The Benefits of a Central AC Unit
Central air conditioning systems make use of the ductwork system to distribute cooled air in every room. An air handler that has an air filter that collects particles regulates the airflow.
The unit is typically housed in a small enclosure located outside the home. Its quiet operation increases your comfort by preventing the constant hum or whir of window AC units from disrupting the peace and quiet of your indoor space.
Energy Efficiency
While central air conditioners use more energy than wall-mounted units, modern systems are more efficient than the ones of the past. The Ozone-depleting R22 refrigerant was phased out in 2006 and replaced with 410A. Manufacturers are also continually creating new technologies that help their systems use less energy.
Contrary 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 entire home with air ducts. The cooling process begins when your thermostat signalizes the air handler to begin cycling on. The air handler draws hot air from your home, then passes it over the evaporator, which is filled with cool refrigerant. The heat in the air causes the refrigerant to absorb energy and transform into gas. The compressor then raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. As it pumps it pushes the heat off of the evaporator coil and back into the home to be cooled and circulated through the ductwork.
Central AC systems are the most efficient when it comes to controlling temperatures in large spaces. They can cool rooms that are farther from one AC unit, and they have better energy efficiency.
You may find that depending on the level of insulation and sealing your home is, as well as the layout, a mini-split air conditioner can save you more energy than central air conditioning. Mini-splits differ from central ACs, however they are more efficient since they don’t use ductwork. Ductwork leaks can cause the system overwork in order to cool your home to the desired temperature. Contact an HVAC professional from your local Dallas heating company if want to know more about energy-efficient options for cooling your home. They’ll help you select the right solution for your specific requirements.
Convenience
In addition to energy efficiency and comfort central air conditioning systems provide a lot of convenience. These systems can cool the entire home or business with only one unit and don’t need ducts as window units do. They are also usually equipped with top-quality air filters that can help to keep pollutants and allergens out of the air. This is particularly beneficial for people suffering from respiratory conditions or allergies.
Central AC is a popular cooling system, and for good reason. It’s ideal for homes with ductwork and want an effective cooling solution. These systems can provide cool air to every room through a single vent. They can also be used with home zoning, which allows you to regulate the cooling requirements in different areas of the home using a smart thermostat.
This is the most common AC system. It functions in a similar fashion as furnaces. Central air conditioners comprise an outdoor unit that blasts out warm air, and a smaller indoor air handler that draws in cold or hot air from the ductwork. The refrigerant is pumped through lines from the air handler, and it absorbs heat during the process. The cool air is pushed back to the air handler in the home and circulated via the ductwork to other rooms.
Another benefit of a central air conditioning system is that it can help to reduce humidity. This is especially crucial in our humid climate. The air handler can remove excess moisture and then release it outside which prevents the growth of mold and mildew within your ductwork.
It’s time to upgrade your cooling system if older than 15 years. A new, top-quality AC system will help you save money on energy costs and will help safeguard the integrity of your home’s ductwork. Contact Chancey & Reynolds to learn more about our cooling solutions. We can assist you in choosing the right air conditioner for your budget and requirements.
Maintenance
As with every major appliance, your air conditioner needs regular service to keep running smoothly. Certain routine maintenance tasks can be handled by the homeowner, while other tasks should be left to qualified experts. Signing up for a maintenance agreement is the best way to be on the top of AC problems. These contracts often offer discounts on repairs and other advantages, like 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. Before you begin cleaning, switch off your compressor unit to avoid dirt and debris from building up. Then, using a garden hose, gently wash the fan blades and coil fins to remove dirt, twigs, leaves, and other debris. After washing using a paper towel and sanitation spray to wipe and sanitize the fan blades. You should also straighten any bent fins that may have been caused by winds, or other weather conditions.
Line Sets
If your central air cooling system has been in operation for more than 10 years, it is recommended to hire a professional to inspect the line sets. These are the copper tubes that connect the indoor evaporator coil with the outdoor compressor and condenser. The lines carry refrigerant, and any cracks or rust can cause leaks, which can result in poor cooling and high cost of energy.
Air Filter
Change your air filter frequently to ensure that it is clean and improve the performance of your air conditioning system. The frequency of change varies based on how often your AC is running, the number of furry family members and the amount of dust you collect in your home. Generally, a standard air filter can last for about two months or two weeks 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 coil in cooling. This can lead to flooding of your basement, water damage in your home, as well as mold and mildew growth. In order to prevent this the float switch near the indoor evaporator will stop the system when it senses that the drain line is blocked.