At ABS Heating and Air Conditioning, we understand that choosing the right cooling system for your home in Campbell, CA, can be a challenging decision. One common choice homeowners face is between central air conditioning and standalone AC units. Here are four key points that outline the differences between the two. Get a free quote today.
Central air conditioning systems are designed to cool an entire home through a network of ducts. This ensures consistent temperatures across multiple rooms. In contrast, standalone AC units, like window or portable models, are intended to cool specific areas or rooms. If you only need cooling in one space, a standalone unit might be a more practical choice.
Installing a central AC system typically requires professional installation due to the complexity of ductwork and integration with the existing HVAC system. Our HVAC company specializes in this process, ensuring that your system is set up for optimal performance. Standalone units, however, are generally easier to install, making them a more DIY-friendly option.
Central air conditioning systems are often more energy-efficient for larger homes, as they distribute cool air evenly and can be paired with smart thermostats for optimal control. Standalone units, while typically less efficient for extensive cooling needs, can still save energy by allowing you to cool only the rooms you occupy.
Both systems require regular maintenance to operate efficiently, including routine AC service and repairs. Central AC systems benefit from comprehensive check-ups to prevent issues with ductwork and airflow. Our team of HVAC specialists in Campbell is here to provide AC repair and service for both types of systems, ensuring that you stay cool and comfortable during the warm months.
Most systems have a lifetime of 10 to 20 years. As your equipment gets older, it's efficiency can decrease dramatically. You may notice that it gets noisier and needs repairs more often. When a unit begins to show it's age, you have two choices. You can overhaul the system or replace it. Because heating and cooling technologies improve over time, a new system designed with newer, more energy-efficient equipment makes sense, especially if your system is 10 or more years old. We can estimate the cost of a new system as well as a payback schedule that will show you how newer technology will pay you back in lower energy usage.
No. Replacing only the outdoor unit will lower the efficiency of the unit. In fact, you can lose up to 15% of the unit's efficiency! Even worse, your system may fail sooner than normal and most manufacturers' warranties will be voided. You should always replace the indoor cooling coil with the outdoor unit.
No, you don't want your air conditioner to be too big. Air conditioners control the comfort level in your home by cooling the air and by removing humidity. An oversized air conditioner will cool your home faster, but it will use more energy and will not remove humidity adequately. A unit that is too big for your home will have short run cycles. It may take only a short time to cool the air, but the unit shuts off before enough air blows across the indoor coil where moisture condenses into water and drains from your system. Too much moisture left in the air can lead to mold and mildew problems. These short run cycles also mean your system starts and stops more often which uses more energy and causes a lot of wear and tear. An air conditioner operates more efficiently during long run cycles. The same holds true with heating systems. An oversized furnace will warm the house quicker, but it uses more fuel and causes greater temperature swings in the home.
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