Call Today 215.366.1001
Central air conditioning (or central A/C) is a system in which air is cooled at a central location and distributed to and from rooms by one or more fans via ductwork. The compressor is what makes the whole process of air conditioning work like magic. The compression of the refrigerant gas enables it to release heat from the house, and in turn, cool air is produced.
There are two types of central air conditioners: a split system or a packaged unit. In a split-system central air conditioner, an outdoor metal cabinet contains the condenser and compressor, and an indoor cabinet contains the evaporator. In many split-system air conditioners, this indoor cabinet also contains a furnace or an air handler. The air conditioner’s evaporator coil is installed in the cabinet or main supply duct of this furnace or heat pump. If your home already has a furnace but no air conditioner, a split system is the most economical central air conditioner to install.
In a packaged central air conditioner, the evaporator, condenser, and compressor are all located in one cabinet, which usually is placed on a roof or on a concrete slab next to the house’s foundation. Air supply and return ducts come from indoors through the home’s exterior wall or roof to connect with the packaged air conditioner, which is usually located outdoors. Packaged air conditioners often include electric heating coils or a natural gas furnace. This combination of air conditioner and central heater eliminates the need for a separate furnace.
If you want or need central air conditioning system replaced or a new one installed, always involve professionals. It is such a big component in your house and office which you can’t have it done shadily. For exceptional services, never hesitate to contact EMCO Tech Contractors, formerly known as Emergency Maintenance Company for emergency HVAC Service in Philadelphia, Willow Grove, Doylestown, Feasterville-Trevose, Huntingdon Valley, Southampton, Bryn Mawr, and other local areas near you.
An interesting fact that you might not know is that a central air conditioning system and a refrigerator work in the same way. A refrigerator cools a small insulated space while central air conditioning systems can keep homes, offices, or commercial premises at comfortable temperatures.
Heating and cooling costs account for around 40% of an average household’s energy bills. Knowing how your central air conditioning system works can reduce future maintenance costs and help increase the energy efficiency of your home or office.
Unlike window units which can only cool one room or area at a time, central air conditioning systems can cool an entire building or a house.
Central air conditioning is one of the most convenient, popular, and energy efficient ways to get relief from the hot and humid Philadelphia weather in the summer.
If you are looking to buy the perfect central air conditioning system for your home and budget, seek advice from a leading residential and commercial HVAC services company which has the knowledge and adequate experience in AC installation and AC repair in Philadelphia.
When liquid turns into a gas or evaporates, it absorbs heat. This is why when you pour water over your skin in the summer, it makes you feel cool.
Air conditioning systems use a chemical compound called refrigerant that turns liquid into gas at lower temperatures. This refrigerant moves through the air conditioning system, absorbing heat from your home and transferring it outdoors in a continuous cycle.
Before understanding how a central air conditioning works, it is essential to know the key components of a central air conditioning unit. A typical central air conditioning system normally includes:
The air conditioning process involves two actions that take place simultaneously, one inside the home and the other outside the home:
Warm air is cooled as it blows across a cold coil full of refrigerant. Heat from the indoor air is absorbed into the refrigerant as it turns from liquid to gas. The cooled air is distributed back into the house.
The refrigerant gas is compressed before entering a large coil in the outdoor unit. Heat is released outside as the refrigerant turns back to a liquid state.
The thermostat, which is centrally located within the house, monitors and controls the temperature of the indoor air. The cooling process is set into motion when the thermostat senses that the air temperature in the house needs to be lowered. It sends signals to the various air conditioning system components located both inside and outside the house.
The three main components of a central air conditioning system: a compressor, a condenser coil, and an evaporator coil work together quickly to convert a specialized chemical called a refrigerant from a gaseous state to liquid form.
The compressor raises the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant gas and sends it to the condenser coil where it is converted into liquid. The refrigerant travels back indoors and enters the evaporator coil. Here the liquid refrigerant evaporates and cools the indoor coil. A fan blows indoor air across the cold evaporator coil where the heat inside the home is absorbed into the refrigerant. The cool air is circulated throughout the home while the heated evaporated gas is sent back to the compressor. The heat is then released into the outdoor air as refrigerant returns to a liquid state.
This cycle continues until your home has reached the desired temperature.
Central air conditioning systems come in two basic designs: split and packaged. Both contain the same components and provide the same amount of cooling despite some differences.
Split air conditioning systems are commonly used and are immensely popular. As the name suggests, this system is split between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.
The indoor unit is housed in a metal cabinet and contains the evaporator coil. It is usually installed in a utility closet or an attic.
The outdoor unit is located outside the house and installed on a concrete slab or composite pad. It contains the condenser coil, compressor, and expansion valve.
All the components in the packaged air conditioning system are housed together outside the house. Roofs are a preferred location for installing these systems.
Two different types of condensers are used in packaged air conditioning systems:
Air-cooled condensers use the surrounding air to cool and are usually used by households.
Water-cooled condensers require water towers that can store plenty of water to cool. These types of condensers are used by large commercial buildings
With emergency air conditioning services, flexible appointments, and free and accurate estimates on any air conditioning service, EMCO Tech Heating and Cooling works round-the-clock to keep you and your family happy and comfortable.
Our experts will:
Make an appointment today. We proudly serve Philadelphia and its neighboring communities.
Your Air Conditioning Could Be Wasting Your Money. AC units are often one of the first things that people replace when remodeling their home. It’s necessary to determine whether yours is in safe and efficient…
Central Air Conditioning Appliances Installation Questions Seeking air conditioning installation can be a complicated and difficult process. It’s important to consider what’s best for your space and what can work for your budget. Our expert…
Central Air Conditioning - What to Know. Central air conditioning systems are more efficient, quiet, and convenient to operate. Choosing the right size and installation techniques are important in determining air conditioning efficiency. Lack of…
