4 Popular Types of AC Systems in California

Air conditioning is an integral component to comfort during the hot summer months in Northern California. Pertaining to this, your comfort largely depends on installing the right type of cooling. The best cooling system for your home will depend on several factors, including your unique cooling needs. These are a few different options available to homeowners.

1. Central Air Conditioning Units

Whole home cooling is a highly popular option as these units can maintain consistent temperatures throughout the space. Central air conditioning systems can be controlled through a single thermostat. They use an extensive duct network for distributing cool air throughout the home. There are two components to the actual air conditioner part – indoor and outdoor.

The air is cooled using refrigerant that transfers heat from inside the home to the outside. The refrigerant changes between gaseous and liquid state rapidly. It transforms into gas after absorbing heat in the liquid form. It returns to a liquid state as it expels heat and restarts the cycle. The cycle continues until a set temperature is reached. There are two types of central air conditioning systems – package and split.

2. Mini-Split Ductless Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners are the most common air conditioning systems. However, smaller homes that cannot accommodate a network of ducts can benefit from installing a mini-split air conditioner as well. These work well in those areas that were added after home renovation or where a central air conditioner is not enough.

Ductless split air conditioners have an indoor and outdoor unit just like central AC systems. The two units are connected through copper tubing that is also responsible for circulating refrigerant. These systems make use of a smaller air handler for cooling a single room, garages, or additions. Each room has a separate air handler for allowing greater control. The best part is that the air handlers go directly on the walls without any damage.

3. Heat Pump

Hybrid heat pump is a lot similar to split system. It pumps heat from one place to the other and can be used as an air conditioner if it has a reversing valve. The unit can work as an air conditioner during the summer months to remove heat from indoors and move it outside. While in the winters, it can extract heat from the outdoor air and condense it to make it warm and the indoors comfortable. Heat pumps are becoming popular since they can reduce energy costs.

4. Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative coolers are another less common type of AC cooling system. These swamp coolers work well in hot and dry climates. They use only air and water for making the interiors comfortable. They are not meant for humid regions since they push air through a moist pad. The air is cooled and then circulated around the house using a fan.

The system helps in bringing down energy costs as the only electricity used is for running the fan. The technology is simpler than a central air conditioning unit which makes it less expensive to install. You need to ensure the evaporative cooler is sized correctly for it to cool your home properly. The cooling capacity is measured as per fan pressure required for circulating cool air.