When it comes to air conditioning systems, Florida is a state with unique requirements. With its hot and humid climate, it's essential to select the right system for your home. The most popular air conditioning systems in Florida are central air conditioning systems, ductless or minisplit systems, and heat pumps. Central air conditioning systems are the most widely used type of air conditioning system in the world.
They cool the air in a centralized location and then distribute it throughout the house via ducts. Heat pumps are also an excellent choice for cooling your home, as they use less electricity than traditional cooling systems. In winter, they extract heat from the outside air and keep your home warm, while in summer the cycle is reversed. Air-powered heat pumps are the most commonly used type of heat pump for air conditioning in Florida and other states with similar climates.
When selecting an air conditioner, you should work with your technician to decide which is the best system for your home. Central air conditioning systems tend to work better in large homes than window units. You should also consider the cost of the system, as prices vary greatly. Some systems, such as heat pumps (split), have a high initial cost but save money in the long run, while others have lower initial costs but can become expensive to maintain over time. More than 85% of homes in Florida use a central air conditioning system and that system represents 27% of the energy consumed in our state.
A central air conditioner can be a split-system unit or a packaged unit. Split-systems are the most common type of central air conditioner found in Florida and throughout the U. S., and consist of two main parts: an outdoor metal cabinet containing the condenser and compressor, and an indoor cabinet containing a fan and coil system that removes heat and moisture from the air. Window units are markedly different from central air conditioners. They are individual units that contain a condenser, an evaporator, a thermostat and a fan, designed to fit into a window frame so that it can be vented to the outside.
Window units are best used to cool individual rooms, but they cost only a fraction of what a central air conditioning unit would cost. In Florida, electric heating systems are by far the most popular type of heating system. Heat pumps are also an efficient option for Florida homes, as they have a reversing valve that transfers heat from outside to inside the house to heat it up. When replacing your Florida home's air conditioning system, it's important to understand the difference between heat pump and air conditioning systems to make the best decision for your budget.
