A central air conditioner circulates cool air throughout a home by using a system of supply and return ducts. The supply ducts carry the cooled air from the air conditioner to the various rooms in the house, and the return ducts bring the warmer air back to the air conditioner to be cooled again.
In residential central air conditioning, a central unit is installed in the home and is connected to a series of ducts that distribute cool air throughout the house. The central unit is also connected to an outdoor unit, which helps to circulate the cool air and keep the home cool and comfortable.
A central air conditioner allows you to control the temperature in your entire home from one central location. This is a more efficient way to manage your home’s temperature than having separate units in each room.
That said, now is the time to get creative and install a central air conditioning solution in your home if you are in the process of designing or building your home.
The Types of Central Air Conditioners
You can either go for a split-system unit or a packaged unit.
A split-system central air conditioner has two parts: an outdoor and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit has a heat exchanger, fan, and compressor, while the indoor unit has a heat exchanger and blower. A split-system air conditioner may be the most economical option to install if you have a furnace but no air conditioner. With a split-system air conditioner, the indoor cabinet contains the furnace or the indoor heat exchanger of a heat pump. This can be a cost-effective option for your home.
A packaged central air conditioner is an air conditioner that has all of its components in one unit. This unit is typically placed on a roof or on a concrete slab next to the house’s foundation. This type of air conditioner is also often used in small commercial buildings. The air conditioner’s supply and return ducts connect to the packaged air conditioner unit, which also includes electric heating coils or a natural gas furnace. This combination eliminates the need for a separate furnace and provides both cooling and heating for the home.
The Main Advantages and Features of Residential Central Air Conditioning
- Energy efficiency is a priority for many people today because it can help lower running costs and make cooling more efficient. Central ducted air conditioning is a great option for residential settings because it is very effective.
- Zoning capability refers to the ability to control the conditioning (heating, cooling, ventilation, etc.) in different rooms. This can be useful in situations where some rooms are not in use, as it allows for the conditioning to be turned off in those rooms, saving energy.
- Ducted central air conditioning is known for its quiet operation. The compressor is usually located away from bedrooms so that it won’t disturb your sleep. Additionally, ducted central air conditioners are very efficient, saving you money on your energy bills.
- This type of system is more efficient and cheaper to operate than individual air conditioning units in each room and requires less attention overall.
- Multi-level homes that have central air conditioning are able to take advantage of the ducts that are in place. These ducts are able to reach all levels of the home, including the basement.
- Ducted air conditioning is a great way to cool your entire house with just the touch of a button. You don’t have to run to different units in different rooms to turn them on, which is a huge plus.
- Aesthetics is the consideration of how something looks. In terms of upgrading your property, it refers to making changes that will make it look more attractive, such as hiding ductwork so that it is not visible.
- If you’re worried about losing power during a heatwave, consider getting a central air conditioner that runs on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This way, even if the electricity goes out, you’ll still be able to keep your home cool.
- Children and seniors are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of poor air quality, so having a central air conditioning system in your home can help to keep them healthy by providing them with pure, clean air to breathe. This can, in turn, lead to fewer doctor’s bills, as they will be less likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses and other health problems caused by exposure to pollutants and allergens.
The Proper Installation and Location of Air Conditioners
If your air conditioner is installed properly, it will work well for many years with only minor regular maintenance. However, if it is not installed correctly, it will not work as well as it should, even if it is a newer, more energy-efficient model.
Ensure that your contractor:
- Finds enough indoor space for the installation, maintenance, and repair of the system
- Utilizes a duct-sizing methodology such as the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) Manual D
- Ensures there are enough supply registers to deliver cool air
- Applies duct work within the conditioned space
- Seals all ducts with duct mastic
- Locates the condensing unit where its noise will not wake your neighbors at night
- Locates the condensing unit where no object may block its airflow
- Ensures that the newly installed air conditioner has the exact refrigerant charge and airflow rate
- Locates the thermostat away from heat sources
Picking or Upgrading Your Central Air Conditioner
Central air conditioners are more efficient than room air conditioners because they are able to cool a larger space more evenly. In addition, they are less likely to be blocked by furniture or other objects, and they are quiet and convenient to operate. To save energy and money, you should try to buy an energy-efficient air conditioner and reduce your central air conditioner’s energy use.
On average, air conditioners in homes consume over 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. This causes power plants to emit 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide and 31 pounds of sulfur dioxide.
If you don’t have existing ductwork in your home, you will need to have it installed – which can be a pricey and disruptive undertaking. However, adding central AC will be a much simpler and less expensive project if you have existing ductwork.
Conclusion
Indeed, residential central air conditioning is a pro-home solution that can keep any household comfortable all year long. By installing a central AC system, homeowners can enjoy energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced home value.
Although central AC systems can be a bit costly to install, they are worth the investment for homeowners who want to stay cool and comfortable in their homes.
If you are looking for a company that provides 24-hour air conditioning service, look no further than our expertise here at HVAC Swami. Our Mission is to help homeowners find the most up-to-date information on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and give the best advice on the internet as well as great product recommendations. Call us today, and let us help you with your central air conditioning in no time!
