What's the best type of air conditioner for your needs?

Because all air conditioners aren't created equal, choosing what will work for your home or business can be tough. Here's an overview of the most popular types to best suit your needs and budget.

• While all air conditioning systems use the same five basic components: refrigerant, compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator coil,  they vary in size, power and energy efficiency.
• As such, they're available in a range of price points depending on the system chosen.
• Knowing what to look for can save you money on the initial installation.
• What's more, choosing the right system for your needs, whether commercial or residential, will help you save money on energy costs throughout the life of the system.

Most commonly used for single rooms, window air conditioners are designed to fit within a window frame or gap in a wall.

• In this type of air conditioning unit, all the main components are contained within a single housing.
• Window air conditioners are budget-friendly and effective in small areas.
• Installation can be done quickly, usually by one or two people, and repairs are never too taxing with these units.

Portable air conditioners are self-contained units that can be placed in almost any room of your home.

• Slightly noisier than other options, portable air conditioners work by drawing in fresh air, treating and cooling it, then returning it to the room while simultaneously releasing hot air through a window, a wall hole or drop ceiling.
• Portable air conditioners work great in tandem with central air conditioning to get stubborn, warm rooms cool.
• Portable air conditioners can also be wheeled away, out of sight, for the winter months, so they're not always under foot.

Composed of indoor and outdoor components, this type of air conditioning unit is commonly found in small homes, apartments and hotels.

• Easy to install and easy to operate, the advantage of these units is they don’t take up much space.
• In addition, they use less power than traditional air conditioners.
• Newer split and ductless air conditioners are quiet and remarkably efficient at cooling small areas or single rooms of homes.
• Many can be operated using a wireless infrared remote for maximum convenience.

Central air conditioning units are some of the most powerful air conditioning systems available.

• Able to cool every room of your home, they're quiet and energy-efficient and come with a host of features.
• You can remove and replace a central air conditioning unit’s filters as often as necessary to keep micro-allergens, dust and pollen out of your home – practical if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies.
• Be sure to choose a system that fits your home’s square footage and cooling needs.
• If you select a model that’s too large, your energy bill could rise needlessly.
• In contrast, smaller models may not provide the cool air you desire.

There’s an air conditioner that's perfect for every household, business, climate and budget. If you still can’t decide what’s right for you, speak to an experienced HVAC contractor in your area for more information.