The Benefits of a Central AC Unit

Central air conditioning systems make use of ductwork to distribute cool air in every room. Airflow is controlled by an air handler which includes a filter for capturing particles.

The unit is usually placed in a small enclosure located outside the home. The unit’s quiet operation will increase your comfort as it will keep the constant hum and whirr of window AC units from disrupting indoor serenity.

Energy Efficiency

Central air conditioners consume more energy than wall-mounted units, today’s systems are more efficient than the ones used in the past. The refrigerant that depletes the ozone R22 was eliminated in 2006 and replaced by an eco-friendly product called 410A Manufacturers are constantly experimenting with new technologies to help their systems consume less energy.

Contrary to window AC units specifically designed to cool the room in which they are installed central AC systems are able to evenly distribute cool air throughout your entire home with air ducts. The cooling process begins when your thermostat tells the air handler to start running. The air handler pulls warm air from your living areas and then 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 a gas. The refrigerant then gets pumped to the outdoor unit which is where the compressor raises its temperature and pressure. As it pumps, it pushes the heat off of the evaporator coil back into the home, where it’s cooled and distributed through your ductwork again.

Central AC systems are most efficient when it comes down to controlling the temperature in large areas. They can consistently cool rooms that are further apart than one wall AC unit could, and they offer better energy efficiency overall.

Depending on how well your house is well-insulated and sealed as well as its layout it’s possible that a mini-split system will save you even more energy than central air conditioning, though. Mini-splits operate differently than central AC, but they’re often more efficient because they do not rely on ductwork which can leak and cause the system to work harder to cool your home to the desired temperature. If you’re interested in learning more about energy-efficient options for cooling your home, speak to an HVAC specialist at your local Dallas heating and air conditioning business. They’ll help you select the right solution for your specific requirements.

Convenience

In addition to the energy efficiency and comfort, central air conditioning systems offer many benefits. They can cool your entire office or home in only one unit and don’t need ducts as window units do. They also typically come with top-quality air filters that can help to keep allergens and pollutants out of the air. This is particularly helpful for people suffering from allergies or respiratory issues.

Central AC is a popular cooling system, and with good reason. This is a great option for homes with ductwork that require an effective cooling solution. These systems are able to provide cool air to every room from a single vent. They can also be used with home zone control, which allows you to manage your cooling needs in different areas of the home using the help of a smart thermostat.

This is the most common AC system. It functions in a similar way similar to furnaces. Central air conditioners include a large outdoor unit that blasts warm air and a smaller inside unit that pulls hot or cold air from the ductwork. The refrigerant is pumped out of the air handler through the lines, absorbing heat. The cooled air is then returned to the air handler inside the home and circulated via the ductwork into other rooms.

An added benefit of central air conditioning is that it can help to reduce humidity. This is especially important in our humid climate. The air handler will take excess moisture from your ductwork, and release it outside. This helps to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

If your cooling system is nearing 15 years in age it’s time to think about replacing it with a brand new and more efficient model. A new, top-quality AC system will help you save money on energy bills and will help protect the integrity of the ductwork of your home. Contact Chancey & Reynolds to learn more about our cooling solutions. We can assist you in choosing the best air conditioner for your budget and requirements.

Maintenance

As with any major appliance air conditioner, your air conditioner requires regular maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly. Certain routine maintenance tasks can be handled by the homeowner, while others should be left to licensed experts. Signing up for a maintenance agreement is the best way to stay on the top of AC issues. These agreements usually come with discounts on repairs and other 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 the cost of energy. Before you begin cleaning, turn off the compressor unit to stop dirt and debris from accumulating. Then with a garden hose, gently wash the fan blades and coil fins to remove dirt leaves, twigs and other debris. After washing using a paper towel and sanitation spray to wipe and sanitize the fan blades. Also, straighten any bent fins that could have been caused by winds, or other weather conditions.

Line Sets

If your central air conditioner is over 10 years old, you should have a professional inspect the line sets, as well as the copper tubes connecting the indoor air conditioning evaporator coil to 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 higher cost of energy.

Air Filter

Replace your air filter on a regular basis to ensure that it is fresh and improve the performance of your air conditioning system. The frequency of changing your air filter is contingent on how often you use the AC and how many pets are in the house, and how much dust is collected. Generally, a standard air filter lasts for around two months or two weeks during the cooling season.

Condensate Drain Line

If the drain line for condensation is blocked by algae, mold, snails, or bugs it won’t be able to flush out 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 near your indoor coil will shut off the system if it detects a blockage in the drain line.