Most of the time, we couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. However, the heat of Florida summers can sometimes leave us day-dreaming about taking a long, arctic cruise to colder climates! The right cooling system can make a dramatic difference, even on the hottest summer days. Are you ready to discover which system is right for you? Well, the team at Freedom Air and Heat is here to help you narrow down your options by telling you about 6 types of AC systems.

1. Central AC

First on our list is the most commonly-used household system, central AC. Circulating air through a system of supply ducts and return registers, central AC is one of the most efficient options to cool and dehumidify your home. Although the basic ducts and registers are used in all central AC options, there are four different types of systems to consider:

• Split-System

Split-systems feature an indoor evaporator coil to remove heat and moisture and an outdoor condenser that releases the heat and pumps refrigerant to the indoor coil. Then, with a blower, cool air circulates through a duct network that connects to the indoor component. Because this system can share the duct-work with a central furnace, it is the most economical option if your home uses one.

• Packaged System

As the name denotes, a packaged system combines the evaporator, condenser, and compressor in a single unit. Usually outside on the roof or near the foundation, the air conditioner draws in and returns cooled air to your home through ducts in the exterior wall. An added benefit of this system is the option to eliminate the need for a separate furnace by using it in conjunction with a set of heating coils or natural gas furnace.

• Heat Pump System

Offering a variation of the traditional split-system, a heat pump system can effectively cool and heat your house. That being said, a heat pump system tends to work more effectively in climates that have milder winters. This is because it heats an indoor space by extracting heat from the outdoor air and using it to warm the air inside.

• Ductless Mini-Split AC

If your home does not have duct work, this could be a good option to consider. Like its standard counterpart, a ductless mini-split system combines an outdoor compressor and condenser with indoor air units. The difference lies in how these two split-systems deliver the cool air inside your home. Without ducts as a network through which the cool air can travel into your home, this system requires multiple units to cool individual rooms. Therefore, a benefit of a ductless mini-split system is the independent temperature control you have in each room of your house. Furthermore, this can help you save money and lower the amount of wasted energy that often comes with duct-work.

2. Evaporative Coolers

Second on our list of AC systems are evaporative coolers. Although these are less commonly-used in households, they can be a practical option for cooling homes in dry climates, such as areas in the Southwest region. Pulling fresh air from outside through moist pads that use evaporation to cool it, this system can offer relief to a home with dry air. Also, since the fan is the only mechanical component of this system that uses electricity, an evaporative cooler can save up to 75% on your cooling costs during the summer months.

3. Room AC Units

Available for mounting in windows or through walls, room AC units are a viable option for cooling an apartment or smaller home. Regardless of where it is mounted, a room AC unit operates with the compressor located outside. Designed to cool only one room, this type of unit costs less upfront than central systems. In order to purchase the best unit for your home, you should look for a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Simply put, the EER rating reflects the efficiency of a room unit by dividing its cooling output by how much power it consumes.

4. Portable Units

Considered the next generator of window units, portable air conditioners are also designed to cool only one room. Taking in air from the room, this unit cools that air and returns it to the room. Meanwhile, the unit redirects warm air outside with an exhaust hose that’s installed in a window. With its easy installation and versatility, a portable unit can be an affordable option to help you stay cool throughout hot summer days.

5. Hybrid AC

Another AC option to consider that can save you some money is a hybrid system. Because it can alternate between burning fossil fuels and using electricity to operate, a hybrid AC system saves  energy and money. Using a heat pump, a hybrid system pulls heat from your home and dispenses it outside. Conversely, during winter, this system uses a heat pump to pull heat from the outside and into your home.

6. Geothermal Heating and Cooling

If you are interested in exploring an option that uses sustainable energy, consider using a geothermal system. In addition to being energy efficient, a geothermal system has a longer lifespan. Essentially, this system draws geothermal heat from the ground through a pump. Then, it carries it into your home during the winter. Conversely, it draws heat out of your home and back into the ground during the summer time. In other words, the ground serves as a heat source or a heat vacuum, depending on the season.

Discover the Perfect AC System for Your Home

With all the different types of AC systems, finding the right one for your home can seem daunting . If you’re looking to upgrade to a better system, let the pros at Freedom Air and Heat help! Our team is dedicated to helping residents along the Treasure Coast get the most out of life in the Sunshine State. Allow us to help you maximize the comfort of your home by calling us today at 321-631-6886 or filling out a service request form on our website!