Air Conditioning Overview

Central air conditioning & ductless mini-splits!

Central Air Conditioning Overview…

 

What is central air conditioning? 

 

Central air conditioning (central AC) is a way to cool air produced by a furnace or air handler, which is then distributed throughout your home via ducts and fans. This is also called a forced air system, which uses air to cool your home.

 

What are the components of a central air conditioning system?

 

Condenser Unit - Typically found on a pad outside your home, the condenser unit absorbs heat from inside and dispenses it outdoors. The refrigerant that enters the unit radiates heat through the condenser’s aluminum fins before being pumped back inside, starting the cooling process over again.

 

Evaporator Unit - Inside your home, the air conditioner’s evaporator unit draws air across the coil, cooling any air that passes through before it gets passed into the ductwork. This is where the low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the inside air before increasing in pressure and being pumped back outdoors to release the heat.

 

Air Handler - The air handler moves cool air through the home’s ductwork using a variable-speed motor, automatically adjusting to keep you comfortable while conserving energy. A filter in the air handler captures particulates before they can be circulated throughout the home.

 

Ductwork - Central A/C systems use ductwork to carry cooled air throughout your home. The air handler blocks cool air into a central duct, which branches out to the different rooms of your home. The end of a supply duct is called an air register, which can be opened or closed for more or less airflow. 

 

Why choose central air conditioning?

 

• Effectiveness - Central A/C is the most effective way to cool multiple areas of your home at the same time by dispersing the cool air evening throughout the ducts. 

 

• Air Filtration - Changeable filters attached to the system’s ductwork help eliminate pollen, dust, and other particles from entering your home and negatively impacting your air quality

 

• Dehumidification - Central air conditioners can also help to reduce humidity in your home, taking away that sticky and muggy feeling of the summer air.

 

• Quiet Operation - Unlike noisy window units, modern central A/C systems are quiet and run smoothly throughout operation.

 

• Ease of Use - Simply set the desired temperature and let the A/C do the rest! Central air conditioning will evenly distribute cool air throughout your home and maintain its set temperature over time.

 

Ductless Mini-Split Overview…

 

What are ductless mini-splits? 

 

Ductless mini-splits provide users the same cool-air comfort received from central air conditioning systems but don’t require any existing ductwork! These low-profile and quiet systems are versatile and efficient with the ability to cool everything from a single room to your whole home. Mini-splits are also great for additions or adding air conditioning to areas of your home that previously didn’t have it. 

 

What are the components of a ductless mini-split system?

 

Condenser Unit - Found on the outside of your home, the condenser unit releases hot air taken from the inside, which can often be identified by the large fan on the side of the system. Mini-split condensers can be ground or wall-mounted, and connect to the indoor unit(s) through a slim duct on the exterior surface of the home. 

 

Evaporator Unit - Inside your home, the mini-splits indoor units, or ‘heads’, dispense cool air throughout the space, cooling each zone to the specified setting. These units are typically short and wide but maintain a low profile despite their powerful cooling ability. Mini-split ‘heads’ can be mounted directly on your wall, ceiling, or floor, giving you the versatility to best match your home’s needs.

 

Slimducts - In a mini-split system, slim ducts act as a connection between the indoor and outdoor units, containing the refrigeration and electrical lines for the system. They attach directly to the exterior of your home and allow the system to operate without the installation of traditional ductwork. 

 

Remote Controls - Take control of your ductless with a wireless handheld remote or by accessing the control panel directly on the ‘heads’. However, ultimate convenience and flexibility come from the ability to connect your smartphone, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa to your ductless mini-split through their wifi compatibility. 

 

Multi-Split System - Multi-split systems have the ability to run multiple ‘heads’ off of a single condenser and can even be individually adjusted to their own temperature setting, giving you the flexibility to meet everyone’s comfortability needs!

 

Why choose mini-split air conditioning? 

 

• Quick Installation - Perfect for existing homes or additions that don't have room for ductwork with installation in as little as one day

 

• Personalized Comfort - Mini-split ‘heads’ in different areas of the house allow rooms to be kept at separate temperatures for maximum comfort.

 

• Energy Efficient - Ductless mini-splits supply cool air to the areas of your home that need it and switch any additional units off when satisfied to save energy and money.

 

• Improve Air Quality - Multi-layer filtration prevents pollutants and allergens from entering your home by catching any dirt and debris caught in the air.

 

• Space Saving - Ductless mini-splits are compact with fewer components than traditional air conditioning systems and don’t require ductwork to be run through your home.

 

• Cost Effectiveness - Compared to central air conditioning systems, ductless mini-splits are more affordable and can be scaled to fit your home’s needs. The compatibility of mini-split systems makes them a much cheaper option than adding central air conditioning to a home without existing ductwork.