air quality.

Cons

While ductless systems may provide lower energy bills, they are about the same price initially as a traditional AC system. These systems aren’t hidden like air ducts, which can make them less aesthetically pleasing in your home. While ductless systems are small, there are different sizes to accommodate different spaces, and the size matters. Choosing the wrong size can not only cost you more but can also result in short cycling.

That is a pretty basic breakdown of the different AC systems that we work with. We can help you determine the best air conditioner for your home and provide you with installations, repairs, and regular maintenance when you need it. Contact our team at Climate Mechanics today! We serve locations throughout the Cherry Hill area and can provide you with an estimate.