The Benefits of a Central AC Unit

Central air conditioning uses ductwork to deliver cooled air to every room. Airflow is regulated by an air handler which has a filter that is used to remove particulates.

The unit is usually located in a small enclosure that is outside the home. The unit’s quiet operation will enhance your comfort, since it will keep the constant hum and whirrr of window AC units from disrupting your indoor peace.

Energy Efficiency

Although central air conditioners consume more energy than wall-mounted units, modern systems are more efficient than ones used in the past. The refrigerant that depletes the ozone R22 was phased out in 2006 and was replaced with an environmentally friendly product called 410A Manufacturers are constantly innovating new technologies that enable their systems to use less energy.

In contrast to window AC units specifically designed to cool only 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 the air handler to start running. The air handler draws hot air from your home, then passes it over the evaporator coil that is filled with cool refrigeration. The heat that is released into the air causes refrigerant to absorb energy before it transforms into gas. The compressor then raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. As it pumps, heat is pushed off the evaporator back into your home, where it can be cooled and distributed through the ductwork.

The truth is that central AC systems are the most efficient option in controlling the temperature of large areas. They can consistently cool rooms that are farther from one another than a single wall AC unit can and provide greater energy efficiency in general.

You may find that depending on the level of insulation and sealing your home is, as well as the arrangement, a mini-split air conditioner can save you more energy than central air cooling. Mini-splits function 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 in order to cool your home to the desired temperature. Contact an HVAC professional from your local Dallas heating company if you want to know more about energy efficient options for cooling your home. They’ll be able to assist you select the most efficient solution for your specific requirements.

Convenience

Central air conditioning systems are not only efficient and comfortable, they also provide a great variety of convenience. These systems are able to cool a whole home or office in just one unit, and do not require ducts like window units do. They are also fitted with high-quality filters that keep pollutants and allergens out of the air. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from allergies or respiratory issues.

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 want a cooling solution. These systems can cool each room with a single vent. They can also be paired with home zoned thermostats that allow you to control the cooling needs of different areas in your home.

This is the most common kind of AC system that operates in a similar manner as a furnace. Central air conditioners have an outdoor unit that blasts warm air and a smaller inside unit that pulls cold or hot air from the ductwork. The refrigerant is pumped from the air handler through lines, taking in heat. The cool air is pushed back to the air handler in the home and circulated through the ductwork to other rooms.

A central air conditioning system can also help reduce humidity. This is especially important in our humid climate. The air handler can eliminate excess moisture and then let it out which prevents the growth of mold and mildew within your ductwork.

If your current cooling system is getting close to 15 years old it’s time to think about replacing it with a new and more efficient model. A new, high quality AC system will help you save money on energy bills as well as safeguard the integrity of your ductwork. Contact Chancey & Reynolds to learn more about our cooling solutions. We can help you select the right air conditioner to meet your budget and requirements.

Maintenance

As with any major appliance the air conditioner also requires regular service to keep running smoothly. Certain routine maintenance tasks can be done by the homeowner however, other tasks should be handled by certified experts. The best way to avoid getting caught up of AC issues is to sign to a maintenance contract, which often comes with discounts on repairs and perks like priority scheduling.

Clean the Condenser Unit

A dirty condenser unit will limit air flow, reduce system efficiency and drive up the cost of energy. Before you begin cleaning, switch off the compressor unit to prevent dirt and debris from building up. Then with a garden hose, gently wash the fan blades and coil fins to get rid of dirt, twigs, leaves, and other debris. After washing the blades, wipe them with a towel and spray for sanitation. You should also 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, you must get a professional to examine the lines, the copper tubes connecting the indoor air conditioning evaporator coil to the outdoor compressor and condenser unit. The lines carry refrigerant, and any cracks or rust can cause leaks that can lead to inadequate cooling and expensive utility bills.

Air Filter

To improve the performance of your AC system, you should change your air filter on a regular basis. The frequency of changing your air filter is contingent on the frequency you run the AC and how many pets are in the house and the amount of dust accumulates. A typical air filter can last for about two weeks or a month in the cool season.

Condensate Drain Line

If the drain line for condensation is clogged with mold, algae, snails, or bugs the line won’t flush out the water that is collected by your evaporator coil during cooling. This could result in flooding of your home, water damage, and the growth of mildew and mold. To prevent this from happening, the float switch located near the indoor evaporator will shut off the system if it determines that the drain line is blocked.