Central air systems are the most efficient among other air conditioning units. They condition air throughout your home from one central location. Compressed refrigerant is passed through coils and absorbs warmth from the air flowing from your home. The cooled air is blown back to the house via the ductwork and supply air registers in different rooms. This starkly contrasts with window air conditioners, which have a unit for each room. The advantages of central air systems over other air conditioning units make them popular among homeowners.
High-Quality Indoor Air
Indoor air quality influences your comfort and health. Central air systems have filters that trap air pollutants, including dust and pet dander. When the air inside your home gets warm, the fan in the indoor unit pulls it in and passes it through air filters. If your home is large, you may have two air filters due to the multiple return ducts. After some time, the filters may be clogged with dirt, compromising their ability to clean air. The central air systems are designed in a way that makes it easy to remove the filters and clean or replace them. This is not only for ensuring your system operates efficiently but also to ensure the air circulating in your home is clean.
Consistent Comfort
One major reason why most homeowners choose central air conditioners is they provide consistent air conditioning throughout the house. A thermostat is the command center and signals the system to shut down when the room is cooled to the set temperature. The cooled air is distributed to every room via ductwork, unlike other systems, such as window units, which only condition one room. Using different units can result in variations in temperature in different rooms.
Low Noise Levels
Central air conditioners operate with reduced noise, often a gentle hum. The noise volume can vary based on the fan blade design and whether or not there is a compressor jacket. The fan in the condenser is the primary noise source in central air conditioners. The condenser is located outside to reduce the noise levels inside your home. Regardless, you can choose a model with variable-speed fan motors, which are quieter than single-speed motors. It is also possible to insulate the closet where the inside unit is positioned or build an air conditioner fence around the outdoor unit to reduce the noise further.
Energy Efficiency
Central air systems can circulate cool air throughout your home without excess energy consumed by multiple single-room units. You can use upgraded features with central air conditioners to increase its efficiency. For instance, you can connect your system to a smart thermostat to better control energy consumption. Smart thermostats allow you to turn the system off or into power-saving mode regardless of location. You can also program it so your central air system operates according to your schedule. The market has various air conditioning systems with different energy efficiency ratings. The annual fuel utilization efficiency rating on the model is indicated on the system. A higher rating shows a system is more energy efficient.
Higher Home Resale Value
Homes with central air systems are attractive to home buyers and real estate agents. With a properly maintained system, the value of your house can increase by about 10%. In areas with extreme temperatures in the summer, homebuyers may opt for a home with an existing air system. This is so they can enjoy an indoor environment as soon as they move in and avoid the time-consuming process of purchasing and installing one.
Long Lifespan
Central air conditioners have an average lifespan of between 10 to 15 years. The long life gives value to your investment before you purchase another system. Most window units have a shorter life span of eight years. Regular maintenance by a professional HVAC expert can help identify issues before they escalate, and when fixed on time, you prevent premature breakdown. It is also vital to ensure you clean or replace the air filters according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
User Friendly and Convenient
Central air systems are easy to operate once a professional HVAC expert installs them. You can control the temperature settings on a remote or thermostat. The extensive ductwork is located away from sight, in the basement or attic, to avoid interference with the aesthetics of your home. With central air systems, you can connect them to a heating system, so they use the same set of ductwork systems.
Central air conditioning systems make your indoor environment comfortable all day during summer. You can choose them to create a comfortable indoor environment in your residential or commercial buildings.