The Benefits of a Central AC Unit
Central air conditioning makes use of ductwork to deliver cool air to each room. An air handler that has a filter that captures particulates regulates airflow.
The unit is usually located in a small enclosure that is outside the house. Its quiet operation improves your comfort by preventing the constant hum or whir of window AC units from disturbing indoor serenity.
Energy Efficiency
While it’s true that central air conditioners use more energy to run than wall-mounted units, the truth is that modern systems are more efficient than those used in the ago. The refrigerant that depletes the ozone R22 was eliminated in 2006 and has been replaced by an eco-friendly product known as 410A, and manufacturers are constantly developing new technologies to help their systems consume less energy.
Central AC systems, in contrast to window AC units, which are made to cool only the area within which they’re located, can distribute cool air evenly throughout your home using air ducts. The cooling process begins when your thermostat signalizes the air handler to begin running. The air handler draws warm air from your living areas, and it passes over the evaporator coil, which is filled with cool refrigerant. The heat that is released into the air causes refrigerant absorb energy, and then transform into a gas. The compressor then raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. When it pumps, the heat is transferred from the evaporator back into your home, where it will be cooled again and distributed through the ductwork.
The truth is that central AC systems are the most efficient choice when it comes to managing the temperature of large spaces. They can cool rooms that are farther away from a single AC unit and have greater energy efficiency.
Depending on how well your home is insulated and sealed, as well as its layout it is possible that a mini-split system could save you more energy than central air conditioning however. Mini-splits work differently than central AC, but they’re often more efficient since they don’t rely on ductwork, which can leak and cause the system to over-work in order to keep your home at the desired temperature. If you’re interested to learn more about energy-efficient options to cool your home, you should talk to an HVAC expert at your local Dallas heating and air conditioning business. They can help you find the right solution for your needs.
Convenience
In addition to comfort and energy efficiency, central air conditioning systems also provide a lot of convenience. These systems are able to cool an entire home or office in just one unit and do not require ducts as window units do. They also typically come with high-quality air filters which can help keep pollutants and allergens out of the air. This is particularly helpful for people suffering from respiratory conditions or allergies.
Central AC is a popular cooling system, and for good reason. It is a great choice for homes with ductwork and need a cooling solution. These systems are able to deliver cool air to each room from a single vent and can be used with home zoning, which permits you to regulate the cooling requirements in different areas of your home with the help of a smart thermostat.
This is the most popular kind of AC system and operates similarly to a furnace. Central air conditioners have a big outdoor unit that blows out warm air and a smaller indoor air handler that draws in hot or cold air through the ductwork. The refrigerant is circulated through the lines from the air handler and absorbs heat during the process. The cooled air is pushed back to the air handler inside the home, and circulated through the ductwork to other rooms.
An added benefit of a central air conditioning system is that it may help to reduce humidity. This is especially important in our humid climate. The air handler will remove excess moisture from your ductwork and release it to the outside. This helps prevent mold and mildew growth.
It’s time to upgrade your cooling system if older than 15 years. A new, high-quality AC system will help you save money on energy costs and also help ensure the integrity of your home’s ductwork. Contact Chancey & Reynolds to learn more about our cooling solutions. We can assist you in selecting the right air conditioner for your budget and needs.
Maintenance
Your air conditioner, just like every other major appliance requires regular maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly. Some routine maintenance tasks can be performed by the homeowner while others should be left to licensed experts. Signing an agreement for maintenance is the best way to be on the forefront of AC problems. These agreements typically offer discounts on repairs as well as advantages, like priority scheduling.
Clean the Condenser Unit
A condenser that is dirty can reduce air flow, decrease the efficiency of your system, and increase energy costs. To prevent the accumulation of dirt and other debris, turn off the power supply to the compressor unit prior to when you begin cleaning. Then, using a garden hose, gently wash the coil fins and fan blades to get rid of dirt leaves, twigs and other debris. After washing the blades, wipe them clean using a paper towel and a sanitation spray. Also, straighten any bent fins that may result from winds, or other weather conditions.
Line Sets
If your central air conditioner has been in use for more than 10 years, you must engage a professional to check the line sets. These are the copper tubes that connect the indoor evaporator coil and the outdoor compressor and condenser. The lines carry refrigerant and any cracks or rust can cause leaks that will result in low cooling and costly cost of energy.
Air Filter
To enhance the performance of your AC system, make sure you change your air filter regularly. The frequency of changing your air filter will depend on how often you run the AC, how many furry family members are living in your home and the amount of dust is collected. A typical air filter should last about two weeks to one month during the cooling season.
Condensate Drain Line
If the condensation drain line is blocked by algae, mold or snails, it can’t flush away the water that’s collected by your evaporator unit during cooling. This could lead to flooding of your basement, water damage to your home, as well as mold and mildew growth. To avoid this the float switch close to your indoor evaporator coil will shut off the system when it detects that the drain line is blocked.