Unlike in yesteryears, today there is a wide variety in the types of air conditioning equipment one can install. These different types of air conditioners are designed to suit the similar need that is cooling of the surroundings but there effectiveness differs from location to location. A look at these different types would throw light on your exact preferences and requirements.

a) Portable Air Conditioners :
These air conditioners are as the name suggests portable. They have wheels at their base and can be easily moved from one site to another.

The split air conditioners have different indoor and outdoor units which are connected by pipes.Portable air conditioners are mostly seen in single rooms and offices.

b) Central Air Conditioners :
This type of air conditioning system uses various ducts to circulate cooled heated or dehumidified air to more than one room.

In the more common split system, the compressor and the condenser are placed in an outdoor unit whereas the evaporator is mounted on an air handling unit. This is the procedure while cooling, when heating the heat exchangers swap their roles. On the other hand in a packaged system all the components are in a single outdoor unit.

c) Ductless or mini-split Air conditioners :
These combine some characteristics of central air conditioning systems and some of the window units. This kind of air conditioning unit was invented as an alternative to the window air conditioner in buildings where central system could not be installed.

d) Automobile Air Conditioning :
Automobile air conditioning started becoming popular in the 1950’s. Today most of the car models have built-in central air conditioning units. In early automobile air conditioners the heating system and the cooling system were distinct. Now however the two systems have effectively combined.

The air which enters is filtered and either cooled or heated before passing on into the passenger compartment. The air conditioning systems are driven by an electro-magnetic clutch in the engine fan belt. Usually air conditioning systems in automobiles use up to 4 kW or 5hp. This is quite an amount of the total engine power produced and can lead to lesser fuel efficiency.

e) Air conditioning Equipment :
Air conditioning equipment is essential for the proper maintenance of the air conditioner. The air conditioner is a large power drawing source. If the air conditioner becomes old or isn’t properly maintained it causes a large stress on the power source. It has been observed that air conditioners tend to lose 5% of their efficiency each year.

However, proper maintenance of the equipment can ensure that the efficiency is maintained at a healthy 95%. The following equipment is essential to preserve the competence of your machine:

1. Dust Collector
2. Blower
3. Exhaust Fan
4. Ventilator
5. Crossflow Fan
6. Duct Fan
7. Pneumatic Cylinder
8. Humidity and Temperature Meter
9. Thermometer

Brands :

The air conditioning industry is one of the biggest industries in the world today. There are a variety of brands which are internationally renowned. Even a few Indian brands have etched their name on the global scene.

International Brands :

• Carrier
• LG Electronics
• Samsung
• Akai
• Daikin

Indian Brands :

• Bluestar
• Videocon
• Godrej
• Onida
• Voltas