The Benefits of a Central AC Unit

Central air conditioning utilizes ductwork to bring cooled air to every room. Airflow is controlled by an air handler that features a filter to capture particulates.

The unit is usually housed in a small enclosure outside the home. Its quiet operation improves your comfort by preventing constant noise or whirr of window AC units from disrupting the peace and quiet of your indoor space.

Energy Efficiency

Although it is true that central air conditioners use more energy to operate than a wall-mounted unit but the truth is that modern systems are much more efficient than the ones used in the past. The refrigerant that depletes the ozone R22 was eliminated in 2006 and has been replaced with an environmentally friendly product known as 410A and manufacturers are constantly developing new technologies that help their systems consume less energy.

Unlike window AC units that are designed to cool just the room in which they are installed central AC systems are able to evenly distribute cool air throughout your home with air ducts. The cooling process begins when your thermostat signals that the air handler should start cycling. The air handler pulls warm air from your living spaces, and it passes over the evaporator coil, which is filled with cool refrigerant. The heat in the air causes the refrigerant to absorb energy and turn into gas. The compressor then increases the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. As it pumps it, it carries the heat out of the evaporator coil back into the house, where it’s cooled and distributed through your ductwork again.

The reality is that central AC systems are the most efficient choice in regulating the temperature of large spaces. They can cool rooms that are further from one AC unit and also have higher energy efficiency.

Depending on how well your home is sealed and insulated, and also the layout it’s possible that a mini-split system will save you even more energy than central air conditioning however. Mini-splits work differently than central AC however they’re usually more efficient because they do not rely on ductwork which can leak and result in the system working too hard in order to cool your home to the desired temperature. Talk to an HVAC specialist from your local Dallas heating company if you want to know more about energy efficient solutions for cooling your home. They can assist you in finding the ideal solution for your requirements.

Convenience

In addition to comfort and energy efficiency central air conditioning systems offer many benefits. These systems are able to cool a whole home or office with just one unit and do not require ducts like window units do. These systems are also equipped with high-quality filters that help keep allergens and pollutants out of the air. This is particularly helpful for individuals who suffer from allergies or respiratory ailments.

Central AC is one of the most popular kinds of cooling systems and with good reason. It is a great choice for homes with ductwork that require a cooling solution. These systems are able to provide cool air to every room with just one vent. They can also be paired with home zoning, which permits you to manage your cooling requirements in various parts of the house with the help of a smart thermostat.

This is the most common kind of AC system that functions in a similar manner as a furnace. Central air conditioners have a large outdoor unit that blasts warm air and a smaller inside unit that pulls cold or hot air out of the ductwork. The refrigerant is pumped through lines that connect to the air handler and absorbs heat as it goes through the process. The cool air is pumped back into the air handler and is circulated to other rooms via the ductwork.

An added benefit of central air conditioning is that it can aid in reducing humidity. This is especially crucial in our humid climate. The air handler will remove excess moisture from your ductwork and release it to the outside. This helps prevent the growth of mildew and mold.

If your cooling system is approaching 15 years in age it’s time to consider replacing it with a brand new and more efficient model. A new, high quality AC system will help you reduce your 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

Your air conditioner, as any other major appliance needs regular maintenance to run smoothly. Some routine maintenance can be performed by the homeowner, while other tasks should be handled by licensed professionals. The best way to stay ahead of AC issues is to sign up for a maintenance agreement which usually includes discounts on repairs as well as 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 other debris switch off the power to your compressor unit prior to you begin cleaning. Then using 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 using a paper towel and spray for sanitation. You should also straighten any bent fins that could result from the wind or other weather conditions.

Line Sets

If your central air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you must consult a professional to inspect the line sets, the copper tubes that connect the indoor air conditioning evaporator coil to the outdoor compressor and condenser unit. The lines are filled with refrigerant and any corrosion or cracks can lead to leaks, which will result in poor cooling and more expensive costs for utility.

Air Filter

To increase the efficiency of your AC system, you should change your air filter regularly. The frequency of change varies based 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 will last about two weeks to one month during the cooler season.

Condensate Drain Line

If the drain line for your condensation becomes clogged by algae, mold or bugs, the water that collects on the evaporator coil will not be able to flush away. This could lead to flooding in your basement, water damage to your home, as well as mold and mildew growth. The float switch in your indoor coil will shut down the system if it detects a blocked drain line.