Central Heating & Cooling

Central AC units depend on a good-sized outdoor unit to function, typically installed on a roof. Courtesy of the bigger size, a lot more functionality is offered. For instance, the installed filters can trap dust, debris, pollen, and other allergens that affect breathability. 

HVAC units have excellent ventilation systems that comprise various vents across a house, apartment, or commercial estate. This means there are more paths for the air to circulate, ensuring everyone is breathing correctly. Consequently, constant circulation also leads to better air quality, which suffers if the air stays within a space for an extended period. Cooling and heating both depend on this movement of air, which is why circulation matters as much on a humid summer night as on a cold winter morning.

A traditional AC or heating unit will have the outer unit very close to a room or window. Thus, noise and heat expelled by them offset any intrinsic advantage they carry. However, this is not the case with centralised units, as their outdoor units are mostly placed on the roof, away from people. 

Central ACs use wall-mounted panels to control temperature, fan speed, and timers. Thanks to technological advancements, many newer models can be controlled remotely using IoT devices like Google's Nest thermostat. These smart thermostats allow users to program their AC to start and stop according to their preferences, ensuring the home is at the desired temperature upon arrival.  A thermostat sized for the central AC system can also zone the house, so bedrooms run at a different setting to living areas without heating or cooling empty rooms.

Conventional central AC units can also double as a heater. They can cool in the summer and heat in the winter. This saves money by only spending on a single unit instead of buying multiple appliances for different jobs. For home heating and cooling from one appliance, a reverse-cycle unit avoids the cost and clutter of a separate heater.

Split system heat pumps consist of an external unit with a condenser/compressor and an internal unit that distributes air. This allows multiple indoor handlers to be connected to a single condenser for individualised room temperatures. This system saves time and money by sending air directly from the air handler to the room, avoiding the 30 per cent energy loss typically seen in duct systems.

Ducted heat pump systems use ducts to deliver cooling or heating to whatever room you choose. The systems work by absorbing outside hot air, running it in a heat exchanger, and then providing that air into the home. A ducted central heat pump can either be used in the ceiling or for underfloor heating.  In a new build, the ducts and the central air conditioning system are best planned before ceilings and floors are closed, with routes run and a position found for the outdoor unit while there is still access.

Proper care and maintenance are crucial to maximising the return on investment in machinery, including central AC units, which vary in maintenance needs. Air conditioners deal heavily with airflow, leading to dust accumulation on evaporator and condenser coils that, if left unaddressed, can impair heat absorption and reduce efficiency, potentially causing irreversible damage over time. Preventative measures can mitigate these issues, such as keeping the area around outdoor units clean, ensuring vents are clear, and covering units with a tarp during winter. Additionally, AC units may require servicing or a tune-up after being shut down for the winter, best handled by a professional to ensure optimal performance.

Although heating and cooling are essential assets to your home, being able to control them is a nice feature. You can do this through a thermostat, which, as you know, controls the temperature of your heating devices. Additionally, if you enjoy the feeling of a warm floor, underfloor heating is another option you can add to your home.