What is a side and Top Discharge Airconditioner?
Side discharge condensers excel in confined spaces and can conveniently mount on buildings’ sides, making them an excellent choice. These units are prevalent in Europe, Asia, and select regions of the US, like Philadelphia. People prefer them because of their practical advantages and their suitability for dense urban areas.
In typical American suburban areas, where spacious yards are common, you’ll often find cube-shaped top-discharge air conditioning units. These units are larger and have a distinctive shape. They stand out when installed on the exterior of a building. In this context, they are uncommon, which adds to the neighborhood’s charm.
Where did this development come from?
Side-discharge designs are quite popular among Asian manufacturers, including Daikin, Fujitsu, and Mitsubishi. Interestingly, it was in Japan that the brilliant idea of applying DC inverter technology to air conditioner compressors originated. This ingenious technological leap made them quieter and more efficient—an absolute game-changer! By leveraging the inverter to adjust the speed of the compressor motor, they achieved the perfect balance for cooling demand. When there’s less need for cooling, the compressor operates at a lower speed, consuming less power. Excitingly, while Japan pioneered this technology, American manufacturers like Carrier and Cloman now offer these amazing variable-speed DC inverters too! Truly a global innovation for your cooling needs.
Is a side discharge condenser more efficient?
Side-discharge outdoor units are typically more efficient due to their utilization of DC inverter technology. It is worth noting, however, that cube-shaped (top-discharge) units can also incorporate this technology. However, it is important to highlight that the majority of top-discharge units do not adopt DC inverter technology. Instead, they often rely on single-stage compressors, resulting in higher power consumption and excessive noise. As an alternative, dual-stage/dual-speed compressors can operate at a reduced speed, such as 60%, rather than constantly running at 100%. This approach serves as a compromise, offering improved efficiency and reduced noise levels.
