Which Type of Air Conditioning Should You Install?

If you’re looking to install air conditioning for the first time or to replace an existing system, it is important to think about the type of system that you want to have. Air conditioning systems can work in a variety of different ways, so you need to consider the type of building that it will be installed in, and the way in which you need to use it in order to determine which one is best for you.

In this article, Dominic Little, Director of Chill Air Conditioning looks at some of the most common types of air conditioning and what their benefits are to help you decide which system you should install.

Central air conditioning

Central air conditioning is one of the most popular types of air conditioning, which uses a large compressor installed outside the building, and multiple vents and ducts to move the air around the inside of the building. This can be a fantastic solution for larger buildings, such as commercial spaces that have multiple rooms requiring air conditioning.

This does often have a much higher initial installation cost but can be a more cost-effective system to run as it will allow for even heat distribution throughout the building. The ducts are also very discreet and can easily merge in with the rest of the interior to ensure that it is also an aesthetically pleasing system.

However, it is important to remember that retrofitting a central air conditioning system might be difficult due to planning regulations, and the building may require some modifications in order for a practical solution to be achieved.

Multi system air conditioning

As an alternative to the ducts found in central air conditioning, a multi-system air conditioning setup uses wall, floor, or ceiling mounted air conditioning units, and will usually consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units.

This means that the noisier component of the air conditioning system is kept outside to minimise any disruption within the building and the internal units usually do not require complicated ducts or shaft systems which makes the installation process much simpler.

The split air conditioning system also allows you to have optimal climate control in multiple rooms which allows for much greater levels of flexibility.

Floor mounted air conditioning

Floor-mounted air conditioning is much more easily accessible as the units are placed directly on the floor of a room. This can make cleaning and maintenance much more straightforward and also makes them a better option for awkward small spaces. They can be easy to install, but it is important to remember that they will take up precious floor space and should not be blocked by furniture.

Portable air conditioning

In the UK, portable air conditioning has tended to be one of the more popular systems as it consists of standalone units that can be moved around according to need. These should be located close to a window so the vent pipe can be positioned out of the window to allow hot air to be pumped outside.

These systems do not require any permanent installation, making them ideal for small areas and they can be a great affordable option, but they are often large heavy units that can be quite noisy when in use.

Whilst many parts of the world use air conditioning as standard, it is still a relatively new phenomenon in the UK. However, as summer temperatures continue to rise, it is becoming a feature that is more in demand both in domestic and commercial settings. Many people are now discovering how practical an air conditioning system can be, not only during the summer months, but throughout the year as it can play a significant role in making environments more comfortable and increasing indoor air quality.