Most residential central air conditioners are split-systems, with a condenser outside in the yard, and an indoor component containing the evaporator. Central air dehumidifies as it runs, thus protecting the home from mold and mildew that might otherwise grow inside. As a result, finding someone to repair a broken central air conditioner system is easy, and replacing an old central air system can be equally easy. However, central air conditioning is quiet, convenient and very common. Installation of a central system can be costly if your home doesn’t have ducts already built in. Central air conditioners last about 15 to 20 years. Return ducts and registers keep the air circulating by allowing the air to flow back into the duct system and then into the air conditioning unit. CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONERSĪpproximate cost to install: $3,000 to $7,000Ĭentral air conditioners rely on air ducts to circulate cool air throughout the home. Openings in the walls leading to ducts, called registers, allow cold air to enter each room. Knowing the pros, cons, cost and average life span can help you decide which type of air conditioner makes the most sense for your budget and lifestyle. If your home already has an existing air conditioner, you should understand the way your air conditioner works, and how it compares to other units. Whether you’re buying an air conditioner for your new construction home or buying a new air conditioner for an existing property, it’s helpful to know the difference between each type of unit. They also range in energy usage, as 6% of a home’s energy usage is dedicated to cooling costs, but this can be dramatically reduced by purchasing an energy-efficient machine. There are four main types of air conditioning units: central, window, ductless (mini split), and evaporative cooler. These main types range in cost and function. This article will discuss the parts of an air conditioner, review best practices when maintaining an air conditioner, and go over the symptoms of an air conditioner problem. If you can recognize the warning signs of a problem and engage in regular maintenance when it’s needed, you can extend your air conditioner’s service life and save money at the same time.
Staying on top of these tasks is important, as is knowing the signs of an old or broken machine. Like any machine, however, air conditioners require cleaning and maintenance, and eventually must be upgraded or replaced.
THE KIND-OF-HANDY OWNER’S GUIDE TO AIR CONDITIONERS: HOW TO CHOOSE AND MAINTAIN YOUR ACĪir conditioning units provide much-needed cooling and relief in our homes during hot summer months.