Residential Air Conditioning Systems
Home air conditioning systems provide relief from summer’s intense heat inside our homes. In Wisconsin our summers can be short and intense. But sometimes the mugginess even stretches into September! There are several types of systems used for home air conditioning; central air conditioning split systems, fan coil central air conditioning split systems, ductless air conditioning split systems, wall sleeve central ac unitary systems, and window
Central air conditioning (split) systems
These are the most common systems, which work in cooperation with the forced air furnace usually located in the home’s basement. These systems use an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor evaporator coil (hence the term “split system”) to deliver consistent cooling throughout the whole home.
Fan Coil central air conditioning (split) systems
Also referred to as “air handler” central air conditioning systems. This system type also utilizes an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor evaporator coil. The difference between a fan coil system and a more traditional central air conditioning split system is in what device delivers the cool air to the home. Air handlers are used to allow for central air conditioning systems to be installed in applications where there is not a forced air furnace, such as homes with radiant heating systems. The air handler (fan coil) is the device which facilitates the airflow of cool air through the home. A fan coil system must be ducted to any parts of the home which are to be air conditioned. This can be a comprehensive undertaking if there is not already a ducting system installed.
Ductless air conditioning (mini-split) systems
Ductless air conditioning systems have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their application flexibility for scenarios where traditional ducted systems are not feasible or possible. Ductless systems do not require ducting in order to work. They still utilize the split design: outdoor condenser unit and indoor evaporator. But instead of a ducted air distribution system the ductless system has an evaporator coil and blower fan at each indoor unit. The indoor unit(s) hang on the wall near the ceiling and deliver performance in a manner similar to window air conditioning units, except they are much more efficient than window units.
Wall sleeve central air conditioning (unitary) systems
Also referred to as unitary systems, because both the heating and air conditioning systems are completely housed within the unit. Most often used in multi-unit homes, such as condominiums, where available space for mechanical use may be limited. These systems do not require an outdoor condenser unit or a separate air handler and evaporator coil, because it is all contained within the unit. They are installed on an outside wall of the home (in a wall sleeve) at ground level or above, usually in a mechanical closet. These units are often more noisy than other air conditioning systems because they are usually located on the main living level and they have all of the components of a split system working within one unit. You may here these referred to as “Magic Packs”, because that is the name original manufacturer for the most popular of these types of units.
Window air conditioning units
This is the least reliable and least efficient option for cooling your home. But when August heat sets in they sure are better than nothing! Unfortunately we do not service or offer these units.
