Central Air Conditioners

A central air conditioners pump refrigerant from an outdoor condenser coil unit into an indoor unit. From the indoor unit, cooled air is spread to every room in the house through a scheme of ducts.

These are the following factors that will contribute to the optimal performance and durability of your central air conditioning system:

The size of the unit is the most important. The size (cooling capacity) is being measured through British Thermal Units (BTUs) - the amount of heat that will be removed per hour from the air conditioner. The cooling capacity of a certain air conditioner is referred to as size. Other factors which go well beyond the simple calculation of square footage are also important. It is also important to take into account the residential load calculation which is used for guidelines in sizing your air conditioner for your environment.

Prior to installing or replacing new central air conditioners, the home should be first free from any duct blockage and leakage. The duct should also be properly insulated in the entire room. Otherwise, airflow through the ducts will cause your air conditioner to work harder and less efficiently, thus, reducing the life of the system.

For the unit’s efficient operation, placement should also be taken into account, whether outside or inside your home. In case the unit is placed outside, it should be set to a shaded area having a sufficient space around it to allow proper airflow and an easy access for maintenance.

When it is placed inside, the unit must be mounted in a conditioned or well-insulated room by blocking and reflecting heat that enters the house through doors, windows, the roof and attic. Major heat that could affect the unit will come from the sunlight.