What does the term "unitary" refer to in air conditioners?

The term “unitary” in the context of air conditioners specifically refers to systems manufactured and sold as a single unit. This means that all the components necessary for the cooling process—such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion device—are housed together in one package. This design offers several advantages, including easier installation and maintenance, enhanced performance consistency, and often a more compact footprint, making unitary systems particularly popular for residential and light commercial applications.

When considering the other potential meanings, separate components do not fit the unitary definition, as this term implies a unified system rather than a modular one. Similarly, while some unitary systems can be used in industrial settings, this designation is not exclusive to industrial use; many residential options also fall into this category. Lastly, while unitary systems often run on electricity, they can encompass different refrigerants and energy sources, thus the term does not exclusively pertain to electric operation.