If you are considering an upgrade to your air conditioning, you are going to have to choose a system. Here we cover a unit that is actually separated into two locations.
A dual or separated air conditioner is one where the two main components of the unit are split between two physical locations. Although the initial installation cost is generally higher for a split type air conditioner, they tend to be more energy efficient in the long run. This savings is energy will quickly recoup the installation cost. There is a big noise reduction as the compressor is located in the outside unit. These air conditioners are suggested for use in places where there is a space problem.
The air handling unit is on the inside. This consists of the evaporator section and the duct work that circulates and delivers the air. The fan motor is also located inside along with the filters. The evaporator coil is located inside also. The evaporator coil is where the refrigerant actually vaporizes and the heat adsorption takes place. The thermostat which controls the system is located indoors also, of course, but usually at a more central location where a temperature measurement can be more effectively made.
The divided unit is often referred to as having a cold side and a hot side. The cold side is the indoor unit where cooling actually takes place. The hot side is the outdoor unit where heat is given up from the refrigerant. The hot side unit has a fan assembly to aid in the removal of heat from the condenser coils. It also has its own control logic.
Split air conditioners are used in homes as well as business buildings. Many office buildings and retail establishments use split types due to the larger size of the condenser units. The larger size condensers can be located more easily outdoors behind the buildings, or in some cases, on the roofs of the buildings. Very large buildings and most multi-story buildings have problems using split systems due to the distance between the units. Duct work becomes unmanageable at such distance and results in too much inefficiency. Water chiller units are generally more appropriate for these types of structures.
Another type of split system is known as the mini split system air conditioner. Since an estimated 30% of energy consumption results from duct work loss of cooling, the mini split system eliminates duct work. It operates more like a window unit except that it is connected to an outside condenser by means of a conduit. The conduit requires only a 3 inch hole in the wall to connect the units. The conduit contains the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain. These systems are popular because of their small size and flexibility. They can be floor units, some of which are mounted on casters and can be moved to where they are most needed. They can also be mounted on the walls or ceilings. As many as four individual units can also be connected to a single outdoor unit.
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