Types of Central Air Conditioning Systems

Functions of Central Air Conditioning Systems

On a hot, humid day, there is nothing quite like escaping the heat and enjoying some refreshing, cool air. Thank goodness for the invention of central air conditioning units. Not only do they perform in a way that reduces the temperature of a room or building, but they also work to eliminate the humidity in an area, and that is a welcome feeling for an otherwise uncomfortable environment.

There are basically four types of central air conditioning systems. It’s important for you to familiarize yourself with the different types of central air systems if you are thinking about getting a new AC system for your home soon.

4 Types of Air Conditioning Systems

If your Texas home is in need of a new air conditioner or cooling system, you have four main options to consider. All have benefits and drawbacks, and the team at MHC Air Services can help you determine the right fit for your needs.

Split AC Systems

This is the most common type of air conditioner you’ll find in Texas in homes with central air. These systems are the most efficient for cooling a home, especially if the property has a furnace.

Split AC systems have an evaporator coil that is split from the condenser coil and compressor. The evaporator coil takes heat and moisture out of the air, while the compressor and condenser coils push cooled air through the home’s air ducts.

In most split AC units, the coils and compressors are in an outdoor unit, while the evaporator is hidden inside the home, either in the basement or crawl space or in a cabinet out of the way.

Heat Pumps

Though they are technically not an AC unit, a heat pump cools the home like an air conditioner. They also double as heating systems when the temperature starts to drop. They use minimal energy to do so, which can help lower your cooling costs.

Heat pumps use heat movement to heat and cool your home. During the winter, they pull warm air from the outdoors and bring it inside, moving cold air outside. In the summer, they pump the hot air from inside your home and release the heat outdoors. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to heat and cool your home.

Packaged Units

Packaged units are typically found in commercial air conditioning systems. They put the evaporator, condenser, and compressor into a single unit rather than splitting them between indoor and outdoor units. The full system sits on a concrete slab that is positioned near the property, or in the case of commercial properties, on the roof.

When they run, packaged units pull air out of the home, cool it, then return it back into the ductwork. These systems can include heating coils, which prevent the need for a separate heating system.

Ductless Mini-Splits

In homes lacking ductwork or in rooms that are not connected to the main air conditioning system, a ductless mini-split can work well, often better than a window unit. Ductless mini-slits have an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handling unit that works in a similar way to a traditional air conditioner. However, they operate through a small hole high on the wall and have attached blowers, so they do not run through ductwork. These units pull air from the room, circulate it with refrigerant to cool it, then blow it back into the room.

Ductless mini-splits are quite effective, but they can only cool the room where they are installed. If you are going to cool an entire home using ductless mini-splits, you will need to install one in most rooms.

Want to learn more about how central air conditioning can keep you cool while cutting energy costs? Contact the friendly team at MHC Air Services today!

 

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