The Benefits of a Central AC Unit
Central air conditioning systems utilize ductwork to distribute cool air in every room. An air handler that has an air filter that collects particles regulates the airflow.
The unit is usually located in an enclosure that is outside the home. Its noiseless operation enhances your comfort by preventing the constant noise or whirr of window AC units from disturbing the peace and quiet of your indoor space.
Energy Efficiency
While it’s true that central air conditioners consume more energy to operate than a wall-mounted unit but the truth is that today’s systems are much more efficient than the ones used in years past. The ozone-depleting refrigerant R22 was eliminated in 2006 and was replaced by a green product called 410A, and manufacturers are constantly developing new technologies to aid in the reduction of energy.
Central AC systems, unlike window AC units, which are designed to cool the space in which they’re installed, can spread cool air evenly throughout your home by using air ducts. The cooling process begins when your thermostat tells the air handler to start running. The air handler pulls hot air from your home and then passes it over the evaporator, 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 raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. When it pumps it pushes the heat off of the evaporator coil and back into the home, where it’s cooled and distributed throughout your ductwork.
The reality is that central AC systems are the most efficient option when it comes to controlling the temperature of large spaces. They can cool rooms that are farther from one AC unit and also have higher energy efficiency.
You may find that depending on how well insulated and sealed your home is, as well as the arrangement, a mini-split air conditioner will use less energy than central air conditioning. Mini-splits are different from central ACs, however they can be more efficient because they don’t use ductwork. Ductwork leaks and can make the system overwork in order to cool your home to the desired temperature. If you’re interested to learn more about energy-efficient options for cooling your home, talk with an HVAC specialist at your local Dallas heating and air conditioning company. They’ll be able to assist you choose the best solution for your requirements.
Convenience
In addition to comfort and energy efficiency central air conditioning systems offer a lot of convenience. These systems can cool the entire business or home with one unit, and do not require ducts as window units do. They also come with high-quality filters that help keep pollutants and allergens out of the air. This is especially helpful for individuals who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues.
Central AC is one of the most sought-after kinds of cooling systems, and for good reason. It is ideal for homes with ductwork and need a powerful cooling solution. These systems are able to supply cool air to every room through a single vent. They can also be used with home zoning, which allows you to control your cooling requirements in various areas of your home with a smart thermostat.
This is the most popular AC system. It works in a similar fashion to furnaces. Central air conditioners have a big outdoor unit that blasts out warm air, and an indoor air handler that pulls in cold or hot air from the ductwork. The refrigerant is pumped through the lines of the air handler and absorbs heat in the process. The cooled air is returned to the air handler inside the home, and circulated through the ductwork to other rooms.
A further benefit of a central air conditioning system is that it may aid in reducing humidity. This is especially important in our humid climate. The air handler can remove excess moisture, and then let it out to stop the growth of mildew and mold within your ductwork.
If your cooling system is getting close to 15 years in age It’s time to consider replacing it with a new and better model. A new, high-quality AC system will save you money on energy costs and help to ensure the integrity of the ductwork in your home. For more information about Chancey & Reynolds’ cooling solutions, contact us. We can assist you in selecting the best air conditioner for your budget and requirements.
Maintenance
Your air conditioner, just like any other major appliance, needs regular maintenance to run smoothly. Some routine maintenance tasks can be handled by the homeowner, however, other tasks should be left to qualified professionals. Signing up for a maintenance agreement is the best method to keep on the top of AC problems. These agreements typically come with discounts on repairs and other perks, such as priority scheduling.
Clean the Condenser Unit
A condenser that is dirty will decrease air flow, reduce the efficiency of your system and increase energy costs. To avoid the build-up of dirt and other debris shut off the power to the compressor unit prior to when you begin cleaning. Then with a garden hose, gently clean the coil fins and fan blades to remove dirt leaves, twigs and other debris. After cleaning the blades, wipe them clean with a towel and spray to clean. It is also an excellent idea to straighten any bent fins, which may be caused by the wind or other weather conditions.
Line Sets
If your central air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you should have a professional inspect the lines, the copper tubes connecting the indoor air conditioning evaporator coil with the outdoor compressor and condenser unit. The lines are filled with refrigerant, and any corrosion or cracks can cause leaks that will result in poor cooling and more expensive costs for utility.
Air Filter
Change your air filter regularly to ensure it is clean and enhance the efficiency of your air conditioning system. The frequency will vary based on the frequency at which the AC runs, the amount of furry family members and the amount of dust your home collects. A standard air filter should last between two weeks and a month in the cooling season.
Condensate Drain Line
If the drain line for your condensation becomes clogged by algae, mold, or bugs, the accumulated water on the evaporator coil will not be able to be flushed away. This can result in a flooded basement, water damage in 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.