Notes on Air Conditioning Systems

Shimon Alperet of Avoda Tova ran a great seminar for interior designers yesterday on types of air conditioning systems. A few notes:

Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Models aside, there are two ways an air conditioner can work:

1. ON/OFF - Always runs at full power; when it reaches the desired temperature, it turns off, then back on again when temperature changes; makes air dry; energy bills are much higher; loud; unit is cheaper than inverter

2. INVERTER - Compressor does not run at full power, rather keeps working at a lower intensity; maintains desired room temperature; lower energy bills (by 30-50%); at times better left on and running than constantly powered on and off; quieter; unit is more expensive

If you plan on using your AC a lot (like we do in Israel), the inverter technology may be the best investment for the long haul.

If you opt for ON/OFF, you can choose to install:

• Individual units in every room, or

• Central air conditioner (mini mercazi), which will send air to every room from a central unit; cannot adjust temperature per room

If you opt for an INVERTER system, you can choose between:

• Single - One outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit (for targeted air in a single room)

• Multi - One outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units; each indoor unit can be run independently; saves space outdoors; energy efficient; each indoor unit must be connected to the outdoor unit with cables / piping / tzinorot

• VRF (variable refrigerant flow) - Each room’s temperature can be controlled individually and precisely, with one main unit outside; ductless — no tzinorot need to be funneled outside to the main unit, so nothing gets in the way of the air; saves space structurally; works well with long distances / large spaces; expensive

Types of Vents

Decor vents (image source)

• Decor - Older vent model; more affordable; can come in any size you want

• Slot - Typically two or three air passageways that create a modern, streamlined look; can result in some excess air waste, but often a go-to for designers for aesthetic reasons

Slot vents (image source)

Rona vents (image source)

• Rona - A thin line on the ceiling, about twice the price of slots

• Jettim - Circular jets for moving air efficiently in large, high-ceilinged spaces

Jettim vents (image source)

Tips

• Who makes the nicest vent solutions (and most expensive, about 3x): OpenArt

• Make sure your air conditioner technician properly accounts for avir chozer (return air); return ducts bring air that has been warmed or cooled back to your main unit (source).

  • One designer told the story of a technician who did not account for avir chozer properly and a giant gust of air prevented a door from being closed.

  • Ideally, return air ducts can be passed right underneath or next to the main air ducts within the drywall.

  • Consider leaving at least 10cm of space behind your kitchen cabinets for avir chozer to run through.

  • One designer said she always makes her 60cm-deep kitchen cabinets 80cm out to align with standard refrigerators that would otherwise stick out — those remaining 20cm in back work great for funneling out avir chozer.

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