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Types of Air Conditoners

Last updated on Aug 7, 2024

Air conditioners are essential components in various commercial settings, providing comfort and temperature control for employees, customers, and equipment. Understanding the different types of air conditioners available is crucial for businesses looking to invest in a cooling system that meets their specific needs. From traditional central air conditioning units to more specialized options like portable air conditioners and ductless mini-split systems, there are various choices to consider. Whether you're looking to cool an industrial setting like a warehouse or just looking to keep a small restaurant cool, it's important to evaluate your space's requirements before making a decision.


Shop All Commercial Air Conditioners

Use the following links to explore the different aspects of commercial air conditioners:
  1. Air Conditioner Types
  2. Air Conditioner Features
  3. Air Conditioner Parts and Accessories
  4. Air Conditioner FAQ

Air Conditioner Types

When it comes to selecting an air conditioner for your commercial space, there are several types to choose from, each designed for specific applications and environments. Understanding the different types of air conditioners available can help you make an informed decision based on your business needs.

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1. What Is a Central Air Conditioner?

These systems consist of an outdoor unit that houses the compressor, condenser coil, and fan, as well as an indoor unit containing the evaporator coil and an air handler. The two units are connected by a network of ducts that distribute the cooled air throughout the building. One key advantage of central air conditioners is their ability to provide consistent and even cooling throughout a space, ensuring a comfortable environment for employees and customers alike. 

  • Provides consistent, even cooling
  • Operates quietly
  • Equipped with air filtration features that help improve indoor air quality by removing dust, allergens, and other particles from the air

How Does a Central Air Conditioner Work?

The compressor, typically located outside the building, pressurizes and circulates the refrigerant through the system, converting it from a gas to a liquid and back again. As the refrigerant travels through the system, it enters the condenser coil where it releases heat and becomes a high-pressure, high-temperature gas. The hot gas then flows through the expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and temperature, transforming it into a cool, low-pressure gas.

The cool gas is then directed to the evaporator coil inside the building, where it absorbs heat from the indoor air. The warm air from the building is drawn into the system through return air ducts, passes over the evaporator coil, and is cooled before being redistributed through supply air ducts back into the building. The cycle continues as the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it outside the building, maintaining a comfortable temperature inside. Central air conditioners also have a fan that helps to circulate the conditioned air throughout the building and ensure even cooling.

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2. What Is a Mini Split Air Conditioner?

Mini split air conditioners, also known as ductless air conditioners, are a popular choice for commercial spaces due to their efficiency and flexibility. These systems consist of two main components: an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air-handling units. Mini split air conditioners are a great solution for businesses looking to cool individual rooms or zones independently. 

  • Don't require ductwork, making them energy-efficient
  • Can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or floors, allowing for customizable placement to suit the layout of the commercial space
  • Offer quiet operation

How Does a Mini Split Air Conditioner Work?

The cooling process begins when the refrigerant in the outdoor unit absorbs heat from the indoor air, converting it from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid. The refrigerant is then pumped into the indoor unit, where it releases the heat, cooling the air in the process. The blower fan circulates the cooled air back into the room, creating a comfortable indoor environment.

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3. What Is a Portable Air Conditioner?

Portable air conditioners are versatile cooling units that are designed to provide a convenient and flexible solution for commercial spaces in need of temporary or supplementary cooling. These units are typically freestanding and can be easily moved from one location to another, making them ideal for spaces where permanent installation is not feasible or practical. Unlike traditional window or split air conditioning systems that require professional installation, portable units can be set up by simply plugging them into a standard electrical outlet and positioning the exhaust hose for proper ventilation.

  • Doesn't require installation
  • Convenient and cost-effective
  • Great for cooling isolated and inconvenient locations

 

How Does a Portable Air Conditioner Work?

Portable air conditioners draw in warm air from the surrounding environment through the front grille of the unit, the warm air is then passed over the evaporator coils, where it absorbs heat. The absorbed heat is transferred to the refrigerant circulating within the evaporator coils. As the refrigerant absorbs the heat, it changes from a liquid to a gas, cooling the air in the process.

The now-cooled air is expelled back into the room, while the hot refrigerant gas is pumped to the condenser coils located at the back of the unit. The excess heat generated during the cooling process is expelled through the exhaust hose, which is typically vented out of a window or a drop ceiling. This ensures that the hot air is released outside the building, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.

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4. What Is a Window Air Conditioner?

These units are designed to be mounted in a window or through a wall, providing efficient cooling for various types of businesses. One of the key advantages of window air conditioners is their simplicity. These units typically consist of a single, self-contained system that includes the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and cooling coil all housed in a single unit. This compact design makes window air conditioners easy to install and maintain, making them a convenient choice for businesses looking to quickly cool a specific area.

  • Simple installation and maintenance
  • Great for cooling single rooms
  • Cost-effective cooling solution

 

How Does a Window Air Conditioner Work?

Window air conditioners operate on a simple principle of refrigeration. The unit consists of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator coil. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant gas, which then flows to the condenser where it releases heat to the outside environment. As the refrigerant cools and condenses, it transforms into a high-pressure liquid.


The high-pressure liquid refrigerant then flows through the expansion valve, where it undergoes a rapid decrease in pressure. This causes the refrigerant to evaporate and absorb heat from the indoor air passing over the evaporator coil. The now-cooled air is then circulated back into the room, while the warm refrigerant returns to the compressor to restart the cycle.

 

Air Conditioner Features

When selecting an air conditioner for your commercial space, it's essential to consider the features that will best suit your needs. Different air conditioners have certain characteristics that make their use easier and more efficient. Understanding the various features available can help you make an informed decision.

Air conditioner servicing
  • Energy Star Qualified - Energy Star qualified air conditioners are designed to be more energy-efficient, helping to reduce your energy consumption and lower utility costs. These units are also environmentally friendly, as they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Multi-Zone Cooling - This feature allows the air conditioner to cool multiple areas or zones independently, providing greater flexibility and control over the temperature in different parts of your space. Multi-zone cooling can be particularly useful in offices with varying temperature preferences or buildings with different cooling requirements.
  • WiFi-Enabled - WiFi-enabled air conditioners allow you to monitor and adjust the temperature remotely using a smartphone or other connected device. This feature is especially beneficial for businesses with varying operating hours or for managing multiple locations from a centralized system.

Air Conditioner Parts and Accessories

Knowing the various parts and accessories that make up an air conditioning system is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Understanding how to properly outfit and repair your air conditioners helps extend their lifespan and ensures you get the most out of your units.

Air conditioner servicing
  • Air Ducts - Air ducts are channels that distribute cooled air throughout a building. Properly sized and sealed ductwork is essential for efficient airflow and temperature control.
  • Filters - Filters are designed to trap dust, debris, and other particles to improve air quality and protect the air conditioning system. Replace your filters regularly to maintain maximum efficiency in your unit.
  • Ducting Kits - Ducting kits are used to connect air conditioning units to air ducts, ensuring a secure and efficient transfer of cooled air throughout the space.
  • Evaporator Coils - Evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat from indoor air, cooling it down, and then releasing the cooled air back into the space. Keep your exaporator coils clean and functional to ensure efficient use.
  • Chutes - Chutes help direct airflow in a specific direction, ensuring that cooled air is distributed evenly throughout the space. Position your air conditioner's chutes properly to improve air circulation and temperature control.

Air Conditioner FAQ

Below, we discuss some of the most frequently asked questions regarding air conditioners:

How Long Does an Air Conditioner Last?

On average, the lifespan of a commercial air conditioner ranges from 15 to 20 years. However, several factors can influence the longevity of an air conditioning unit. Proper installation by a professional technician is crucial in ensuring the system operates efficiently and lasts as long as possible. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting the overall condition of the unit, can also extend its lifespan.

The environment in which the air conditioner operates plays a significant role in its longevity. Units that are exposed to harsh weather conditions, excessive dirt, or debris may wear out faster than those in a controlled indoor environment. Additionally, the frequency of use and the size of the space being cooled can impact how long an air conditioner lasts.

What Is BTU?

BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a unit of measurement used to determine the amount of heat energy an air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. The higher the BTU rating, the greater the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. For commercial applications, it's essential to calculate the appropriate BTU level to ensure efficient cooling without overspending on energy costs. Factors such as the size of the room, insulation, number of occupants, and heat-generating equipment play a significant role in determining the required BTU rating for an air conditioner.

What Is a Heat Pump Air Conditioner?

Heat pump air conditioners are versatile HVAC systems that provide both cooling and heating functions. Unlike traditional air conditioners that only cool the air, heat pump air conditioners can reverse the refrigeration cycle to provide warmth during colder months.

These systems work by transferring heat from one space to another using a refrigerant. In cooling mode, the heat pump removes heat from inside a building and releases it outside. In heating mode, the process is reversed, extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it inside.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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