The Benefits of a Central AC Unit

A central air conditioning system utilizes ductwork to bring cooled air to all rooms. Airflow is regulated by an air handler which features a filter to capture particles.

The unit is typically housed in a small enclosure located outside the home. Its noiseless operation enhances your peace by preventing the constant hum or whir of window AC units from disturbing the peace of your home.

Energy Efficiency

While central air conditioners use more energy than wall-mounted units, today’s systems are more efficient than the ones used in the past. The Ozone-depleting R22 refrigerant was removed in 2006 and replaced with 410A. Manufacturers are continually creating new technologies to make their systems more efficient and use less energy.

Central AC systems, unlike window AC units that are designed to cool only the area within which they’re located can spread cool air evenly throughout your home using air ducts. The cooling process begins when your thermostat tells you that the air handler must start cycling. The air handler is able to pull hot air from your home, then passes it through the evaporator coil that is filled with cool refrigeration. The heat from the air causes refrigerant to absorb energy, and then transform into gas. This refrigerant is then pumped to the outdoor unit, where the compressor raises its temperature and pressure. As it pumps it pushes the heat out of the evaporator coil back into the home where it is cooled before being distributed through your ductwork again.

Central AC systems are the most efficient when it comes to controlling the temperature in large areas. They can cool rooms that are further from one AC unit, and they have better energy efficiency.

Depending on how well your house is sealed and insulated, and also the layout it is possible that a mini-split system could save you more energy than central air conditioners, though. Mini-splits function differently than central AC however they’re usually more efficient because they do not rely on ductwork which could leak and cause the system to over-work in order to bring your home up to the desired temperature. If you’re interested to learn more about energy-efficient options for cooling your home, you should talk to an HVAC specialist at your local Dallas heating and air conditioning business. They’ll be able to assist you choose the best solution for your specific needs.

Convenience

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

Central AC is a popular cooling system, and with good reason. This is an excellent option for homes with ductwork and need a cooling solution. These systems are able to deliver cool air to each room with just one vent and can be used with home zone control, which allows you to control your cooling requirements in various areas of your home with the help of a smart thermostat.

This is the most common AC system. It works in a similar way as a furnace. A central air conditioner has a big outdoor unit that blows warm air, and an indoor air handler that pulls in hot or cold air from the ductwork. The refrigerant is pumped through lines that connect to the air handler, and it absorbs heat in the process. The cooled air is pushed back to the air handler in the home and circulated through the ductwork to other rooms.

An added benefit of central air conditioning is that it can also help to reduce humidity. This is especially important in our humid climate. The air handler can eliminate excess moisture and let it out which prevents the growth of mold and mildew in your ductwork.

It’s time to replace your cooling system if it is older than 15 years. A new, top-quality AC system will allow you to save money on energy bills as well as protect the integrity of your ductwork. Contact Chancey & Reynolds to learn more about our cooling solutions. We can help you choose the perfect air conditioner for your needs and budget.

Maintenance

Like every major appliance, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to run smoothly. Certain maintenance tasks that are routine can be handled by the homeowner, while others are best left to licensed professionals. Signing up for a maintenance agreement is the best way to be on top of AC problems. These agreements typically come with discounts on repairs as well as perks, such as priority scheduling.

Clean the Condenser Unit

A condenser that is dirty can reduce air flow, decrease the efficiency of your system and increase the cost of energy. To prevent the accumulation of debris and dirt shut off the power supply to your compressor unit before you begin cleaning. Then, using a garden hose, gently wash the coil fins and fan blades to remove dirt leaves, twigs and other debris. After cleaning the blades, wipe them clean with a towel and a sanitation spray. It is also an excellent idea to straighten out any noticeable bent fins, which may be caused by 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 lines, the copper tubes that connect the indoor air conditioning evaporator coil with the outdoor compressor and condenser unit. The lines are filled with refrigerant and any corrosion or cracks could result in leaks, which could result in a decrease in cooling and more expensive cost of energy.

Air Filter

To enhance the performance of your AC system, you should change your air filter on a regular basis. The frequency of changing your air filter will depend on how often you use the AC, how many pets reside living in your home, and how much dust is collected. Generally, a standard air filter lasts for approximately two months or two weeks during the cool season.

Condensate Drain Line

If the condensation drain line is blocked by algae, mold or snails it won’t be able to flush out the water that’s collected by your evaporator coil in cooling. This can cause a flooded home, water damage and the growth of mildew and mold. The float switch on your indoor coil will shut down the system when it detects a blocked drain line.