Tag: conditioning

The Epic Air Conditioning Battle: Which One Will Win?

Choosing a Central AC Unit or Ductless AC Will Depend on the Home and the Household

The summer heat is coming, and homeowners want to be ready for it by making sure that a home’s air conditioning is in working order. Two major types of whole home cooling are central AC and ductless mini splits. Is there a right choice? Well, each homeowner has to look at the benefits of each type and what will fit their home best. This article will show the benefits of each type of air conditioning unit and may enlighten the decision to install or replace it.

The Advantages of Central Air Conditioning Installation

ventCentral air conditioning has been around for a long time and is often built into new homes during construction. Essentially, they are an integral part of the home. There are many reasons to have central air conditioning, and a few major advantages are listed below.

  • Central AC does a great job of cooling large spaces without strain on the unit
  • Central AC is easier to install if ductwork is already in place
  • Most HVAC technicians have experience with central AC, making the repairs a bit easier
  • It is often easier to find replacement parts for central air conditioning

Central air conditioning is by far the more common form of whole-home HVAC, but ductless has some advantages and is rapidly becoming a popular choice.

The Advantages of a Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner

mini splitDuctless mini splits rely primarily on heat pump technology. This does just what the name says, moving heat from indoors to outdoors and vice versa through a reversible evaporation and condensation cycle. In the cooler seasons, it brings heat in from the outside to warm the home, and in the summer months, it pumps the heat out of the house and back into the environment. 

There is a central unit or two, much like central AC, but instead of using air ducts and vents, the heat pump is connected to indoor units known as mini-splits or heads. These are individually controlled, and each can be set to a different temperature. The reasons for installing ductless air conditioning are explained in the following list.

  • Easy Installation: These are much simpler if a building is not designed to fit air ducts.
  • Efficiency: Heat pumps are highly efficient, cooling and heating well without internal heat or cold sources. This means they use less energy and end up saving money.
  • Less Expensive: An installation will likely be less expensive with mini splits.
  • Quiet: The heat pump is very quiet, and the heads make almost no noise.
  • Retro Fitting: Because the heads only require copper tubing to connect to the main unit, these mini splits can be easily installed in smaller spaces or older homes that do not have the basement and attic space for ductwork.

Other Types of Air Conditioning Systems

If a homeowner is not looking for a whole-home cooling system but just needs a little boost in certain areas of the property, there are less expensive solutions and individual products that can meet that need as well. A window AC unit or portable air conditioner can be just what is needed for a shed space or garage. An east—or west-facing upstairs bedroom may also benefit from a window air conditioner or a portable AC unit.

About Air Care Heating and Cooling

Since 2007, family-owned and operated Air Care Heating and Cooling has been helping the people of Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas with their home comfort problems. Call today for 24/7 emergency AC service and upfront pricing from a BBB-accredited business.

Distribution Links +

Warning Signs of an Air Conditioning Refrigerant Leak

Is the AC Leaking Refrigerant? How Homeowners Can Know

The first iteration of the machine people know today as the air conditioner used a block of ice or cold water as a way to reduce the temperature of the air. While this method did cool the air, there was room for improvement. When scientists and engineers developed refrigerants, it significantly advanced the science of cooling. Through the somewhat simple concept of evaporation and condensation, refrigerant absorbs and releases heat, making homes and businesses more comfortable as temperatures outdoors rise. Refrigerant is the driving force behind air conditioning, so when something goes wrong with it, it has repercussions. Refrigerant leaks will cause serious issues with a home’s HVAC system, even minor ones.  

Red Flag #1: The Evaporator Coil Has Frozen

frozen evaporator coilsThe evaporator coil is the part of an air conditioning unit that absorbs heat, causing the refrigerant to enter a gaseous state. A leak, whether from a puncture or corrosion, may occur, and the gas under pressure will rapidly expand, causing the moisture in the air to freeze around the coil. This not only costs refrigerant but can also hinder the air conditioning unit in other ways. A frozen evaporator coil should be investigated right away. 

Red Flag #2: The AC Is Not Cooling as It Should

What if a homeowner notices that the AC seems to reach the temperature set by the thermostat slower than usual? This can also be indicative of a refrigerant leak. If a homeowner notices the things in the list below, they should consider calling in a professional with a refrigerant leak detector.

  • Higher Energy Bills: Because the unit has to work harder to cool with less refrigerant, it will use more energy, increasing the household electricity bill.
  • Longer Cooling Cycles: If it takes a long time for the optimal temperature to reach, then there may be a problem with the refrigerant.
  • Warm Air from Vents: If the air coming from the vents of the HVAC system is warm or not as cool as it should be, this is another indicator of refrigerant leaks.

Red Flag #3: The Air Conditioning Is Making Strange Noises

soundsAnother sign that there is a problem with the refrigerant is unusual sounds. These are usually coming from the air conditioning unit itself. Sounds that are coming through the vents are usually indicative of a problem with the air ducts. If the AC unit makes any of the following sounds, it should be investigated, especially if it is paired with any of the abovementioned occurrences.

  • Bubbling
  • Gurgling
  • Hissing
  • Whistling

A homeowner should never try to detect the leak on their own. Breathing in refrigerant gas can make a person very ill, so steer clear. Call a professional HVAC technician who can use the proper tools to find and fix the leak.

About Air Care Heating and Cooling

Located in Mint Hill, NC, and serving the Greater Charlotte Area, Air Care Heating and Cooling offers 24/7 emergency service, upfront pricing, and guaranteed satisfaction. Call this BBB-accredited business today for AC service.

Distribution Links +