If you go air conditioning shopping, you will realize there are quite a few different systems out there. So how do you know which air conditioning system to choose? It can be a little daunting to say the least. Below is the main types of air conditioners available, with a description of the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

1. Window Mounted Or Box Units - Box or window units are the cube looking units you see sticking out of a side of an apartment wall or a window. They are a cheap way to air condition one room. They are available in both cooling only and cooling and heating options. The disadvantages of these units are that they can be extremely noisy, they look ugly and can really only heat or cool the room that they are located in.

2. Ductless Or Wall Splits - Wall split units look like a long thin box that sits on your wall. Some models are available as cooling only devices, but the majority of models now days come in both cooling and heating options. Like window units, they can only be relied upon to air condition the room they are located in. They are however are good cheap option although they are a little more expensive than a window unit. They do come in brand names as well as stylish modern options that are available.

3. Ducted Evaporative - Ducted evaporative systems are a good cheap way to cool your entire home. They are often also used in factories as they are robust and good at cooling large areas. Evaporative coolers are also relatively cheap to install and to run. The main disadvantages with evaporative coolers is that they do not offer any heating, they bring moisture into your home and they will not work in humid weather.

4. Reverse Cycle/Refrigerative/Central Air Conditioning (Ducted) - Reverse cycle ducted air conditioning systems can both heat and cool your home. They usually work on the principle that they can air condition about half your home at one time. You will generally find that very few reverse cycle air conditioners can actually cope with running an entire home at once. These systems offer comfort, they work all year round and are very reliable. The main disadvantages of reverse cycle ducted systems are that they are expensive to both install and to run.

5. Portable Air Conditioner/Heater - Portable air conditioners are the type you see sold in stores. The advantage of these systems are that they are cheap and portable. The disadvantages are that these systems are costly to run and will do little to actually heat and cool your home, and therefore are best avoided.

If you follow these tips you will be sure to get a great air conditioning system. Simply work out what your after, then pick the option that best fills your needs.