Is this summer heatwave melting you into a puddle on the ground? A lot of people can make it through the warm, Midwest seasons using only window or portable A/C units. Some get by with just fans. If those aren’t enough to make you comfortable, it might be time to consider having central air conditioning installed.
How Central Air Conditioning Works
Central A/C allows cool air to flow through a system of supply and return ducts. The supply registers and ducts transmit cooled air from the A/C unit throughout your home. As the cooled air circulates in your home, it becomes warmer and flows back to the central A/C via registers and return ducts. This system is one of the most common and efficient ways to cool your home.
If you plan to have a central air conditioning unit installed, the size of your home will determine the size of the unit you’ll need. It is also essential to have the correct size ductwork so that the cooling needs of every room are met. The system can be inefficient if ducts are leaky or not insulated. Every seam and joint must be properly sealed. Adding a central AC system can cost less if you already have heating ducts. But remember that the ducts used for heating might not be in the right location or size for optimal cooling.
A central AC unit features a condenser placed outside your home and a fan-and-coil system that is connected by pipes carrying refrigerant. The most common design of a central A/C has the refrigerant circulating between an interior coil and a corresponding exterior condenser with a compressor. The air is cooled by the refrigerant and is dehumidified in the process. The air is then circulated by a blower through the ducts all over the home.
Adding a central air conditioner can be expensive, especially if there are no ducts in your home; but most homeowners agree that it’s worth every penny. Contact American Air to have one of our HVAC specialists assess your needs and give you an estimate.