The Different Types of Air Conditioners

Living in Singapore can be uncomfortable, due to the sometimes scorching weather. But thanks to air conditioners, we can enjoy cool, comfortable temperatures in our homes or offices, no matter what it looks like outside. 

The result of humanity’s constant quest for convenience, the air conditioner came about in the early years of the 19th century. Many of the first consumers thought it was a marvelous device—after all, the air conditioner was one of the first and only devices at the time that could manipulate the environment. These early devices did little more than blast cool air into a room. 

Today, modern air conditioners do so much more. Not only do they remove heat from the air and cool a room, they also have dehumidification and purification features, removing moisture and airborne microorganisms from the air. In fact, almost all modern air conditioners come with innovative new features that make air conditioners the heavy-duty, multi-functional machines they are today. Searching for a new air conditioner for your home or business? Familiarize yourself with these different essential AC parts to pay attention to when you go shopping:

The Different Parts Used in Modern Aircon Units

1. Timer

The AC timer allows you to put a timer on how long the AC will run. This is especially useful if you don’t like your room too cold when you sleep, as you can turn the AC timer on and have it power down after you fall asleep. This is also an excellent energy-saving feature!

2. Vav Box

The Vav Box of the AC controls the cooling mode, and should have an easy-to-understand interface. 

3. Rear Netting

This is the net covering the outer side of the AC, and should be made of durable, water-proof and rust-proof material to ensure that your air conditioner unit lasts for a long while.

4. Aluminum Collar Damper

Part of newer air conditioners, an aluminum collar damper is integrated into the air conditioner to avoid the rattling noise common in earlier models. This makes for a quieter system for those who dislike the loud humming noise associated with air conditioners. 

5. Brass Distributors

Air conditioners come with either Copper or Brass Distributors. We recommend Brass Distributors though, as they have corrosion resistance and are thus more durable. 

6. Grills and Louver

The grills and louver are underrated—but very important—parts of the air conditioner. These parts provide weather protection for the outdoor unit and allow for maximum air flow. You’ll want to make sure the grills and louver are made from high-quality, durable material.

The Different Types of Aircon

Now that you’re familiar with the different parts of the modern air conditioner, did you know that there are different types of aircons too? Probably everyone in the country is familiar with the standard wall-mounted air conditioner, but did you know that there are portable air conditioners, or ceiling-mounted air conditioners as well? Read more to find out which type of aircon would be more suitable for you and your home:

Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners

Probably the “standard” and most popular type of air conditioner in Singapore. There are tons of brands that provide wall air conditioners to consumers across the world. Wall-mounted air conditioners are also suitable for small living spaces, as they take up less indoor space than other types of air conditioners. Modern, quiet, and easy to install, it’s no wonder that wall-mounted air conditioners are the most popular option for both homeowners and business owners alike. 

Ceiling or Floor Type Air Conditioners

These types of air conditioners are quite popular in very large rooms or in offices. They’re also popular in public indoor spaces such as restaurants, schools, or indoor parks. Since these air conditioner types are installed in the ceiling or in the floor, the airflow is much better than with a wall-mounted air conditioner, and thus better suited to evenly cool a large space.

Package Type Air Conditioners

Package type air conditioners look like closets—they’re usually quite big and bulky and are named because they resemble giant packages. Since these units are a little outdated, you can usually find them in old government offices. The advantages of this type of aircon is that they’re incredibly easy to install and have superb cooling power. The downside? Package type air conditioners aren’t very energy efficient, and can be noisy as well. 

Built-In Type Air Conditioners

These types of aircon can be hidden in the ceiling, and are usually the first choice for anyone who prioritizes the design or aesthetics of a room. This is due to the fact that built-in type air conditioners are hidden in the ceiling, cooling down a room discreetly. However, you’ll probably only ever find these types of air conditioners in commercial spaces, as they’re notoriously difficult to install. 

Window Casement Air Conditioners

These types of air conditioners were made for small apartments, as their cooling power isn’t as strong as the other types of air conditioners. However, since these units are installed in windows rather than mounted on the wall, floor, or ceiling, they’re known for being compact and space-saving. Not to mention easy to install! Window casement air conditioners are a great “first aircon” for new homeowners in a small space, especially if you’re on a budget. 

Portable Air Conditioners

No complicated installation process or installation fees needed for the portable air conditioner. These are usually small, compact air conditioners that you can move from room to room. Same as with the window casement aircons, these types of aircon aren’t preferred if you have a big room or large apartment. As portable air conditioners are smaller, they have less efficient cooling power, and are more suitable for small spaces.

Choosing the Best Aircon Type

Two things to consider when choosing the best type of aircon for your home or office: what cooling capacity do you need, and what is your budget? If you’re on a budget and live in a small apartment, you might consider getting a window casement aircon or a portable aircon. However, if you have more cash to spare or a large office to cool, perhaps a wall-mounted aircon or a built-in aircon would do better. 

Still need help? Get in touch with a trusted, local aircon services provider. Here at Oasis Aircon Singapore, our team of highly-skilled AC technicians can provide you with professional advice on which type of aircon would be most suitable for your space and your budget. Call us now and get an expert opinion today!