TYPES OF SYSTEMS
There are two main methods of air conditioning the home:
- By individual air conditioners (air-to-air units).
- By an integrated, ducted air system (whole house or zoned areas), or via a chilled water circulating system supplying fan coil units (air-to-water-to-air units).
An individual air conditioner is generally used when only one or two rooms are to be air conditioned. There are three distinct types:
- Room air conditioners
- Vertical or fascia air conditioners
- Split systems
Room air conditioners
These are the best known air conditioners. They are usually fitted in an opening specially cut through a wall or window. A wall installation is quieter. A unit should not discharge externally into an enclosed area, such as a garage, as the restricted air space limits the performance. It is usual to mount these air conditioners 1.2 to 2 metres above the floor.
With room air conditioners, all cooling and circulating components are housed in one box. Today's models are carefully designed to blend in with all types of furnishings and colour schemes. They are available with cooling and heating capacities ranging from about 1,500 Watts (5,000 Btu/h) to 7,000 Watts (24,000 Btu/h).
Note that a room air conditioner will service one space only and will not adequately cool an adjoining room connected by an open single standard door.
Vertical or fascia air conditioning
Like room air conditioners, the vertical type is a packaged unit with all refrigeration components and circulation equipment housed in the one box. With this type of air conditioner, all working components are situated on the outside of the wall, reducing the impact of compressor noise inside the room.
Most vertical models have a slim-line design fascia panel that fits flush onto the inside of the wall. Cooling and heating capacities range from 4,500 Watts (15,000 Btu/h) to 6,000 Watts (20,000 Btu/h).
Split systems
Heating and cooling capacities range from 2,300 Watts (8,000 Btu/h) to over 9,000 Watts (30,000 Btu/h). The split system consists of two major components: an indoor console which contains a heat exchanger and air circulation fan, and an outdoor section which contains the compressor.
The internal console may be placed on any wall, including an internal wall. It may be floor mounted or wall hung, allowing greater
flexibility of layout. The external console also has free location provided that the two units are within 10 metres of each other. The units are connected by the small flexible tubes, and the internal console also has provision for external disposal of condensate.
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Heating & Cooling 
