An air conditioning system is what it is – it can cool a room or a house. Most air conditioners are powered by electricity, but some can be powered by gas. Let’s see clearer below.
How does an air conditioner work?
Based on the circulation and transformation of a refrigerant, the operation of an air conditioner is quite complex. While evaporation ensures the absorption of heat, condensation takes place with the rejection of heat. The principle is the same as in a refrigerator; heat is captured at one point and rejected at the other.
The essential components are the compressor, evaporator, condenser, and expansion valve. To these, it is necessary to integrate the refrigeration connections and the refrigerant.
Two main types of air conditioners: monobloc and split
There are two different types of air conditioners: the packaged air conditioner and the split air conditioner.
The air conditioner monobloc
The single-package air conditioner, as its name suggests, consists of a single unit. The air conditioner works based on a thermodynamic cycle composed of four basic elements: the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator.
This principle is the same regardless of the type of air conditioner. For the monobloc air conditioning, these four elements are found in a single indoor unit.
Of moderate power, it is used preferably in small spaces. It will help if you place it near a window to allow the air to be evacuated to the outside through the exhaust duct or by drilling a wall for the ducts. Air conditioners also evacuate heat on a water loop or a wastewater system (beware of the price related to the important water consumption).
The air conditioner contains a refrigerant to capture and reject heat at variable temperatures. This fluid reacts like water, with a boiling point (water boils at 100°C) and a condensation point (the water vapor becomes liquid again in contact with a cold wall).
The air conditioner is available in different models: mobile (on wheels), fixed (on a wall or the floor), but easy to install in windows (embedded in a window).
Important: don’t forget to provide a drain or a container to be emptied frequently for condensate.
The split air conditioner
The split system consists of at least one indoor and one outdoor unit with the same elements as mentioned above. Several indoor units can be connected to a single outdoor unit.
Generally, a multi-split can be composed of two to four indoor units. Some manufacturers may offer solutions with more units, five to six, but rarely more.
In air-conditioning mode, the indoor unit (often in the form of a wall-mounted cassette in the house) contains the evaporator that will capture the heat from the air through a coil and a fan to circulate the air and cool the room evenly. The outdoor unit contains the compressor, the condenser, and the expansion valve.
These air conditioners are less noisy (compressor outside) and more efficient than single-package air conditioners.
Tip: To air condition a single room, choose a single-split air conditioner, the most economical and easiest to install. Choose a multi-split air conditioner for multiple rooms, with one unit per room, sometimes with remote control.
5 types of split air conditioners
Their mobility and location determine the different types of split air conditioners.
1. The mobile air conditioner
It is a device you can move on wheels to move, connected to the outdoor unit by a pipe or a duct. It is a mono split.
The mobile air conditioner is not very aesthetic and often noisy. It can only be a temporary solution.
2. The wall-mounted air conditioner
This is the most common air conditioner. It is fixed in height on a wall (the pipes can be embedded or hidden in a duct).
The wall-mounted air conditioner is more aesthetic and takes up less space. It is found in the form of mono or multi-split.
3. The console air conditioner
This device is placed on the floor or fixed on the wall. It can be with the simple flow (only one air outlet on the top) or double flow (one outlet on the top and one on the floor).
The console air conditioner is also smaller and more discreet.
4. The cassette air conditioner
This air conditioner has 1 to 4 air outlets and can be installed in a false ceiling. It is mighty; you can use it in rooms of 60 to 70 m2 and even under a ceiling height of 3 meters.
Often used in offices, the cassette air conditioner offers a homogeneous air distribution.
5. Ductable air conditioner
The ducted air conditioner has high power. It is invisible; only the ventilation grilles are visible. The network of ducts connecting the units is hidden under the ceiling. It has the advantage of not wasting space.
The only drawback is that you can only install this ducted air conditioner under false ceilings or attics. Its installation can therefore involve significant installation work.
Comparison of air conditioners
To differentiate among all these air conditioners and make the right choice for your home, here is a summary table.
|
Types of air conditioners |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Monobloc |
Mobile |
Easy to install and mobile |
Noisy and must be placed near a window to exhaust hot air. |
From $400 to $800 |
|
Fixed |
Easy to install |
Noisy. Drilling to evacuate hot air to the outside. |
From $800 to $1,400 |
|
|
In Windows |
Easy to install |
Noisy |
From $400 to $800 |
|
|
Split |
Mobile |
Easy to install |
Must be placed near a window to link the two units. |
From $1,000 to $1,400 |
|
Wall-mounted |
Quiet and efficient |
More complex installation. Commissioning by a professional. |
From $1 000 |
|
|
Console |
Quiet and efficient |
More complex installation. Commissioning by a professional. |
Starting at $1 000 |
|
|
Heat pump |
Silencieux, performant et discret |
Quiet, efficient, and discreet More complex installation. Commissioning by a professional. Requires a false ceiling or attic space. |
Starting at $1,500 |
|
|
Cassette |
Silencieux, performant, convient à de grands volumes et discret |
Quiet, efficient, suitable for large volumes and discreet More complex installation. Commissioning by a professional. Requires a false ceiling. |
Starting at $1,700 |
|