Types of Air Conditioners: Which AC Suits Me Best?

It’s hard to imagine life in the Middle East without air conditioners. And thankfully, we don’t need to as technology has advanced so much we have many types of ACs for different places and spaces. To help you understand what’s best for you, we’ll list the different types of air conditioners below and who it's most suitable for so you can find the perfect match for your home. Read on.

Central Air Conditioning

One of the most reliable air conditioning choices, the system is designed to cool an entire home or large spaces efficiently. It uses a central unit to cool the air and distributes it through ducts and vents, providing even temperature control throughout your home; a great choice for consistent cooling!

- Easier to install compared to central air systems.
- Can cool specific rooms or zones, allowing for individual temperature control.
- Generally more energy-efficient than window units.
- Quieter operation since the compressor is outside.

- Higher upfront cost than window units.
- Requires professional installation.
- Indoor units can be visually intrusive.

Central air conditioning is ideal for large homes or buildings with existing ductwork and it's also perfect if you're looking for consistent temperature control throughout your entire space.

Split Air Conditioning

Seeking better efficiency? Or even only need to cool specific areas of your home? Split air conditioners are an excellent choice. These systems have some things in common with centralized ACs. They both have two main components: an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units; the outdoor unit is usually a compact box placed outside the house, containing the compressor and condenser while the indoor units are sleek, rectangular boxes mounted high on the interior walls of the rooms they cool. And like centralized AC systems, these indoor units house the evaporator coils and air blowers, connected to the outdoor unit by a series of tubes and electrical wiring that circulate refrigerant and remove heat from the indoor air.

- Relatively low upfront cost.
- Easy to install and remove.
- Compact and does not take up floor space.

- Can obstruct the view from the window.
- Noisier than split or central air conditioners.
- Less energy-efficient for cooling large spaces.
- Limited to rooms with suitable window space.

Depending on the size you get in your space, window air conditioners are ideal for cooling single rooms or small spaces and could even cool a small home if you go for the larger one. They are even perfect for renters or homeowners looking for an affordable and easy-to-install cooling solution that is simultaneously functional and efficient.

Window Air Conditioning

The name implies its formulation; window air conditioners are self-contained units that are installed in a window or a specially designed wall opening with all their components housed inside. They are typically used to cool single rooms. These air conditioners feature a removable filter for easy cleaning to maintain efficiency and they typically have controls on the unit itself and may also come with a remote.

- Relatively low upfront cost.
- Easy to install and remove.
- Compact and does not take up floor space.

- Can obstruct the view from the window.
- Noisier than split or central air conditioners.
- Less energy-efficient for cooling large spaces.
- Limited to rooms with suitable window space.

Depending on the size you get in your space, window air conditioners are ideal for cooling single rooms or small spaces and could even cool a small home if you go for the larger one. They are even perfect for renters or homeowners looking for an affordable and easy-to-install cooling solution that is simultaneously functional and efficient.

Portable Air Conditioning

These are standalone AC units that can be transferred from room to room. They're similar to window air conditioners, but they're more flexible when it comes to mobility in that sense. They use a hose to vent hot air out of a window or through a wall opening.

- Easy to move and reposition.
- No permanent installation required.
- Ideal for temporary cooling needs.

- Less energy-efficient compared to other types.
- Can be noisy.
- Requires a window or venting point for the exhaust hose.
- Typically not as powerful as window or split systems.

They're perfect for those who need a flexible cooling solution that can be moved between rooms. Renters especially like these ideas as they're looking for an adaptable, on-the-go solution that moves wherever they go.

How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner?

It's according to several factors related to your space, budget and needs; here are some tips to help you make the right decision between different AC varieties!

- Size of the Space: Have a larger space? They typically require central or split systems. Alternatively, smaller rooms can be effectively cooled with window ACs or portable units. Our AC calculator points you in the right direction if you’re confused about what size suits your space.

- Existing Infrastructure: Consider whether your home has existing ductwork or suitable windows for installation.

- Sun Exposure: West or South West-facing rooms and homes with lots of windows soak up more sun, requiring a more robust AC unit.

- Insulation: Homes with good insulation retain cool air better, allowing for a slightly smaller unit.

- Flexibility: Prefer an adaptable unit? An AC that can be moved like a portable unit is perfect, or if you looking for something that saves space and has easy installation, window units may be the best choice.

- Aesthetic Preferences: Consider how the unit will fit into your space visually. Split systems have indoor units that can be more noticeable, while central systems are more discreet.

- Budget: Factor in the initial cost, long-term energy efficiency as well as maintenance expenses in the long run; you'll find that some units have higher upfront costs but they may save money in the long run through lower energy bills.

Read more about How to Choose the Right Size AC Unit for Your UAE Home.

Finding Your Perfect AC Match with Taqeef

Have you found the right AC con type for you? It's a match made in heaven with Taqeef, your ultimate partner in cooling! At Taqeef, we offer a wide range of energy-efficient air conditioning types to suit every home and budget, from window ACs to Split and even portable units. Worried about installation? Our expert technicians are ready to help you choose the right AC unit for your needs and ensure its proper installation and maintenance for optimal performance. Contact Taqeef today or visit one of our stores, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with finding your perfect cooling solution, offers, warranties and maintenance plans!