The Benefits of a Central AC Unit
Central air conditioning makes use of ductwork to deliver cool air to each room. The flow of air is controlled by an air handler that features a filter to capture particulates.
The unit is typically located in a small enclosure that is located outside of the house. The unit’s quiet operation will increase your comfort as it will stop the constant hum and whirrr of window AC units from disrupting your indoor serenity.
Energy Efficiency
Although it is true that central air conditioners consume more energy to run than wall-mounted units but the truth is that modern systems are more efficient than those in years ago. The pollution-causing R22 refrigerant was removed in 2006 and replaced with 410A. Manufacturers are constantly creating new technologies that aid in the use of less energy.
Unlike window AC units, which are specifically designed to cool the room in which they are installed central AC systems are able to evenly distribute cool air throughout your home by using air ducts. The cooling process begins when your thermostat tells you that the air handler should begin to cycle. The air handler is able to pull hot air from your home and passes it over the evaporator coil which is filled with cool refrigerant. The heat contained in the air causes the refrigerant to absorb energy and turn into gas. The refrigerant then gets pumped to the outdoor unit and the compressor increases its temperature and pressure. When it pumps, the heat is transferred from the evaporator, and then returned to your home, where it can be cooled and distributed through the ductwork.
Central AC systems are most efficient when it comes to controlling temperature in large spaces. They are able to consistently cool rooms that are further from one another than a single wall AC unit can and provide greater energy efficiency overall.
It could be that, based on how well insulated and sealed your home is, as well as the layout, a mini-split conditioner will use less energy than central air cooling. Mini-splits are not the same as central ACs, however they can be more efficient because they don’t use the ductwork. Ductwork leaks and could cause the system overwork to cool your house to the desired temperature. Contact an HVAC professional from your local Dallas heating company if you are interested in learning more about energy-efficient options for cooling your home. They’ll help you select the most efficient solution for your specific requirements.
Convenience
Central air conditioning systems aren’t only efficient and comfortable, but they also provide a good amount of convenience. They can cool an entire home or office with only one unit, and don’t require ducts as window units do. They are also fitted with high-quality filters to help keep allergens and pollutants out of the air. This is particularly beneficial for people suffering from allergies or respiratory ailments.
Central AC is one of the most well-known kinds of cooling systems, and for good reason. This is a great option for homes with ductwork that require a cooling solution. These systems are able to deliver cool air to each room from a single vent. They can also be paired with home zoning, which allows you to control your cooling needs in different parts of the house with a smart thermostat.
This is the most popular AC system. It operates in a similar way similar to furnaces. A central air conditioner has an outdoor unit that blasts out warm air and a smaller indoor air handler that pulls in hot or cold air through the ductwork. The refrigerant is circulated through the lines of the air handler and absorbs heat as it goes through the process. The cooled air is pushed back to the air handler in the home and circulated via the ductwork to other rooms.
A further 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 eliminate excess moisture and then release it to the outside which prevents the growth of mildew and mold in your ductwork.
It’s time to replace your cooling system if older than 15 years. A new, high-quality AC system will save you money on energy costs and help to safeguard the integrity of your home’s ductwork. Contact Chancey & Reynolds to learn more about our cooling solutions. We can help you select the best air conditioner for your budget and needs.
Maintenance
Your air conditioner, as any other major appliance requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Some routine maintenance can be done by the homeowner however, other tasks should be handled by certified experts. Signing up for a maintenance agreement is the best method to keep on the top of AC issues. These agreements typically offer discounts on repairs, as well as other perks, such as priority scheduling.
Clean the Condenser Unit
A condenser unit that is dirty will limit air flow, reduce system efficiency and drive up the cost of energy. To prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, turn off the power to your compressor unit prior to you begin cleaning. Then, using an outdoor hose and cloth, gently scrub the blades and fins of your fan to eliminate dirt, twigs and leaves. After cleaning, wipe the blades using a paper towel and spray to clean. It’s also an excellent idea to straighten any bent fins that could be caused by wind or other weather conditions.
Line Sets
If your central air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you should get a professional to examine the lines, the copper tubes connecting the indoor air conditioning evaporator coil with the outdoor compressor and condenser unit. The lines are a conduit for refrigerant and any cracks or rust may cause leaks that will cause poor cooling and high costs for utility.
Air Filter
Replace your air filter on a regular basis to ensure that it is clean and enhance the performance of your air conditioning system. The frequency of change varies based on how often the AC runs, the amount of furry members in your family, and the amount of dust you collect in your home. In general, a standard air filter will last for around two weeks or a month during the cool season.
Condensate Drain Line
If the line that drains condensation is clogged with mold, algae or snails, it can’t flush away the water collected by your evaporator coil during cooling. This could result in flooding of your home, water damage and the development of mildew and mold. The float switch in your indoor coil will shut off the system if it detects a clogged drain line.
