The most common aircon types in South Africa are
- Split air conditioners/ ductless mini split air conditioners
- Window air conditioning/Console air conditioners
- Central air conditioners/ducted split air conditioners
- Portable air conditioners
Summary of The Different Aircon Types
Window air conditioners
They are good at cooling small spaces and rooms. Window air conditioners are installed in the window of a room.
The system cools a room by emitting the warm air out the back of it and blowing cool air into it. Cooling for large rooms is not as effective for this type of air conditioner and hence it is not ideal for a bigger household.
Split Air Conditioner System
The systems splits the aircon into an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and they have an electrical link to the indoor unit
There are 3 components of outdoor unit are the compressor, the condenser coil and expansion coil. The outdoor unit houses these three components. Inside the room is the indoor unit, which houses the cooling coil, blower and filter
Central Air Conditioning System
This aircon type makes use of ducts to bring in and take out air. It is very efficient at cooling and covers a bigger space. The ducting system can be extended to all rooms with the freedom of controlling desired temperature for each room.
Portable air conditioners
Of all the aircon types, this one is free to be located anywhere. There is however a need to be near a window. The hot air is “thrown out” by means of a venting pipe.
How to choose the appropriate aircon type
Since various options are available, it may be very confusing to select the ideal air conditioning system for your home or office.
It is useful to ask yourself these questions before you make your choice. These questions will help you narrow down
- How big a space do i need cover for? Any plans of extending the area covered?
- Is energy saving the biggest priority, that is, you do not mind an initial high installation cost for the sack of long term energy savings
- Do you plan to cover all rooms of the house or office block?