Exploring Centralized AC Systems: Cooling Solutions for Large Spaces

Centralized AC systems have been in use for many decades both in residential as well as large commercial spaces. These AC systems use a system of supply and return ducts to circulate cool air and decrease the hot air content giving you both comfort and energy efficiency.

The purpose of supply ducts which are openings in the ceilings, walls, etc., is to carry cool air from the ac units to the building. After this cool air passes through the spaces its temperature increases. This is the point where return ducts capture this warm air for further processing.

If you are thinking of getting a centralized ac system for your place, then you need all the information about it as possible. In this article, we are quickly going to explore the main parts of a centralized AC system and some other key information so stay with us till the end.

Main Parts of Centralized AC System

Condenser Unit

This is among the most important parts of a centralized AC system which is placed outside the building on a concrete pad or on your roof. The condenser unit itself is housed inside a metal cabinet with slats or fins on the side.  

After the heat is removed from indoor air, a refrigerant absorbs it and sends it to the condenser unit. Here heat is radiated away to the outdoors. After the refrigerant releases its heat it returns to the inside of your building and the cooling process starts.

Just make sure to keep your condenser unit away from debris and have it regularly cleaned to increase its life and performance efficiency.

Evaporator Unit

The job of an inside evaporator unit is to draw air across the evaporator coil which contains a refrigerant that absorbs heat. After the cooling, ducts and air handlers blow it through your space. 

In cases where a building also has a central furnace system, both the ac and that furnace will share the same electrical air handler system. Make sure to have the air filter of your evaporator unit changed regularly since the accumulated dust can cause the cooling process to become less effective. 

Regular cleaning also reduces the strain on the blower motor which leads to better airflow. 

        
Ductwork

A duct system is used to remove hot air and circulate cool air throughout your building. First, cool air goes to a central duct from the air handler which branches out into your entire building. 

At the end of ducts are air registers that contain adjustable grills which give you full control over the amount of airflow. You need to avoid putting furniture or other objects in front of the registers and make sure to not close too many registers at the same time. 

This puts extra strain on the air handlers and can even cause a system failure in some cases.

Thermostat

A thermostat is the control center that allows you to adjust the temperature of your entire building at a certain level. It prompts the air conditioner to run in such a way as to bring the current temperature to your set value.

A thermostat should be placed in a shaded area and away from air registers. This will allow the thermostat to get the most accurate temperature readings. A systematic issue with your thermostat can also lead to your AC running too much or too little. So, always pay attention to the state of your thermostat to be on the safe side.

Types of Central Air Conditioners

The central ac systems come in two main forms i.e., packaged units or split system units. Here is a brief overview of both these systems.

Packaged Central Air Conditioners

In this type of system, the compressor, heat exchanger, blower, and fan all are placed in one cabinet which goes on your roof or on a concrete slab outside the building. 

The ducts, in this case, come from inside the building through the exterior walls to connect with the packaged system. Packaged air conditioners often also include electric heating coils or a gas furnace to provide heat in the winter. 

This way, packaged central air conditioner units eliminate the need to install a separate system for heating and cooling.

Split System Central Air Conditioner

In such a system, the outdoor unit contains a compressor, fan, and outdoor heat exchanger while the indoor unit has its own heat exchanger, blower, furnace, and evaporator.

The indoor and outdoor units in Split system are joined together using copper tubing. Such central AC systems offer more customization features and much higher energy efficiency with ratings up to 24 SEER 2.

Choosing the Right Central Air Conditioner

There are many factors to consider when buying a central air conditioner for your large commercial space:

1. The most important of all is the energy efficiency. Look at the SEER or seasonal energy efficiency ratio of the AC model. This number shows the amount of energy needed to generate cooling output. A SEER rating of more than 14 is considered good when it comes to central AC systems.

2. Make sure to choose the right-sized system for your space. If you go for a large system in a small space, it will not completely remove humidity which can be unformattable. On the other hand, too small a system will not be able to maintain your desired temperature. 

3. Newer AC models use about 30% to 50% less energy as compared to older models. Buying such AC units can significantly cut down your energy costs.

4. Some latest HVAC models also come with smart features like variable speed, two-stage technology, communicating systems, and interactive controls. Having such a system installed can further improve the quality of life inside your building by promoting greater comfort and increasing productivity.

Final Words

Central air conditioning systems have a lot of benefits both for home and commercial use. With these systems, you can regulate the temperature of your entire space from one point and there is no need to have separate indoor and outdoor units for each room.

Before choosing any AC for your building, make sure to consult an expert who can tell you exactly what size will be enough for your use. This will allow you to get the best results and eliminate performance deficiency risks.

Get in touch with York to find the best centralized AC system for your large commercial or residential spaces.