HVAC Maintenance and Design Tips for Swimming Pools and Gyms

When installing a residential air conditioning system, there's no right or wrong answer—only different choices. Each AC system has a unique combination of benefits and drawbacks that affect its suitability for your home. 

If you're considering a central air conditioner, knowing its pros and cons will help you make a well-informed decision. Check out the advantages and disadvantages of central air conditioning below.

Advantages of Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning is popular in residential settings due to the following reasons:

Uniform Air Distribution

A central air conditioner is an air distribution system that provides cooling output through a network of air ducts and vents. This arrangement allows uniform distribution of cooled air throughout your home, ensuring that the home is comfortable when summer weather arrives.

Efficient Cooling

Central air conditioners can provide efficient whole-house cooling if properly sized, installed, and maintained. However, several factors, including the local climate, the building's orientation, the quality of insulation, and the efficiency rating of the unit will affect the overall efficiency of your central AC system.

Quiet Operation

While a totally quiet operation is not possible, a central air conditioner is generally quieter than window or portable units. Plus, the ducts can be lined with sound absorbers to make your air conditioner quieter.

Healthier Indoors

A central air conditioning system can contribute to a cleaner and healthier interior living space by removing airborne contaminants, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, through the use of air filtration on the intake side of the system.

Disadvantages of Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioners have their drawbacks like other air conditioner types. The most notable disadvantages of these cooling systems include the following:

High Initial Cost

Central air conditioners are expensive to purchase and install, especially in older homes that don't have existing ductwork.

Potential Energy Losses

If the ducts that distribute cooled air throughout your home are not adequately insulated and properly sealed, they can contribute to significant energy waste in your home, resulting in high energy bills.

Complex Installation

Central AC systems have intricate designs that require professional handling to install correctly. Look away if you're looking for an air conditioning system you can install yourself.

High Maintenance

Central air conditioners are high-maintenance cooling systems because they require regular duct inspection and cleanings in addition to the routine maintenance of other AC parts.

Like other air conditioners, central AC units require proper sizing, installation, and maintenance to ensure optimal cooling performance and efficiency.

Contact an HVAC contractor to learn more about air conditioning installation.