The Pros and Cons of Central Air Conditioning
A split-system central air conditioner has an outdoor unit with the condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit with the evaporator, ideal for homes with an existing furnace.
There are numerous different ways to keep a home cool – from rotating fans and evaporative coolers to room air conditioners. Each cooling method has a unique set of pros and cons.
Central air conditioning is particularly ideal for homes in areas that are warm throughout the year. Advances in technology that enable the transformation of a house into a fully automated smart home ensure that central air conditioning keeps a house cool and comfortable year-round.
But what exactly is central air conditioning, and what are its benefits? Read on to find out more.
Central Air Conditioning: A Quick Overview
Central air conditioners can cool multiple spaces simultaneously by circulating cold air through a network of supply and return ducts. A supply duct blows cool air into different areas of a home, which gradually warms up as it circulates and then flows into return ducts to be cooled again by the central air conditioner.
Central air conditioning systems come in two forms: packaged units or split-system units.
What is Split-System Central Air Conditioning?
A split-system central air conditioner is made up of an outdoor metal cabinet and an indoor cabinet. The condenser and compressor are found in the outdoor unit, while the indoor unit houses the evaporator.
This type of central air conditioning is ideal if a home already has an existing furnace.
What is Packaged Central Air Conditioning?
Unlike split-system units, a packaged central air conditioner houses all its components in one cabinet, usually located outdoors on the roof or near the building’s foundation.
For buildings with limited space, this can be an ideal form of central air conditioning and is a popular option for small to medium-sized commercial buildings.
What are the Benefits of Central Air Conditioning?
A central air conditioner, whether it’s a split-system or packaged type, provides consistent temperature throughout a home all year long.
Additionally, central air conditioning can improve indoor air quality as it does more than cool the air. Built-in air filters in these systems can also purify the air that passes through them. If the environment is particularly humid, a central air conditioner can lower the humidity levels inside, making it more comfortable.
What are the Disadvantages of Central Air Conditioning?
Expect the electric bill to increase dramatically with central air conditioning, especially in particularly large homes.
Additionally, installing central air conditioning requires extensive ductwork. This factor may not be an issue if a home already has an existing duct system, such as a furnace. However, the willingness to install ductwork is something to consider before deciding on central air conditioning.
Artic Energy is a professional heating and cooling service in Houston, TX. We provide HVAC installation, air purifier installations, filter replacement and maintenance services, repair maintenance, energy-efficient solutions and seamless installations.
