The Six Different Types of
Air Conditioners

Air conditioning systems come in several shapes, styles, and designs and provide properties with comfortable, cool air during Arizona’s scorching summer season. However, with so many models to choose from, searching for one can sometimes feel overwhelming. Understanding each model and its benefits will make your search much easier while ensuring you find one that matches your needs and budget.

Below are some common types of air conditioners in Maricopa, AZ.

1. Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioners are the most common AC variety and allow homeowners to cool numerous rooms simultaneously. They utilize a property’s ductwork to distribute chilled air throughout its interior via a split system. 

Since central air conditioners use split systems, they consist of two parts:

• An outdoor unit
• An indoor unit

The outdoor unit features the system’s compressor and condenser, while the indoor unit contains the air handler and evaporator coils. The units work together to remove heat from your home’s interior and push cool, comfortable air through the air ducts. 

However, central air conditioners demand a lot of energy and can increase your monthly energy bills. Dirty and/or faulty air ducts can also drastically reduce the unit’s performance, requiring you to maintain them regularly. That said, central air conditioners are fantastic models that keep homes and businesses nice and cool during the hottest summers.

2. Window Air Conditioners

Window air conditioners are also very common and allow homeowners to cool individual rooms without affecting another. They are one of the most cost-effective models and work best in smaller homes and businesses. However, they are somewhat noisy and can fall out of the window if you don’t install them correctly.

3. Smart Air Conditioners

Smart air conditioners are the most advanced model and allow you to set temperature schedules remotely via a remote or phone/tablet app. They connect to a property’s smart home system and make adjusting interior climates extremely convenient. Simply create a cooling schedule through the remote control or app and enjoy cool air without getting off the couch.

Smart air conditioners come in several varieties, ranging from central AC systems to portable air conditioners. However, this causes their prices to fluctuate drastically, costing anywhere from $200 to $8,000.

4. Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners

Ductless mini-split air conditioners pump chilled air into homes without requiring air ducts. They feature a compact blower and outdoor condenser connected by a big conduit that helps refrigerant circulation. They are smaller than traditional air conditioners and work well for cooling rooms constructed after installing a central AC system.

However, these air conditioners are rather pricey and can surpass $14,000.

5. Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are small, moveable AC units that give rooms additional cooling when traditional air conditioners can’t maintain a comfortable temperature. They are set up inside your home but require the exhaust hose to run out a window to dispose of heat.

Most portable air conditioners are very affordable and easy to use but take up interior floor space. 

6. Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners

Through-the-wall air conditioners share many similarities with mini-split variations and provide adequate cooling in properties without air ducts. However, unlike mini-split models, through-the-wall air conditioning systems connect to an outdoor unit. They install along a property’s interior wall and require a hole the size of the entire unit.

However, since most people don’t want to cut a large hole in their homes, through-the-wall air conditioners aren’t as popular as other variations.