Image by Airconditionongwizard via Flickr
When it comes to home cooling, there’s a whole host of options you might want to consider. Yet while us Brits are knowledgable about boilers and central heating, we’re not so hot on the choices available to us when it comes to air conditioning. Yet making the right choice, one that is both cost effective and efficient, is incredibly important if you are considering installing air conditioning in your home.
Types of home air conditioning solutions
Before we jump straight into whether or not a “split system” air conditioning unit is ideal for your home, let’s back up just a little bit to explore what is out there.
1. Window Air Conditioner
A window air conditioning unit is ideal for smaller spaces, requires less effort to install, and it houses all of the required cooling components (its condenser, compressor, necessary coils, and other parts) within a neat and tidy package. These are possibly the least expensive option.
2. Tower Air Conditioner
A tower air conditioner is also known as a free-standing floor air conditioner. Tower air conditioners consist of two units –one which belongs inside your home and the other which is located outside of your home. This unit is well-suited for larger rooms as they have greater output than that of window air conditioners.
3. Cassette Air Conditioner
This space-saving air conditioning unit is designed to be inserted into ceilings and are therefore less obtrusive, and fit in well with a range of home décor options. In addition to those perks, they deliver excellent results as cool air sinks from above, allowing them to cool a room more efficiently than those closer to the floor. No ducts or external units are required to make them work either.
4. Cube Air Conditioner
This is a relatively new concept introduced to the air conditioner market by Panasonic. Cube air conditioners are ideally close to a ceiling or at the same level as a window, and have curved fan blades for greater directional air control, in addition to a bigger air intake. Design-wise this are widely regarded as the most aesthetically pleasing if you are not opting for an integrated solution.
5. Split System Air Conditioner
Similar to the tower air conditioner, a split system air conditioner possesses two central units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit which handles draining and warm air removal. The interior unit typically sits just below the ceiling and is often controlled by a remote control.
Is a split system air conditioner right for my home?
These are ideal for homes that have less room for air conditioners that occupy floor space. They’re also practical for homes with awkward sized (or shaped) windows that don’t allow for a window air conditioning unit to be installed (or indeed no window at all).
A split air conditioning unit has additional advantages; they look incredibly subtle and fit in with most interior design schemes. Cool air comes from above allowing for greater cool air circulation, whilst the outdoor unit removes hot air from your home and drains water which is released from condensation. This eradicates the risk of damp as all waste product is effectively removed.
In Conclusion
Split air conditioners are the most popular air conditioner form factor on the market, and widely regarded as the most practical for home use - it is these designs we’ll most commonly see when we’re on holiday installed in villas and apartments. If you’ve ever considered fitting one in your UK home, it’s definitely worthy of further investigation.
