The Benefits of a Central AC Unit
Central air conditioning systems use the ductwork system to distribute cooled air in every room. An air handler that has an air filter that collects particles regulates airflow.
The unit is typically situated in an enclosure that is located outside of the house. The unit’s quiet operation can enhance your comfort, as it will prevent the constant hum and whirrr of window AC units from disrupting your indoor serenity.
Energy Efficiency
While it’s true that central air conditioners use more energy to operate than a wall-mounted unit, the truth is that today’s systems are more efficient than the ones used in years past. The ozone-depleting refrigerant R22 was eliminated in 2006 and has been replaced with an environmentally friendly product known as 410A, and manufacturers are constantly developing new technologies to aid in the reduction of energy.
Central AC systems, in contrast to window AC units, which are designed to cool only the room within which they’re located they can spread cool air evenly throughout your home with air ducts. The cooling process begins when your thermostat signalizes the air handler to start the process of cycling. The air handler pulls warm air from your living space and then passes it over the evaporator coil that is filled with cool refrigerant. The heat that is released into the air causes refrigerant to absorb energy and transform into gas. The compressor then increases the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. As it pumps, the heat is pushed off the evaporator back into your home, where it will be distributed and cooled through the ductwork.
Central AC systems are the most efficient when it comes down to controlling the temperature in large areas. They can cool rooms that are farther away from a single AC unit and also have higher energy efficiency.
It could be that, based on how well insulated and sealed your home is, as well as the arrangement, a mini-split air conditioner will save you more energy than central air cooling. Mini-splits are not the same as central ACs, however they can be more efficient because they do not rely on ductwork. Ductwork leaks can cause the system overwork to cool your house to the desired temperature. If you’re interested in finding out more about energy-efficient options for cooling your home, you should talk to an HVAC expert at your local Dallas heating and air conditioning company. They can assist you in finding the ideal solution for your needs.
Convenience
Central air conditioning systems aren’t only energy efficient and comfortable, but they also provide a great amount of convenience. They can cool the entire house or office with only one unit, and do not require ducts as window units do. They also typically come with high-quality air filters that can help keep pollutants and allergens out of the air. This is particularly beneficial for people suffering from allergies or respiratory ailments.
Central AC is a popular cooling system, and with good reason. It’s ideal for homes that already have ductwork and require a reliable cooling solution. These systems can cool every room with just one vent. They can also be used in conjunction with thermostats with zones for homes, which allow you to manage the cooling needs of different areas in your home.
This is the most popular kind of AC system that functions similarly to a furnace. A central air conditioner has an outdoor unit that blasts out warm air, and an indoor air handler that pulls in hot or cold air through the ductwork. The refrigerant is pumped through the lines from the air handler and absorbs heat in the process. The cool air is pushed back to the air handler in the home, and circulated through the ductwork into other rooms.
An added benefit of a central air conditioning system is that it can also aid in reducing humidity. This is particularly important in our humid climate. The air handler will remove excess moisture from your ductwork and then release it to the outside. This helps to prevent the growth of mildew and mold.
If your cooling system is approaching 15 years old, it’s time to think about replacing it with a fresh and improved model. A new, high quality AC system will allow you to reduce your energy bills as well as safeguard the integrity of your ductwork. Contact Chancey & Reynolds to learn more about our cooling solutions. We can help you choose the perfect air conditioner for your needs and budget.
Maintenance
Like every major appliance, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to run smoothly. Some routine maintenance tasks can be performed by the homeowner, however, other tasks should be handled by qualified professionals. Signing an agreement for maintenance is the best method to keep on top of AC issues. These agreements usually come with discounts on repairs and other perks, such as priority scheduling.
Clean the Condenser Unit
A dirty condenser unit will limit air flow, reduce system efficiency and drive up energy costs. Before you begin cleaning, shut off the compressor unit to prevent dirt and debris from building up. Then, using a garden hose and a sponge, gently clean the blades and coil fins of your fan to eliminate dirt, twigs and leaves. After washing using a paper towel and a spray of sanitation to wipe and sanitize the fan blades. It is also recommended to straighten any bent fins that could be caused by wind or other weather conditions.
Line Sets
If your central air conditioner is over 10 years old, you must consult a professional to inspect the line sets, the copper tubes that connect the indoor air conditioning evaporator coil with the outdoor compressor and condenser unit. The lines carry refrigerant and any cracks or rust can cause leaks that can result in poor cooling and high utility bills.
Air Filter
Replace your air filter on a regular basis to keep it clean and enhance the efficiency of your air conditioning system. The frequency of changing your air filter will depend on the frequency you run the AC, how many pets reside living in your home, and how much dust gets accumulated. A typical air filter lasts for approximately two weeks or a month in the cooler months.
Condensate Drain Line
If the condensation drain line is clogged with mold, algae, snails, or bugs the line won’t flush out the water that is collected by your evaporator unit during cooling. This can lead to flooding in your basement, water damage to your home, as well as mold and mildew growth. In order to prevent this, the float switch located near your indoor evaporator coil will shut off the system when it senses that the drain line has become blocked.