Are you considering having central air conditioning installed in your home? If so, there are a few things you should know. For example, did you know that the cost of installation can significantly vary or that the size of your home determines the size of the unit? In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics of central air conditioning, the average costs, and what you need to know about maintenance so you can make an informed decision. Click here to learn more about heating and cooling. 

What is a Central Air Conditioning Unit?

A central air conditioning unit is, quite simply, the machine that cools your home. It's a large box that sits outside your house and connects to ductwork that runs throughout your home. The air conditioner pulls warm air out of your house and pumps cool air in through the ductwork system.

The system is made up of a condenser unit outside your home and an evaporator coil inside your home. The condenser unit releases heat into the air so that it can be cooled down by the evaporator coil, which absorbs the heat and transfers it to the air in your home. This process works best when the air outside your home is cooler than the air inside. Because central air conditioners need to be able to transfer heat from outside to inside your home, they typically require larger ductwork than other types of AC units.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Central Air Conditioning Unit?

The price of installing a central air conditioning unit depends on the size of your home, how much ductwork needs to be replaced or added, and whether or not you want to install a new furnace as well.

On average, the cost of installing an AC unit can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. The average cost is between $2,500 and $3,000. The type of AC unit you choose will also affect the cost—a split system is typically less expensive than a whole-house unit.

If your home doesn't have ductwork already installed, the cost will be higher because you'll need to install the ducts yourself or pay someone else to do it for you. Installing central air conditioning will also require running electricity throughout the house because most central systems require a dedicated breaker box that provides power to the unit's compressor and fans motor. If your home's wiring isn't up to standard or if it has been damaged, then that could increase your costs as well.

What You Should Know About Maintenance?

The best way to keep your central air conditioning running at its peak performance is to schedule regular maintenance. Most manufacturers recommend that you have a professional come out and clean the coils, check for leaks and other problems, and perform other maintenance tasks at least once per year. If you have a larger unit or one that is older than about ten years, you may want to consider having them check it more frequently, as well as having them clean the coils every three months or so.

It’s also important to keep up with replacing filters as recommended by manufacturers (usually every two years), especially if you have pets or allergies, because these types of things can create a lot of extra dust and debris that can clog the unit. 

Conclusion

Installing central air conditioning is a big decision, but it's one that can really improve the quality of your life during the summer months. The cost of installation can be substantial, but it's important to weigh that against the cost of running other types of air conditioners, as well as the cost of not having air conditioning at all. In terms of maintenance, it's relatively easy to keep up with if you schedule regular appointments with a professional. All in all, central air conditioning is a great way to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. If you'd like to learn more about central air conditioning, contact a heating and cooling services expert in your local area.