How Central Heating and Air Conditioning Systems Work

A Guide To Central Heating and Air Conditioning

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The warmth of a fireplace has an old fashioned and steadfast charm, but the ease of a thermostat to warm your whole home with central heating is nothing to balk at. Central heating and air conditioning are the silent comforts of most modern homes. When spring lets go of its last chilly hold on the air, the radiant heat of summer is free to run amok in our homes – but the defense of central air conditioning is a generally easy solution to this season based problem. Similarly, central heating will save your winters by turning your home into a warm cave of happiness.

Air Conditioning Breakdown

The cool repose of just those few buttons that control your home has so much more hiding in the basement and throughout your house. Central air requires extensive ductwork, units both inside and out, and should be properly maintained over the years. Proper installation is key to have the most efficient AC system. s

Central air conditioning is usually installed as a “split system”, which means that part of the unit it outside, while the other is inside, usually situated near or even connected to your furnace. The compressor and condenser coil are outside, while the evaporator coil is inside, the compressor doing the work of pushing refrigerant through its system. The heat energy from within your home transfers to the refrigerant after blowing across the evaporator coil, is cooled, and in turn is pumped back to the compressor. Absorbed heat moves outside, cool air moves in.

And Inside Look at Central Heating

Central heating systems, like central air conditioning, work via ventilation in your home. Starting from a central point, usually a furnace, and moving warmth throughout the heating ductwork, central systems attain the goal of evenly comfort your entire home.

There are several options for central heating units, so its good to know a little bit about what’s available for your home before diving into installation. Furnaces, heat pumps, and alternative forms like radiant floor heating may be viable for your home, so employ the help of a local, professional contractor to find the best heating system for your specific home improvement project.

• Oil, gas and electric furnaces – common, moderately priced and generally energy efficient. Prices will vary from type to type.
• Geothermal heating – an alternative heating system that isn’t necessarily central heating, but does heat the entire house extremely efficiently, though it is one of the most expensive
• Pellet or wood stoves – just as efficient as furnaces, but take much more maintenance, especially in the long run.

The most important factor when looking into central heating and air conditioning is to find the help of a reliable contractor. Installation can be complicated and strenuous, but an experienced HVAC technician will know what to expect and have you comfortable in your home before you know it.