Central Air Service | Unique Indoor Comfort

Compare a traditional central air conditioning system to the other types of home heating systems in our HVAC U article “Selecting a Home Cooling System”.

Unique Indoor Comfort’s extensive background in air conditioner services, built over the past 50 years, means that our experience is unmatched when it comes to bringing central air service to our customers. Regardless of whether you are looking for central air installation, AC service, or maintenance, you can be confident Unique Indoor Comfort is the right decision for your home.

How it Works

Central air systems are comprised of two important pieces – the ductwork and the outdoor cabinet. The outdoor cabinet houses the system’s compressor, condenser, and condenser coil.

A central air ductwork system is made up of an intricate system of supply and return lines, that simultaneously cool and filter your home’s air. These components work seamlessly together to both cool your home’s air through the system refrigerant and distribute cool air evenly throughout your home via the installed ductwork.

The system’s compressor is responsible for distributing cool air, and there are a number of types to choose from. The most common are single-stage compressors, which are simple to maintain but less efficient than newer compressors. A great alternative to single-stage models are two-speed compressors, which are available in modern central air systems. These compressors are designed to adjust their energy usage depending on the indoor and outdoor temperature, making them an energy-efficient choice.

Why Central Air?

Improved Air Quality

The most important benefit of a central air system to a home is its ability to constantly filter airborne particles. The design of a central air system includes an air handler in each room that filters dust, pollen, pet dander, and other pollutants while clean air is recirculated through a separate ductwork system.

Quiet Performance

Unlike window units, the noisy components of a central air conditioning system are located completely outside of the home. This means your home can experience even, comfortable temperatures without constantly hearing your system running.

Easy, Efficient Operation

Because central air systems are designed to deliver cool air from a single source, controlling your indoor temperature is extremely easy. Modern thermostats and ductwork allow you to designate multiple climate zones and even automatically set when your system will run.

Considerations For Your Home

Efficiency

Most modern central air systems are designed to meet the highest SEER standards, meaning they can be up to 15% more energy efficient than non-qualified models. When choosing a unit for your home, be sure to consult with a central air expert on what energy-efficient models are available for you home.

Space

Central air systems can provide your home with energy efficient, high performance cooling if the right unit is chosen for your specific situation. When the properly-sized unit is installed in a home, central air systems can evenly remove humidity and provide perfectly comfortable temperatures year-round.

Maintenance

Regular servicing of central air systems is a must. Fan blade deterioration, ductwork blockages, and low refrigerant levels are just some of the concerns for a central air conditioning system that doesn’t receive regular maintenance. These issues can lead to costly repairs to your air conditioning system. Regular service from experts like those at Unique Indoor Comfort, will help to both maximize the efficiency and extend the lifespan of your system.

FAQ's

How long do AC systems last?

15-20 years with proper maintenances. You can think of your AC system just like a car – if you take care of it and stay proactive there is no reason why it shouldn’t last 20 years. However, if the system is neglected the lifetime can be shortened dramatically.

Why should I replace my AC system?

Replacing an air conditioning system isn’t something that should be taken lightly. The main reason you would look to replace your system is in the event your current system fails. In other instances, you may be looking for increased efficiency, an update to a system that runs on an environmentally-friendly refrigerant, or a proactive change so that your current system doesn’t let you down in the middle of July.

That all being said, there are many variables as to why a system should be replaced, so be sure to consult with a professional before making any final decision.

How can I lower my bills/maximize my efficiency?

In terms of maintenance, regular seasonal cleanings of your system’s filter and coils will maximize its efficiency and cut down on costs. In other cases, a ductwork evaluation performed by an HVAC professional is a logical choice for many homeowners. Leaky ductwork is very often the root cause of many inefficient central air systems.

If you are in a long-term living situation, upgrading to a modernized system is the best option for maximizing efficiency and cutting down on costs. Modern systems have variable speed motors, much like a manual transmission in a car. These motors are designed to run at lower energy levels depending on the outside temperature, helping your central air system to run much more efficiently overall.

I don’t have ductwork, can I still install a Central Air System?

Both High Velocity Systems and Ductless Mini Splits are great cooling solutions for homes without ductwork. In a High Velocity system, 2” flexible ductwork is woven through walls, floors, and closets to deliver cool air throughout the home. Mini-split systems are a great alternative to window units. They can be mounted on walls, along floors, and even in ceilings. Both of these systems operate very quietly and are extremely efficient.

For more information on these alternatives to Central Air, visit our Home Cooling page!

What is SEER?

SEER, or “seasonal energy efficiency ratio”, is an energy rating related to air conditioning. Central air systems with a SEER rating of 16 or higher are eligible for rebates through your energy provider, so be sure to consult with an AC professional today to maximize your system’s efficiency and substantially cut down on your energy bill.