Being informed about the different types of Air Conditioning Systems that exist helps you to make an informed buying decision. You have to take into consideration that it totally depends on your specific needs and the size of the area you want to serve with the AC.
Let’s face it, it also depends on your budget and how much you are willing to invest when it comes to acclimating your home or working space. So, if you want to get all this information then keep reading, you are in the right place.
Types of Air Conditioning Systems
Before learning about the different types of Air Conditioning Systems, it is important for you to know what air conditioning is and how it works.
There are several kinds of Air Conditioning Systems that will perform the same process for different purposes. The appropriate selection of the system depends on your needs because they are all designed to operate under different conditions.
Even though the working principle of these systems is the same as Air Conditioning Units, they can be formed by one or more evaporator/s, condenser/s, and one or more compressors combined into a System.
Interestingly, there is a wide range of air conditioners often seen in apartment complexes and high-rise accommodation buildings that can be used for commercial or residential application.
Local Air Conditioning systems
Local Air Conditioning System mean that the aircon equipment serves a zone without crossing any boundaries.
This is the case for small houses and residential apartments. For buildings and really large spaces, the case is different as they have multiple zones and multiple local systems may be required.
Window/Room Air Conditioner (RAC)
As you can tell by the name, this Air Conditioner is usually installed in the window (or wall) and it only works to cool down one room. It is a common option for small places.
These Box Air Conditioners can be installed in a framed or unframed opening in building walls and in window openings without any duct work. The AC Unit will distribute the cooling or heated air effectively inside the conditioned space. This is because the condenser will be located outside the house while the evaporator will be located inside.
Packaged Rooftop Air-conditioner
In contrast to Room Air Conditioners, a Packaged Rooftop System is designed to serve larger spaces as it will be connected to duct work. It can be arranged in two forms.
For the first one, all components of the air conditioner go in a single box. The cool air will be thrown by the high capacity blower and it will blow through the duct.
The second one, where only the compressor and condenser will go in a single outdoor air con unit while the evaporator heat exchange coil will be located in the specific rooms where the compressed gas will pass through.
Unitary Air Conditioner
These all-inclusive systems are designed for larger structures and spaces, rather than just one room in isolation. This includes ductless systems where all primary components are housed in one AC unit, such as roof top Package Units.
This can also include ducted split systems, including zoned ducted systems, wall split, multi-split, cassette and bulkhead systems where indoor and outdoor units are connected to form one system.
This also includes Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems and other commercial-based air conditioning systems often found in hotels and apartment complexes. A fan coil unit can be located in every single room, while the one outdoor unit is installed on a separate location such as a central plant room or rooftop.
Split Systems
These systems have an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor wall, floor, ceiling, or bulkhead mounted unit. It works if you want to cool down individual rooms. The good news is that for this system you don’t have to make slots in the walls. Split system indoor air con units can be far more aesthetically-pleasing compared to the older style “window rattlers”. They can also occupy less space than many other types of air conditioners.
Central Air Conditioning Systems
Central heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) is the most popular way to condition air in large spaces, as it works effectively and it cools efficiently. Many large buildings, schools, factories, gyms, hotels, among other big structures, use the central air conditioning method.
This is because putting individual units in each room can be more expensive. This system works with a huge condensing unit that produces significant volumes of conditioned air.
However, it does not matter which Air Conditioning System you choose, it is very important for you to let this be designed by an expert and maintained by specialists. In that way, you don’t have to worry about your Air Conditioning System, you only have to enjoy its benefits.
On the other hand, when it comes to aesthetics, it is normal for you to look for a system that has a nice appearance and goes with your home style. As mentioned before, the Split System is the more aesthetically appealing one. However, you may be able to add coverage to your air conditioners that will not only bring a better look, but may protect them as well.
Keep reading to learn about the perfect way to do this.
How to disguise an Air Conditioning Unit?
Sometimes the Air Conditioning Unit doesn’t match the style that we want to show in our homes, or maybe you want to protect it for it to last longer. Either way, there are many good ideas to disguise your air conditioning unit.
Outside your home
- A painted pallet screen
A pallet screen is an easy DIY option as it is cheap, and you just need to be a little artistic. If you don’t know how to paint it, just go for a color that combines well with the house. Whatever screen colour and style you go for, just make sure it doesn’t restrict air flow from the outdoor unit.
- A garden structure
It is perfect to camouflage a condensing unit while adding some style to your garden. Again, just be sure to prevent air flow restriction.
- Plants
You can grow some plants around the condensing unit but be mindful of the wildlife they may bring. Common critters include geckos, lizards, ants, and even green tree frogs. While lovely, these animals can cause damage to your aircon unit if they make it inside.
- Lattice screen
It is perfect to cover your outdoor unit from leaves and other things that may fall in there. It should also be easy to remove when the time for maintenance arrives. Just be sure to keep adequate space around the outdoor unit for air flow.
- Paint the panels
Another option to disguise an air conditioning unit is paint the panels the same colour as the house or wall behind it. This can help to camouflage the system and allow it to blend into its background. Just be sure not to paint the condenser/radiator coil. If you do, it would affect heat transfer and could stop your air conditioner working properly.
Please Note: It is best to avoid a solid box or similar closely built around an outdoor unit (condenser) that completely blocks the flow of air from the air conditioning system. If the airflow is blocked, it would cause the AC unit to overheat, fail and/or not work efficiently. However, you can still disguise air conditioning units in many other ways.
Inside your home
- A cabinet
This is certainly a logically way to help hide an indoor AC unit. If building a cabinet just make sure that you give the unit enough space for the air to flow freely. Be sure to follow manufacturer requirements for space around unit and air flow specifications.
- A shutter box
You can decorate it as you wish and it’s a great idea to disguise an air conditioning unit. As with the cabinet, remember to put enough holes or spaces in the box for the unit to still work properly.
- Decorative panel
There can still be plenty of room for the air to flow but it will look amazing as a decoration.
- Paint the unit
You can paint an air conditioning unit any colour you want! You can paint it the same colour as the wall behind it to help camouflage the unit. Alternatively, you can paint it many colours to create an art piece rather than it just looking like an ordinary AC unit. Just ensure not to paint the evaporator/radiator coil or filters to ensure that heat transfer isn’t impacted and the system still works as designed.
- Consider a designer unit
A range of air conditioning brands have a designer or artistic air conditioner model that would look amazing in your home. Many of them don’t even look like aircon units. Examples include Daikin Zena air conditioner in Black Wood or White Hair Line finishes, Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-LN Series in Black and the previously popular LG Artcool Gallery air conditioning system.
We are confident that after reading this article you will make up your mind regarding Air Conditioners, as well as having good ideas to disguise it once you have it. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave your comment in the comment section. We will be happy to help.
