Different Air Conditioning System Types to Choose From

For cooling larger areas or multiple rooms, an HVAC designer may recommend a packaged air conditioner. In fact, there are two types of packaged systems to consider:

  • All-in-One Packaged Unit – This system combines the compressor, evaporator, expansion valve, and condenser into a single box. As a result, the high-capacity blower distributes cool air through ducts connected to different rooms.

  • Separate Components in One Unit – In this configuration, the compressor and condenser are housed together in one unit, while the cooling coil and expansion valve are placed in separate rooms. Therefore, this setup allows for more flexibility in installation.

Packaged air conditioners are generally used for areas requiring cooling capacities between 5 and 20 tons. Commonly, you’ll find them in small halls, telephone exchanges, and restaurants.

Choosing the right air conditioning system requires considering various factors, such as the total heat generated within an enclosed space and the size of the area that needs cooling. By evaluating these and other related issues, an HVAC designer can recommend the most suitable system for your home or office.

Air Conditioning system types: Window Air Conditioner

Air Conditioning System TypesThe most common air conditioning system for single rooms is the window air conditioner. All of the components—condenser, compressor, cooling coil, evaporator, and expansion valve or coil—fit into a single box. The unit installs in an opening made in the wall, commonly referred to as a window sill.

The different parts of a window air conditioner include the following categories: control system, refrigeration system, ventilation system, electrical protection system, and air circulation system.

The construction of these air conditioning system types consists of two main sections:

The Room Side – This is the cooling side, featuring a well-decorated front panel with both supply and return air grills. You can adjust the louvers on the supply air grills to control the direction of the airflow.

The Outdoor Side – This section releases the heat absorbed from the room air into the atmosphere.

Split Air Conditioner

Another one of the air conditioning system types is the split air conditioner. This system has two portions: the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

Parts of the Indoor Unit of a Split Air Conditioner

The indoor unit of a split air conditioner consists of several essential components that work together to cool the air inside your space. These include:

  • Evaporator or Cooling Coil – Made of copper tubing, the refrigerant enters the cooling coil at low pressure and temperature. As hot room air passes through the cooling coil, it cools down.

  • Air Filter – Positioned just in front of the cooling coil, the air filter removes dirt particles, ensuring that the air entering the room is clean.

  • Cooling Fan – The blower absorbs unclean and hot air from the room and pushes cool, filtered air back into the space.

  • Drain Pipe – Condensed water vapor forms as dew or water droplets around the cooling coil. These droplets are collected in a small compartment and drained away through a pipe.

  • Fins or Louvers – The cool air from the blower is distributed into the room through fins or louvers, which can direct the airflow to the desired area.

Parts of the Outdoor Unit of a Split Air Conditioner

The outdoor unit of a split air conditioner is just as crucial as the indoor unit for proper cooling. The parts of the outdoor unit include:

  • Compressor – The compressor increases the refrigerant’s pressure before sending it to the condenser.

  • Condenser – A coiled copper tubing where the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant from the compressor loses heat and transforms into a liquid.

  • Condenser Cooling Fan – A fan with multiple blades blows air to cool the compressor and condenser, preventing overheating.

  • Expansion Valve – This valve reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant after it exits the condenser, making it ready to absorb heat again in the cooling process.

Packaged Air Conditioner

Types of Packaged Air Conditioning Systems

Packaged air conditioners come in two types, each based on the cooling method for the condenser:

  • Water-Cooled Condenser – This system cools the condenser using water. The refrigerant flows through tubes, while water circulates around the shell. The system requires a continuous supply of water to operate efficiently.

  • Air-Cooled Condenser – In this system, the condenser cools using atmospheric air. The outdoor unit, containing both the compressor and condenser, is placed in an open area where air can freely circulate to cool the system.

These systems are ideal for situations that demand high cooling capacities.

Central Air Conditioning System

For cooling larger structures like hotels, offices, airports, factories, movie theaters, and shopping malls, a central air conditioning system is used. Installing individual units in every room in such large buildings would be costly. A central air conditioning system offers a more cost-effective solution. It consists of a large compressor capable of producing hundreds of tons of cool air.

This system has a large plant room that houses the compressor, evaporator, condenser, and thermostatic expansion valve. These components function similarly to a standard air conditioning system but with greater size and capacity. The compressor type used is an open reciprocating model with multiple cylinders. Like a car engine, it is cooled by water.

Now that we’ve outlined different air conditioning system types, you can decide which best suits your needs. An HVAC designer can provide expert guidance to help you make an informed choice. Reach out to Rite Price Heating and Cooling today to discuss your specific requirements. We’re here to assist you in finding the perfect system for your home or office.