The answer to 'types of central air' is that there are two main types of central air conditioning systems: split systems and packaged systems. Split systems have an outdoor unit that contains the compressor and condenser, and an indoor unit with the evaporator coil. Packaged systems have all the components in a single outdoor unit.
Split systems are the most common type of central air conditioning. They are more energy-efficient and can be customized to fit the size and layout of your home. Packaged systems are less common but can be a good option for smaller homes or where space is limited. They are typically less expensive to install but may be less efficient.