The Benefits of a Central AC Unit
Central air conditioning systems use the ductwork system to distribute cooled air throughout each room. Airflow is controlled by an air handler that features a filter to capture particles.
The unit is typically located in a small enclosure located outside of the house. The unit’s quiet operation will increase your comfort as it will keep the constant hum and whirrrr of window AC units from disrupting your indoor peace.
Energy Efficiency
While it’s true that central air conditioners require more energy to operate than a wall-mounted unit but the truth is that modern systems are more efficient than those used in the in the past. The ozone-depleting R22 refrigerant was removed in 2006 and replaced by 410A. Manufacturers are continually creating new technologies to make their systems more efficient and use less energy.
Central AC systems, unlike window AC units, which are designed to cool only the room in which they’re placed they can distribute cool air throughout your home using air ducts. The cooling process starts when your thermostat signals the air handler to begin running. The air handler pulls hot air from your home, then passes it over the evaporator, that is filled with cool refrigeration. The heat in the air causes the refrigerant to absorb energy and turn into gas. The compressor then raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. When it pumps it, it carries the heat out of the evaporator coil, and then back into the house to be cooled and circulated through the ductwork.
The fact is that central AC systems are the most efficient choice for regulating the temperature of large spaces. They are able to consistently cool rooms that are farther apart than one wall AC unit could and provide greater energy efficiency in general.
You may find that depending on the level of insulation and sealing your home is and the arrangement, a mini-split air conditioner will use less energy than central air conditioning. Mini-splits are different from central ACs, however they are more efficient because they don’t require the ductwork. Ductwork leaks and can cause the system to overwork to cool your home to the desired temperature. Contact an HVAC professional from your local Dallas heating company if you want to learn more about energy efficient options for cooling your house. They can help you find the ideal solution for your requirements.
Convenience
In addition to comfort and energy efficiency, central air conditioning systems also provide lots of convenience. They can cool the entire home or business with one unit and don’t require ducts like window units. They also come with high-quality filters that help keep allergens and pollutants out of the air. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from respiratory or allergies.
Central AC is one of the most sought-after types of cooling systems, and for good reason. It’s ideal for homes with ductwork and require a reliable cooling solution. These systems can provide cool air to every room through a single vent. They can also be used with home zone control, which allows you to regulate the cooling requirements in different areas of the home using the help of a smart thermostat.
This is the most popular type of AC system and operates similarly as furnaces. Central air conditioners have an outdoor unit that blows warm air and a smaller indoor unit that pulls cold or hot air from the ductwork. The refrigerant is pumped out of the air handler through lines, absorbing heat. The cooled air is then returned to the air handler in the home and circulated through the ductwork to other rooms.
An added benefit of central air conditioning is that it can help to reduce humidity. This is especially important in our humid climate. The air handler can remove excess moisture from your ductwork and release it to the outside. This helps prevent mold and mildew growth.
If your cooling system is getting close to 15 years old it’s time to think about replacing it with a brand new and better model. A new, high-quality AC system will save you money on energy costs and also help ensure the integrity of the ductwork of your home. For more information about Chancey & Reynolds’ cooling solutions, please contact us. We can help you choose the perfect air conditioner for your budget and needs.
Maintenance
As with any major appliance air conditioner, your air conditioner requires regular service to keep running smoothly. Some routine maintenance can be done by the homeowner while other tasks should be handled by licensed professionals. Signing up for a maintenance agreement is the best method to keep on the forefront of AC problems. These agreements usually offer discounts on repairs as well as advantages, like priority scheduling.
Clean the Condenser Unit
A dirty condenser will reduce air flow, decrease the efficiency of your system and increase the cost of energy. To avoid the build-up of dirt and other debris switch off the power supply to the compressor unit prior to when you begin cleaning. Then, using a garden hose, gently clean the fan blades and coil fins to get rid of dirt leaves, twigs and other debris. After cleaning the blades, wipe them clean with a paper towel and a sanitation spray. It is also recommended to straighten any bent fins that may have been caused by winds, or other weather conditions.
Line Sets
If your central air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you should have a professional inspect the line sets, the copper tubes connecting the indoor air conditioning evaporator coil to the outdoor compressor and condenser unit. The lines carry refrigerant and any cracks or rust could cause leaks that will lead to inadequate cooling and expensive cost of energy.
Air Filter
To increase the efficiency of your AC system, you should change your air filter on a regular basis. The frequency will vary based on how often the AC runs, the amount of furry family members, and how much dust your home collects. In general, a standard air filter will last for about two weeks or a month in the cooling season.
Condensate Drain Line
If the line that drains condensation is blocked by mold, algae, snails, or bugs it won’t be able to flush out the water that is collected by your evaporator coil in cooling. This could result in flooding of your home, water damage and the growth of mold and mildew. The float switch in your indoor coil will shut down the system when it detects a clogged drain line.