3 Different Types of Cooling Systems to Choose From

Are you in the market for a new cooling system for your home in Palm Beach, Florida? Perhaps your old air conditioner broke down, or you want to upgrade to a newer and more energy efficient model. No matter the case, now’s the time to select and install a cooling system right for your home to beat the high heat and humidity.

With that said, here are three different types of cooling systems to choose from:

Central Air Conditioners

A central air conditioning system circulates cool air through a network of supply vents and ducts. As the cool air circulates throughout your home and becomes warmer, it flows back into the central AC system. During this cycle, the air conditioner helps not only to cool your home but also to dehumidify the air in it. You can purchase a central AC as either a split-system unit or a packaged unit. A professional can help you decide which is best for your comfort needs.

Pros of Central Air Conditioners

• Provide consistent cooling all summer long
• Supply your home with filtered air
• Offer ability to regulate with a smart thermostat

Cons of Central Air Conditioners

• Result in higher energy bills
• Require maintaining the ductwork
• Higher upfront cost to install

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

If you’re adding a new room to your home and don’t want to pay to extend the ductwork to cool it, a ductless mini-split system is a great option to consider. It’s also perfect for people who live in small spaces or want to create multiple zones in their homes. The main benefit is that they help many homeowners save energy and money.

A ductless mini-split system includes an indoor and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit pressurizes the refrigerant in the system and disperses it into the indoor unit through small lines. The indoor unit, which includes the air handler, blower and evaporator coil, then blows cold air into the living space in which you decide to install it.

Pros of Ductless Mini-Split Systems

• Don’t require ductwork
• Easy installation
• Offer zoning capabilities

Cons of Ductless Mini-Split Systems

• Limiting design options
• Don’t dehumidifier the air as well
• Require monthly maintenance

Heat Pumps

A heat pump works to extract heat from one area and move it to another. It transfers the heat by circulating refrigerant in a cycle that involves condensation and evaporation.

The heat pump’s compressor pumps refrigerant between two coils. Refrigerant evaporates at low pressure in one coil and absorbs heat from the surrounding area. The heat pump compresses the refrigerant as it moves to the second coil, where high pressure condenses it. Finally, the heat pump releases all of the heat that it absorbed earlier in the cycle.

A heat pump’s cycle is reversible, which means it can cool your home in the summer and provide it with warmth in the winter. Considering Florida’s climate is relatively mild in the winter, a heat pump makes for a great two-way option.

Pros of Heat Pumps

• Lower operational costs
• Reduce your carbon footprint
• Can last more than 50 years

Cons of Heat Pumps

• High upfront installation costs
• Questionable sustainability
• Can sound extremely noisy

Do you want to learn more about each one of these cooling systems? Let Preferred Air Conditioning & Mechanical, LLC guide you toward purchasing the right air conditioner for your home and comfort needs. Contact us today at 561-202-1422 to speak with one of our expert HVAC service technicians.

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