The Benefits of a Central AC Unit

Central air conditioning uses ductwork to deliver cooled air to every room. A air handler equipped with filters that trap particulates regulates the flow of air.

The unit is usually placed in a small enclosure outside the home. Its quiet operation increases your comfort by preventing the constant hum or whir of window AC units from disrupting your the peace of your home.

Energy Efficiency

While central air conditioners use more energy than wall-mounted units do, modern systems are more efficient than models of the past. The Ozone-depleting R22 refrigerant was eliminated in 2006 and replaced with 410A. Manufacturers are continually creating new technologies to make their systems more efficient and use less energy.

Unlike window AC units designed to cool just the room in which they are installed, central AC systems can distribute cool air throughout your entire home using air ducts. The cooling process begins when your thermostat indicates that the air handler should begin to cycle. The air handler draws warm air from your living areas and then passes it over the evaporator coil which 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 through your ductwork again.

Central AC systems are the most efficient when it comes down to regulating temperatures in large spaces. They can consistently cool rooms that are farther from one another than a single wall AC unit could, and they offer better energy efficiency in general.

Depending on how well your home is well-insulated and sealed and also the layout it’s possible that a mini-split will save you even more energy than central air conditioners however. Mini-splits work differently than central AC however they’re usually more efficient because they don’t rely on ductwork, which could leak and cause the system to over-work to bring your home up to the desired temperature. If you’re interested in learning more about energy-efficient options for cooling your home, speak to an HVAC expert at your local Dallas heating and air conditioning company. They’ll be able to help you select the most efficient solution for your needs.

Convenience

In addition to energy efficiency and comfort, central air conditioning systems offer a lot of convenience. They can cool the entire home or business with only one unit and don’t need ducts as window units do. They’re also generally equipped with top-quality air filters that can help to keep allergens and pollutants out of the air. This is particularly helpful for those who suffer from respiratory or allergies.

Central AC is one of the most well-known types of cooling systems, and with good reason. This is a great option for homes with ductwork that require a cooling solution. These systems can supply cool air to every room with just one vent. They can also be paired with home zone control, which allows you to manage the cooling requirements in different areas of your home with an intelligent thermostat.

This is the most commonly used AC system. It functions similarly to a furnace. Central air conditioners have a big outdoor unit that blows out warm air, and an indoor air handler that pulls in hot or cold air from the ductwork. The refrigerant is pumped from the air handler through the lines, taking in heat. The cooled air then is pumped back into the air handler before being is circulated to other rooms via the ductwork.

Central air conditioning systems can also help reduce humidity. This is especially crucial in our humid climate. The air handler will remove excess moisture from your ductwork, and release it outside. This will help to stop the growth of mildew and mold.

It’s time to replace your cooling system if it is older than 15 years. A new, top-quality AC system will help you save money on energy bills and help to protect the integrity of the ductwork of your home. To find out more about Chancey & Reynolds’ cooling solutions, please contact us. We can help you choose the right air conditioner for your budget and requirements.

Maintenance

Like every major appliance air conditioner, your air conditioner requires regular maintenance to run smoothly. Certain maintenance tasks that are routine can be performed by the homeowner while others are best left to licensed experts. The best way to avoid getting caught up of AC issues is to sign up for a maintenance agreement that usually comes with discounts on repairs and benefits such as priority scheduling.

Clean the Condenser Unit

A condenser that is dirty will decrease air flow, decrease the efficiency of your system and increase energy costs. To prevent a build-up of dirt and debris, turn off the power to your compressor unit before you begin cleaning. Then using a garden hose, gently clean the fan blades and coil fins to get rid of dirt leaves, twigs and other debris. After washing then, use a towel and spray for sanitation to clean and disinfect the fan blades. It is also recommended to straighten any bent fins that might have been caused by winds, or other weather conditions.

Line Sets

If your central air conditioner has been in use for more than 10 years, you must employ a professional to examine the line sets. These are the copper tubes that connect the indoor evaporator coil to the outdoor compressor and condenser. The lines carry refrigerant and any cracks or rust could cause leaks, which can result in poor cooling and high cost of energy.

Air Filter

Change your air filter frequently to keep it fresh and improve the performance of your air conditioning system. The frequency of changing your air filter will depend on how often you run the AC and how many pets reside living in your home and how much dust accumulates. A standard air filter should last about two weeks to one month during the cooling season.

Condensate Drain Line

If the drain line for condensation is blocked by mold, algae or snails the line won’t flush out the water collected by your evaporator unit during cooling. This can result in a flooded basement, water damage in your home, and even mold and mildew growth. To prevent this from happening, the float switch located near your indoor evaporator coil will stop the system when it senses that the drain line is blocked.