The Benefits of a Central AC Unit
Central air conditioning uses ductwork to deliver cooled air to every room. An air handler with an air filter that collects particles regulates airflow.
The unit is usually placed in a small enclosure outside the home. Its noiseless operation enhances your peace by preventing the constant hum or whir of window AC units from disturbing the peace of your home.
Energy Efficiency
While it’s true that central air conditioners consume more energy to run than wall-mounted units however, the reality is that today’s systems are much more efficient than those used in the ago. The refrigerant that ozone depletes R22 was eliminated in 2006 and has been replaced with an environmentally friendly product called 410A and manufacturers are constantly developing new technologies that aid in the reduction of energy.
Unlike window AC units, which are designed to cool just the room they’re mounted in, central AC systems can evenly distribute cool air throughout your entire home with air ducts. The cooling process starts when your thermostat signals the air handler to start the process of cycling. The air handler pulls hot air from your home and passes it over the evaporator, which is filled with cool refrigerant. The heat from the air causes refrigerant absorb energy before it transforms into a gas. The refrigerant then gets pumped to the outdoor unit which is where the compressor raises its temperature and pressure. As it pumps, the heat is transferred from the evaporator back into your home, where it can be cooled and distributed through the ductwork.
Central AC systems are the most efficient when it comes down to controlling temperature in large spaces. They can cool rooms that are farther from one AC unit and have greater energy efficiency.
Depending on how well your home is sealed and insulated, and the layout of your home, you might find that a mini-split system will save you even more energy than central air conditioners however. Mini-splits are not the same as central ACs, but they are more efficient because they don’t use the ductwork. Ductwork leaks can make the system overwork to cool your house to the desired temperature. Talk to an HVAC expert from your local Dallas heating company if you want to know more about energy-efficient options for cooling your house. They’ll help you select the most efficient solution for your specific requirements.
Convenience
In addition to energy efficiency and comfort central air conditioning systems offer a lot of convenience. They can cool the entire office or home in one unit, and do not require ducts like window units. They are also usually equipped with top-quality air filters that can help keep pollutants and allergens out of the air. This is particularly helpful for those suffering from respiratory issues or allergies.
Central AC is a popular cooling system, and with good reason. This is a great option for homes with ductwork that require a cooling solution. These systems can cool all rooms with a single vent. They can also be used in conjunction with thermostats with zones for homes that let you control the cooling needs of different areas within your house.
This is the most popular type of AC system and operates in a similar way similar to furnaces. Central air conditioners comprise an outdoor unit that blasts out warm air and a smaller indoor air handler that pulls in cold or hot air from the ductwork. The refrigerant is pumped from the air handler through the lines, which absorb heat. The cooled air then is pushed back into air handler before being is circulated to other rooms via the ductwork.
An added benefit of a central air conditioning system is that it can also aid in reducing humidity. This is especially important in our humid climate. The air handler can remove excess moisture and then let it out which prevents the growth of mildew and mold within your ductwork.
If your current cooling system is getting close to 15 years in age it’s time to think about replacing it with a fresh and better model. A new, top-quality AC system will help you save money on energy costs and will help protect the integrity of your home’s ductwork. Contact Chancey & Reynolds to learn more about our cooling solutions. We can help you choose the perfect air conditioner for your budget and requirements.
Maintenance
Your air conditioner, just like every other major appliance needs regular maintenance to run smoothly. Some routine maintenance tasks can be performed by the homeowner, while others are best left to licensed experts. Signing up for a maintenance contract is the best way to stay on the forefront of AC issues. These agreements typically include discounts on repairs as well as benefits, like priority scheduling.
Clean the Condenser Unit
A dirty condenser will reduce air flow, reduce the efficiency of your system, and increase energy costs. Before you begin cleaning, turn off the compressor unit to stop dirt and debris from building up. Then, using an outdoor hose and rag, gently clean the coil fins and blades of your fan to get rid of dirt leaves, twigs and twigs. After washing, use a paper towel and sanitation spray to wipe and sanitize the fan blades. It is also recommended to straighten any bent fins that could result from winds, or other weather conditions.
Line Sets
If your central air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it is recommended to have a professional inspect the line sets, the copper tubes connecting the indoor air conditioning evaporator coil and the outdoor compressor and condenser unit. The lines are filled with refrigerant, and any corrosion or cracks could lead to leaks, which could result in a decrease in cooling and more expensive cost of energy.
Air Filter
To enhance the performance of your AC system, make sure you change your air filter regularly. The frequency varies depending on how often the AC runs, the number of furry members in your family, and how much dust your home collects. A typical air filter will last about two weeks to a month in the cooling season.
Condensate Drain Line
If the line that drains condensation is clogged with mold, algae or snails it won’t be able to flush out the water that’s collected by your evaporator unit during cooling. This could result in flooding of your home, water damage, and the growth of mildew and mold. The float switch on your indoor coil will shut off the system when it detects a blockage in the drain line.