The Benefits of a Central AC Unit

Central air conditioning utilizes ductwork to bring cooled 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 situated in a small enclosure outside the house. Its noiseless operation enhances your peace by preventing the constant hum or whir of window AC units from disrupting indoor serenity.

Energy Efficiency

Although central air conditioners consume more energy than wall-mounted units, today’s systems are more efficient than models of the past. The refrigerant that ozone depletes R22 was phased out in 2006 and was replaced by a green product called 410A and manufacturers are constantly innovating new technologies to enable their systems to use less energy.

Central AC systems, unlike window AC units, which are made to cool only the area in which they’re installed can distribute cool air throughout your home by using air ducts. The cooling process begins when your thermostat tells the air handler to start cycling on. The air handler pulls warm air from your living areas, and it passes over the evaporator coil, which is filled with cool refrigerant. The heat that’s in the air causes the refrigerant to absorb energy, and then turn into gas. The compressor then increases the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. When it pumps, the heat is pushed away from the evaporator back into your home, where it can be cooled and distributed through the ductwork.

Central AC systems are the most efficient when it comes down to controlling the temperature in large areas. They can cool rooms that are further apart than a single AC unit and also have higher energy efficiency.

You might find that based on how well sealed and insulated your home is, as well as the arrangement, a mini-split air conditioner will use less energy than central air conditioning. Mini-splits are not the same as central ACs, but they can be more efficient, as they don’t use ductwork. Ductwork leaks and could make the system overwork to cool your home to the desired temperature. If you’re interested in learning more about energy-efficient options to cool your home, you should talk to an HVAC professional at your local Dallas heating and air conditioning company. They’ll be able to assist you select the most efficient solution for your particular needs.

Convenience

Central air conditioning systems aren’t only energy efficient and comfortable, they also provide a great variety of convenience. These systems are able to cool an entire home or office using just one unit and do not require ducts like window units do. They also typically come with high-quality air filters that can help to keep pollutants and allergens out of the air. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from respiratory conditions or allergies.

Central AC is one of the most popular kinds of cooling systems, and with good reason. This is a great option for homes with ductwork that want a cooling solution. These systems can cool every room with just one vent. They can also be paired with home zoned thermostats that let you manage the cooling needs of different rooms in your home.

This is the most common kind of AC system and operates in a similar manner as furnaces. Central air conditioners are comprised of a large outdoor unit that blasts warm air and a smaller indoor unit that pulls cold or hot air out of the ductwork. The refrigerant is pumped from the air handler via lines, which absorb heat. The cooled air is then returned to the air handler inside the home and circulated through the ductwork into other rooms.

Central air conditioning systems can also reduce 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 mold and mildew in your ductwork.

It’s time to upgrade your cooling system if it’s older than 15 years. A new, high-quality AC system will help you save money on energy costs and help to protect the integrity of the ductwork of your home. 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, like every other major appliance requires regular maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly. Certain routine maintenance tasks can be handled by the homeowner, however, other tasks should be handled by qualified professionals. The best way to avoid getting caught up of AC issues is to sign up for a maintenance agreement which usually includes a discount on repairs and perks like priority scheduling.

Clean the Condenser Unit

A condenser that is dirty can reduce air flow, decrease the efficiency of your system and increase energy costs. To prevent a build-up of dirt and debris switch off the power supply to the compressor unit prior to when you begin cleaning. Then with a garden hose, gently clean the fan blades and coil fins to remove dirt, twigs, leaves, and other debris. After cleaning, wipe the blades with a paper towel and spray to clean. Also, straighten any bent fins that could have been caused by wind, or other weather conditions.

Line Sets

If your central air conditioner has been in use for more than 10 years, you should engage a professional to check the line sets. These are the copper tubes that connect the indoor evaporator coil to the outdoor compressor and condenser. The lines are a conduit for refrigerant and any cracks or rust may cause leaks that can result in low cooling and costly costs for utility.

Air Filter

To increase the efficiency of your AC system, change your air filter on a regular basis. The frequency varies depending on how often your AC is running, the number of furry family members and the amount of dust is accumulated in your home. A typical air filter should last between two weeks and one month during the cooler season.

Condensate Drain Line

If the drain line for condensation is clogged with mold, algae or snails the line won’t flush out the water collected by your evaporator coil during cooling. This can cause a flooded home, water damage, and the growth of mold and mildew. In order to prevent this, the float switch located near your indoor evaporator coil will stop the system when it determines that the drain line is blocked.