Choosing the right air conditioner for your home: a comprehensive guide

For any developer or owner, choosing the right air conditioning (AC) solution is a crucial decision. Getting it right can be a cost and energy-efficiency game-changer, providing immediate comfort and long-term reliability. But with so many different types and variations, how can you be sure to find your perfect match?

In this guide we’ll explore the five most common types of AC units, to help you decide which solution is the right one for you.

Ducted:

What is a ducted system?

A ducted system – also known as a ‘split’ or ‘central’ system – comprises a centralized air conditioning solution which distributes air through a network of ducts within a building.

How does it work?

From its central unit, a ducted system draws in air from the outdoors. This air is then cooled using refrigerant and pushed through the ducts into various rooms within the building. Meanwhile, the excess heat is pushed back outdoors.

What differentiates a ducted system from other types of AC?

Unlike a standalone unit, a ducted system provides whole-house comfort from a centralized system, which can regulate temperatures in multiple rooms at once. This makes it easier to maintain a comfortable, uniform climate across more spaces within a building.

What applications is a ducted system best suited for?

Ducted systems are ideal for larger spaces such as commercial buildings or offices, providing efficient and even temperature control throughout the entire building.

Why choose a ducted system?

Discreet: Because ducted systems are hidden and integrated into the wall, they are more versatile and aesthetically pleasing for use in residential projects.

Precision: Ducted systems work efficiently over large areas and multiple rooms, to provide consistent cooling throughout a building.

Efficient: Ducted systems can quickly cool down a space, and then maintain a steady temperature, for enhanced energy – and cost – efficiency.

Our top picks

One of Rheem’s most popular ducted AC systems is the [XXX] because of its versatility across a range of spaces.

Packaged

What is a packaged system?

A packaged AC system is where all the major operational components (including the compressor, condenser and evaporator) are housed in a single unit, usually located outdoors.

How does it work?

Like a ducted system, a packaged system works by drawing in outside air, cooling it and then distributing it throughout the building.

What differentiates a packaged system from other types of AC?

Unlike a ducted system (where the cooling process takes place indoors), a packaged system contains all necessary components for the entire process outdoors in one compact package.

What applications is a packaged system best suited for?

Packaged systems are well-suited for smaller buildings with limited indoor space.

Why choose a packaged system?

Convenience: Because all of the essential components are housed together in a single outdoor unit, packaged systems are easier – and cheaper – to install and maintain.

Space-efficient: Packaged systems require less indoor space, which makes them a versatile component in smaller spaces.

Noise reduction: Because all the components of a packaged system are outside, occupants benefit from quieter indoor operations.

Our top picks

Rheem’s [XXX] is a packaged system which XXX

Cassette

What is a cassette system?

A cassette system is a type of air conditioning unit that is mounted in the ceiling, with a panel visible from below.

How does it work?

Cassette systems draw in air from the room, cool it, and then return the conditioned air through four sides of the unit’s grille to provide an even, four-way distribution.

These units also typically feature adjustable louvers (blades) that can direct airflow both horizontally and vertically, ensuring even cooling throughout the room.

Cassette systems also provide individualized temperature control for specific zones or rooms within a building. Occupants can adjust the settings for each unit independently, allowing for customized comfort based on the preferences and occupancy of different areas.

What differentiates a cassette system from other types of AC?

Because cassette systems are ceiling-mounted they are one of the most discreet forms of AC, and provide 360-degree aerial airflow for enhanced distribution.

What applications is a cassette system best suited for?

Cassette systems are well-suited for larger spaces, such as open-concept offices and commercial areas. Their multi-directional airflow makes them effective in maintaining comfortable conditions in expansive environments. Cassette systems are also ideal for spaces with limited floor or wall space, making them suitable for a variety of room layouts and architectural configurations.

Why choose a cassette system?

Discreet: Cassette systems benefit from sleek, unobtrusive appearance, and are engineered for quiet operation.

Budget-friendly: Cassette systems are often more cost-effective than similar solutions.

Easy to maintain: Access panels are designed for easy filter cleaning and other routine maintenance tasks. Some models, such as Rheem’s also include self-cleaning functions, to reduce the need for manual upkeep.

Our top picks

Rheem’s [XXX] cassette system incorporates fresh air intake technology, to keep indoor air cool, comfortable and healthy.

VRF

What is a VRF system?

A VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system is a ductless, large-scale solution which can control and regulate the temperature of individual zones and rooms within the same building. This means that different rooms within the same building can be independently cooled to different temperatures.

How does it work?

VRF systems work by adjusting the amount of refrigerant delivered between a central system and the corresponding indoor units, based on the specific cooling needs of each zone.

By using multiple indoor units for different zones of a building, VRF systems can independently control the flow of refrigerant to each unit. These indoor units each have their own programmable thermostat, allowing for precise and personalized cooling in individual zones of the same building.

What differentiates a VRF system from other types of AC?

Unlike traditional systems with fixed refrigerant flow, VRF systems allow for variable flow rates, enabling simultaneous heating and cooling in different areas. This flexibility optimizes energy usage and enhances comfort.

What applications is a VRF system best suited for?

VRF systems are designed to perform at a high capacity. This means they’re well-suited for larger commercial buildings, hotels and multi-zone residential spaces, where occupants need to be able to independently control their own thermostat.

Why choose a VRF system?

Energy efficient: Because VRF systems mitigate energy loss, they can achieve energy savings of up to 30%.

Comfort: VRF systems allow for individualized comfort control across various zones, to meet the unique cooling needs of each occupant.

Flexible: VRF systems can easily adapt to changing load conditions.

Our top picks

Rheem’s [XXX] VRF system

Floor-standing and wall-mounted

What is a floor-standing or wall-mounted system?

Floor-standing and wall-mounted AC systems are indoor cooling solutions, which are either installed into the floor or fixed to a wall.

How does a floor-standing or wall-mounted system work?

Like a cassette system, these systems draw in air from the room, cool it, and then release the conditioned air into the space. Normally, they are equipped with a built-in fan and filter for effective air distribution and circulation.

What differentiates a floor-standing or wall-mounted system from other types of AC?

Floor-standing and wall-mounted systems provide discreet and flexible AC solutions in buildings where it’s not practical to install AC into the ceiling, or where space is minimal.

What applications is a floor-standing or wall-mounted system best suited for?

These systems are ideal for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms, living rooms and small apartments and offices. They are also ideal in spaces with tilted walls and in buildings constructed with fragile materials such as glass.

Why choose a floor-standing or wall-mounted system?

Easy access: The placement of these systems makes it easy to check the air filters, to ensure high indoor air quality. In addition, the outer unit can be installed without major site preparation or any ductwork.

Budget-friendly: These systems are more cost-effective than other solutions.

Compact: Although in-room, these systems are sleek, discreet and take up minimal space.

Our top picks

Rheem’s [XXX] VRF system

With so many options available, choosing the right AC system for your villa may seem challenging. However, understanding the unique features and maintenance requirements of each type will guarantee not just a comfortable today, but also a cost-effective and efficient tomorrow.

If you would like to learn more about Rheem’s range of AC systems, or if you would like to inquire about a specific model, we would be happy to help. Please contact us today to speak to one of our experts, and make the right choice for your AC needs.