Blog Layout

Comparing Popular Types of Air Conditioners

Mark J. Biel • Jun 02, 2020

Choosing the right type of air conditioner for your home or business can help you save on energy costs. However, with all the different kinds of units available today, it can be overwhelming trying to choose a  new air conditioning  system for your property. You also have to consider various factors such as aesthetics, performance and the ability to provide comfort. 

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the most popular types of air conditioners. 

Types of Air Conditioners 

Window or Room

Window or room air conditioners are popular in apartments and condominiums. They’re ideal for small spaces since they’re compact and packaged. A window AC can easily be installed in an existing window or wall opening. In addition, it doesn’t require ductwork. 

Central

Central air conditioning is found in many homes in the U.S. It moves cool air through your space using a system that utilizes ducts and registers. This type of AC has two categories: a split system unit and a packaged unit. 

A split system features two units joined together with copper refrigerant tubing and control wiring. It’s called ‘split’ because it’s separated into two spaces: the outdoor unit that contains the condenser and compressor and the unit inside that has the evaporator. 

On the other hand, a packaged unit has everything in one place. It’s usually found on the roof or somewhere near the foundation. They’re also a popular option in small commercial buildings where ducts come from the interior to connect to the packed AC unit outside. No matter which type of central air system you prefer, make sure to hire a skilled contractor for its installation. For quality cooling and  new heating system installation , you can rely on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating. 

Ductless Mini-Split

Ductless mini-split air conditioners have gained more popularity in recent years. They’re commonly used in homes with hydronic heat and no existing ductwork. These units are usually small, but they’re split with a unit outdoors and another indoors.  

A ductless mini-split AC can be installed in different parts of your home or building. It’s a good option for those who need zone cooling. This unit doesn’t need a window or wall opening and is usually installed toward the top of the wall. 

Things to Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner

Efficiency

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating determines the efficiency of air conditioners. Older AC models usually have a SEER rating of 10 or below. However, modern ones can’t be lower than 13, and the best products have ratings of at least 20. 

Size

You must choose the right size of equipment for your space. With an undersized unit, it will take longer to cool down your home, and some rooms may be warmer than others. Meanwhile, an oversized unit will cool your home faster, but it won’t run long enough to get rid of excess humidity. 

Noise Levels

You wouldn’t want a noisy AC interrupting your peace and quiet. Fortunately, most of today’s high-quality units run quietly and don’t make much noise. 

Maintenance

Air conditioners require regular maintenance to stay efficient. Ease of maintenance is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing an AC. 

Installer

A skilled HVAC contractor can determine the right size and type of HVAC equipment for your needs. They’ll educate you on the latest, most energy-efficient models. Also, a reputable technician is experienced, licensed and insured. 

At R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, we’re here to assist with all your heating and cooling needs. You can also count on us for  plumbing repairs  and installation. Call us at (505) 327-7755 or fill out our  contact form  to get a free estimate. 

Our Recent Articles

inside of a furnace
By Mark J. Biel 29 Nov, 2023
It's that time of the year again. Temperatures are dropping lower each evening, leaves are falling, and you're ready to start turning on the heater to ward off the chill. But having been dormant for several months, is your heater really ready to jump into winter heating action without having an inspection? Before switching over to heat for your home, take a minute to call the trusted and trained professionals at R. A. Biel to run a heater tune-up and service check. Sound unnecessary? Well, some experts argue that upwards of 75% of heat-related calls in the winter are directly related to a lack of preventative maintenance such as yearly checkups! Don't be left in the cold this winter, and instead check out these 3 reasons why servicing your heater each year is a must.
By Mark J. Biel 29 Jun, 2023
A well-functioning HVAC system is crucial in any home as it contributes to comfort, energy efficiency and a healthy living environment. In this blog post, we explore the factors you should consider when deciding whether to upgrade your HVAC system before putting your house on the market. We also discuss the benefits of upgrading and how regular HVAC maintenance can play a significant role in your home’s value and appeal. Benefits of... Continue Reading The post Why Upgrade Your HVAC Before Putting Your Home on the Market appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 21 Jun, 2023
A sump pump is crucial in protecting your home from water damage, especially during heavy rainfall. It must be maintained regularly and replaced promptly so it can effectively keep your basement and belongings dry. In this blog post, we list the signs indicating it’s time for a new sump pump so you can take the necessary steps to protect your property. Common Signs of a Failing Sump Pump Age Most... Continue Reading The post Signs That You Need a New Sump Pump Installed appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 14 Jun, 2023
Ensuring your AC can keep your home cool all summer is essential for your comfort. Furthermore, preparing your AC for warmer months ensures optimal performance and savings on your energy bills. Continue reading for tips on how to prepare your air conditioning system for the summer season so you can enjoy a perfectly comfortable home. Schedule a Professional Inspection Regular inspection is crucial for keeping your air conditioner running efficiently... Continue Reading The post How to Prep Your AC for the Summer appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
inside of a furnace
By Mark J. Biel 29 Nov, 2023
It's that time of the year again. Temperatures are dropping lower each evening, leaves are falling, and you're ready to start turning on the heater to ward off the chill. But having been dormant for several months, is your heater really ready to jump into winter heating action without having an inspection? Before switching over to heat for your home, take a minute to call the trusted and trained professionals at R. A. Biel to run a heater tune-up and service check. Sound unnecessary? Well, some experts argue that upwards of 75% of heat-related calls in the winter are directly related to a lack of preventative maintenance such as yearly checkups! Don't be left in the cold this winter, and instead check out these 3 reasons why servicing your heater each year is a must.
By Mark J. Biel 29 Jun, 2023
A well-functioning HVAC system is crucial in any home as it contributes to comfort, energy efficiency and a healthy living environment. In this blog post, we explore the factors you should consider when deciding whether to upgrade your HVAC system before putting your house on the market. We also discuss the benefits of upgrading and how regular HVAC maintenance can play a significant role in your home’s value and appeal. Benefits of... Continue Reading The post Why Upgrade Your HVAC Before Putting Your Home on the Market appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 21 Jun, 2023
A sump pump is crucial in protecting your home from water damage, especially during heavy rainfall. It must be maintained regularly and replaced promptly so it can effectively keep your basement and belongings dry. In this blog post, we list the signs indicating it’s time for a new sump pump so you can take the necessary steps to protect your property. Common Signs of a Failing Sump Pump Age Most... Continue Reading The post Signs That You Need a New Sump Pump Installed appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 14 Jun, 2023
Ensuring your AC can keep your home cool all summer is essential for your comfort. Furthermore, preparing your AC for warmer months ensures optimal performance and savings on your energy bills. Continue reading for tips on how to prepare your air conditioning system for the summer season so you can enjoy a perfectly comfortable home. Schedule a Professional Inspection Regular inspection is crucial for keeping your air conditioner running efficiently... Continue Reading The post How to Prep Your AC for the Summer appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 31 May, 2023
Noticing any fluctuations in your home’s indoor comfort levels happening too frequently? The culprit could be the placement of your thermostat. Proper thermostat placement plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable living environment and the efficiency of your HVAC system. To help you out, our HVAC maintenance and repair experts explain the importance of thermostat placement. We’ll also discuss how having it in the right spot can help you save on... Continue Reading The post Why You Should Carefully Consider Your Thermostat Placement appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 29 May, 2023
An air purifier can be a game-changer in improving your home’s indoor air quality. However, knowing how to get the most out of it is essential to truly experience its benefits. In this blog post, our heating and air conditioning repair experts discuss some of the best practices and tips to ensure you and your family can enjoy a healthier living environment. Choosing the Right Air Purifier Various air purifiers are available,... Continue Reading The post Maximize Your Air Purifier With These Helpful Tips appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 25 May, 2023
Are you tired of dealing with persistent plumbing issues in your home? It’s easy to ignore these signs and hope they’ll resolve themselves, but the truth is that plumbing problems can quickly escalate if left unaddressed. Our professional plumbing and new air conditioning team explore a few common signs that determine you’re facing major plumbing problems. We’ll also help you identify which issues require immediate repair. Slow-Draining Sinks We’ve all experienced a... Continue Reading The post How to Determine You Have Major Plumbing Problems appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 28 Apr, 2023
Are you constantly finding yourself with dirty HVAC filters, even after just changing them? Not only can this be frustrating, but it can also affect your system’s efficiency and your home’s air quality. In this blog post, we discuss the importance of clean filters and the common reasons why they might be getting dirty too quickly. HVAC Filters: The Basics Before we dive into the reasons behind your HVAC filters... Continue Reading The post SOS: My HVAC Filters Get Dirty Too Quickly appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 25 Apr, 2023
Clogged pipes can be a real headache, causing slow drainage, unpleasant odors and even water damage in your home. Fortunately, there’s an effective solution for these pesky plumbing issues — hydro-jetting. Discover why hydro-jetting is the best fix for clogged pipes and how it outperforms traditional methods (like drain snaking) when it comes to cleaning pipes. The Problem With Traditional Methods When faced with clogged pipes, many people resort to... Continue Reading The post Why Hydro-Jetting Is the Best Fix for Clogged Pipes appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 21 Apr, 2023
As the days get warmer, it’s time to think about staying cool and comfortable inside your home. A well-functioning AC system plays a crucial role in keeping your indoor environment comfortable during the hot summer months. If you’ve been wondering when is the ideal time to upgrade your AC, this spring might just be the perfect opportunity! Watch out for the signs that indicate it’s time for a new air... Continue Reading The post Should You Upgrade Your AC This Spring? appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
More Posts
Share by: