Shopping for a new air conditioner can feel overwhelming. With so many types of air conditioning systems on the market, how do you know which one fits your needs?
More than just cools a room, the right AC fits your space, fits your budget, and helps to keep energy bills reasonable. Someone cooling a studio apartment needs something entirely different than someone with an office building or two-story house.
This guide breaks down all the different types of AC units available today. From window units to central systems and everything in between, we'll explore what makes each air conditioner type unique, where they work best, and who should consider them. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of which air conditioning system makes the most sense for your specific situation.
Window Air Conditioners
Window units remain incredibly popular cooling options, especially for renters and budget-conscious homeowners. These units sit in your window frame, blowing cool air inside while pushing heat outside.
What makes window ACs stand out:
- All-in-one design with no separate components to install
- Typically, the most affordable type of air conditioner
- Installation that most handy homeowners can handle themselves
- No permanent modifications to your property
Window AC works particularly well in:
- Studio apartments and small living spaces
- Bedrooms and home offices
- Rental properties where permanent installation isn't allowed
- Homes where you only need to cool specific rooms
Most window units cool rooms between 150-700 square feet, depending on their BTU rating. The higher the BTU, the larger the space these types of AC units can effectively cool.
Window air conditioners do have some drawbacks. They block part of your window, reducing natural light and views. During winter, you'll either need to remove them entirely or cover them to prevent drafts. They also tend to make more noise than other air conditioning systems.
For many people, the convenience and price point of window ACs makes these compromises completely worthwhile. Modern window units also come with better energy efficiency ratings and features like sleep modes, programmable settings, and even smartphone control.
Split Air Conditioners
Split AC systems have become hugely popular in recent years - and for good reason. These types of air conditioning setups keep the noisy parts outside while the cool air flows inside.
What exactly is a split AC? Simply put, it's a system divided into two main parts:
- An indoor unit that mounts on your wall
- An outdoor unit housing the compressor and condenser
- Copper tubing connecting them both
Most homeowners choose split AC types because they don't hog window space or require major wall alterations. The indoor units typically hang high on walls, out of the way but perfectly positioned to distribute cool air.
Split AC systems come in two main varieties:
Single-zone systems cool just one room with a dedicated outdoor unit. They're perfect for:
- That always-hot upstairs bedroom
- Home offices where you spend hours each day
- Converted garages or sunrooms
- Apartments where window units aren't allowed
Multi-zone systems let you cool several rooms, each with its own indoor unit but sharing one outdoor compressor. These work great for:
- Homes without existing ductwork
- Families who fight over thermostat settings
- Rooms that need different temperatures (like sunny versus shaded rooms)
- Cooling only the spaces you actually use
The biggest downside? Split air conditioning systems cost more upfront than window units. They also require professional installation - this isn't a DIY weekend project. But their whisper-quiet operation and energy savings often make the investment worthwhile for many homeowners.
People particularly love how these air conditioner types blend into home decor much better than bulky window units, while delivering more powerful, efficient cooling.
Portable Air Conditioners
Nobody wants to lug a heavy AC unit up three flights of stairs or deal with strict apartment rules against window units. That's where portable ACs come in handy.
What sets portable units apart:
- They roll on wheels from room to room
- No permanent installation required
- Just need access to a window for the exhaust hose
- Take them when you move to a new place
These types of AC units typically stand 2-3 feet tall and resemble small appliances on wheels. Most people park them in a corner, connect the exhaust hose to a window kit, and enjoy the cool air without much fuss.
Where portable ACs make the most sense:
- Rentals with strict rules against window units
- Rooms where window configurations don't fit standard ACs
- Spaces that only need occasional cooling
- Homes where you want to move cooling from room to room
The catch? Portable air conditioners generally cost more than window units while delivering less cooling power. They also take up floor space and can make more noise since all components sit inside your living area.
Most portable units require regular emptying of water collection tanks, though newer models often include self-evaporating technology that handles most of this moisture automatically.
For many people, the flexibility of these types of air conditioning systems outweighs their drawbacks. Just remember to match the unit's BTU rating with your room size - an underpowered portable AC will run constantly without properly cooling your space.
Central Air Conditioning Systems
When summer heat waves hit, nothing beats walking into a perfectly cooled home without having to fiddle with multiple units. That's the beauty of central air.
What makes central air different:
- One system cools your entire home
- Uses existing ductwork to distribute air
- Indoor and outdoor components work together
- Controlled by a central thermostat
Central systems rank among the most comprehensive types of air conditioning systems available. The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser, while an indoor unit typically sits near your furnace, sharing the same ductwork.
Who benefits most from central air:
- Larger homes with existing ductwork
- Families wanting consistent temperatures throughout
- People who dislike the appearance of window or wall units
- Homeowners planning to stay put for many years
Unlike other AC types, central systems require professional installation and represent a significant investment. The upfront costs run higher than other options, but many homeowners find the whole-house comfort worth every penny.
The main drawback? These types of air conditioning systems don't allow for room-by-room temperature control without expensive zoning modifications. They also rely on ductwork, which means homes without existing ducts face additional installation costs.
Energy efficiency varies widely between models. Newer central air conditioner types offer impressive SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), with higher numbers indicating better efficiency. While budget models might offer SEER 13-14, premium systems can reach SEER 20+, potentially cutting cooling costs dramatically over the unit's lifespan.
Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners
Think of ductless mini-splits as the sophisticated cousins of regular split systems. These innovative types of AC have surged in popularity for good reason.
What makes mini-splits special:
- No ductwork needed (hence "ductless")
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Multiple indoor units can connect to one outdoor unit
- Each zone has individual temperature control
- Sleek wall-mounted designs that blend with décor
Mini-splits differ from other air conditioner types because they target specific areas or "zones" in your home without the expense and disruption of installing ductwork. A small hole (about 3 inches) connects the indoor and outdoor units through refrigerant lines and electrical wiring.
Perfect applications for mini-splits:
- Older homes without existing ductwork
- Home additions where extending ducts isn't practical
- Spaces requiring precise temperature control
- Multi-family housing with separate living areas
- Rooms rarely used (why cool empty spaces?)
Installation costs for these types of air conditioning systems typically run higher than window units but lower than full central air installation with ductwork. Most homeowners recoup some of this difference through improved energy efficiency, as ductless systems don't suffer from the energy losses associated with leaky ducts.
The indoor units mount high on walls, on ceilings, or even as floor-standing models, depending on your preference and room configuration. Most people barely notice them after installation, especially compared to bulkier window units.
Beyond cooling, many mini-split AC types offer heating capabilities through heat pump technology, potentially replacing separate heating systems in moderate climates.
Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners
When window space is precious but you need reliable cooling, through-the-wall ACs offer a practical solution many homeowners overlook.
What sets through-the-wall units apart:
- Permanent installation in an exterior wall
- No window space sacrificed
- Better air sealing than window units
- Year-round installation (no seasonal removal needed)
These air conditioner types function similarly to window units but slot into a sleeve installed in a cutout in your exterior wall. Once installed, they stay put year-round, without the drafts often associated with window air conditioners.
Where through-the-wall ACs shine:
- Small apartments with limited window access
- Rooms where window configurations don't suit traditional AC units
- Spaces requiring permanent cooling solutions
- Areas where window security concerns exist
Installation requires cutting a hole in your exterior wall—definitely not a DIY project for most homeowners. Professional installation ensures proper support, sealing, and electrical connections. While this adds to initial costs, many find the convenience worth the investment.
Through-the-wall types of AC typically offer better energy efficiency than comparable window units since they create a tighter seal without seasonal removal. Most models range from 8,000 to 14,000 BTUs, suitable for cooling medium-sized rooms.
PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) Systems
Ever stayed in a hotel room and noticed that boxy air conditioner under the window? That's a PTAC unit – one of the most specialized types of air conditioning systems in the market.
What makes PTACs different:
- Self-contained units that fit through walls
- Combined heating and cooling capabilities
- Built for commercial durability
- Higher BTU capacity than typical room units
- Designed for easy maintenance and part replacement
PTACs differ from other air conditioner types because they're engineered specifically for commercial applications, though they've found their way into residential settings too. These workhorses slide into wall sleeves that provide a finished look both inside and out.
Where you'll commonly find PTAC units:
- Hotels and motels (the most common application)
- Assisted living facilities
- Apartment buildings
- Dorm rooms
- Offices with individual rooms
- Hospitals and nursing homes
The convenience of these types of AC units comes from their all-in-one design. Most models offer both cooling and heating functions, eliminating the need for separate systems. Maintenance staff appreciate how easily parts can be accessed or the entire unit swapped out when necessary.
For homeowners, PTACs offer a sturdy alternative to traditional through-the-wall units, especially in spaces requiring both heating and cooling. They typically run louder than mini-splits but quieter than many portable units.
The downside? These commercial-grade types of air conditioning systems lack the sleek aesthetics of residential options. They're built for function over form, with durability and serviceability taking priority over appearance.
Energy efficiency varies widely between models. Newer PTAC units offer respectable efficiency ratings, though they typically don't match the highest SEER ratings of premium residential systems.
Evaporative Coolers (Swamp Coolers)
In dry, hot climates, swamp coolers offer a refreshing alternative to traditional air conditioner types. Despite their soggy nickname, these units have nothing to do with swamps.
How swamp coolers differ from AC units:
- Use water evaporation instead of refrigerant
- Cool air using significantly less electricity
- Add moisture to dry air (beneficial in arid regions)
- Require open windows for proper air circulation
- Work best when humidity stays below 50%
Unlike conventional types of AC, evaporative coolers pull hot outside air through water-saturated pads. As the water evaporates, it naturally cools the air before powerful fans push it throughout your space. The process resembles the cooling sensation you feel after stepping out of a pool on a breezy day.
Ideal conditions for swamp coolers:
- Desert and semi-arid environments
- Regions with low natural humidity
- Areas with high electricity costs
- Outdoor spaces like patios and porches
- Warehouses and large, open workshops
- Garages and spaces that can't be sealed completely
The biggest appeal of these types of air conditioning systems is their energy efficiency. Swamp coolers typically use about 25% of the electricity needed for traditional air conditioning. Installation costs also run lower than central systems or mini-splits.
But they simply don't work well in humid climates. Once humidity climbs above 50-60%, the cooling effect diminishes dramatically. They also require more regular maintenance than other AC types – water pads need replacement, pumps can fail, and water connections may develop leaks.
Smart Features Across Air Conditioner Types
Gone are the days when AC units just had "high" and "low" settings. Today's air conditioner types come packed with smart features that transform how we experience indoor comfort.
Smart capabilities now common across AC types:
- WiFi connectivity for remote control via smartphone
- Voice control compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
- Learning algorithms that adapt to your schedule
- Geofencing that adjusts cooling based on your location
- Energy usage monitoring and optimization
- Integration with broader smart home ecosystems
- Maintenance alerts and filter change reminders
These advancements apply to virtually all types of air conditioning systems, from window units to central systems. But what about the millions of existing ACs without built-in smarts?
This is where Sensibo's innovative approach changes the game. Controllers from these smart air conditioning systems transform practically any AC with remote control into a connected, intelligent cooling system.
How Sensibo enhances various AC types:
- Sensibo Sky/Air turns remote-controlled air conditioners into smart devices
- Works with most split, window, portable and PTAC types of AC units
- Adds scheduling, geofencing, and voice control to older models
- Creates temperature and humidity automation routines
- Monitors energy consumption to optimize efficiency
- Climate React feature responds to changing conditions automatically
Beyond just controlling your AC, Sensibo's ecosystem includes air quality monitoring through their Elements and AirQ devices. These smart monitors track indoor pollutants, humidity, and temperature, then trigger your air conditioner types to respond accordingly.
In a result we have a more efficient operation, convenient control, and extended lifespan across all AC types—whether you're running a window unit in a studio apartment or multiple split systems throughout a large home.
How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner Type
Picking the perfect cooling system doesn't need to feel overwhelming. The key is matching the type of air conditioning to your specific situation.
Start by answering these basic questions:
- How much space needs cooling?
- Do you rent or own your property?
- What's your climate like?
- What's your budget (both upfront and long-term)?
- How important are noise levels?
- Will you need permits for installation?
For apartments and rentals: Window units and portable AC types typically make the most sense when you're renting. They require no permanent modifications and move with you. Just check your lease—some buildings have restrictions on window units or require professional installation.
For homeowners with existing ductwork: Central air systems offer whole-home comfort with invisible operation. For those willing to invest long-term, these types of air conditioning systems deliver consistent temperatures throughout your space. If your home already has forced-air heating with ducts, adding central AC becomes significantly more affordable.
For homes without ducts: Mini-split systems provide an excellent middle ground between window units and central air. These air conditioners avoid the major construction involved with installing new ductwork while offering better aesthetics and efficiency than window units.
For specific room cooling needs: Even homeowners with central air sometimes add window units or mini-splits for problematic rooms that never seem cool enough. Bonus rooms, sunrooms, and home offices often benefit from dedicated types of AC units.
Budget considerations across options:
- Window units: $150-$700
- Portable ACs: $300-$800
- Through-wall units: $400-$1,000 plus installation
- Mini-splits: $1,500-$5,000 installed (varies by number of zones)
- Central air: $3,000-$10,000+ installed (varies by home size and ductwork needs)
Remember that initial price tells only part of the story—energy efficiency dramatically impacts long-term operating costs. Higher SEER ratings on air conditioning systems might cost more upfront but save substantially over time.
