Living in the Asheville North Carolina offers us a variety of experiences to engage in both outdoor and indoor lifestyles. Whether it be the summertime heat, random rain, our vibrant spring, foggy winter mornings or escaping the smoke, having a reliable air conditioning system for your home is vital to create a comfortable and safe living environment for you and your family. Give us a call to find out more about our air conditioning systems.
Central Air-Conditioning Types
The most common type of central air conditioning is the split system, which features a large, boxy condenser outside the home and a fan-and-coil system inside, connected by pipes carrying refrigerant. The air is distributed through ductwork. However, not every home can accommodate the ductwork needed to install central air. Split ductless systems are an option for those homes because, as the name indicates, they don’t require ductwork.
Central Air Conditioning
A true central air-conditioning system uses ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the house. In a “split system,” the most common design, refrigerant circulates between an indoor coil and a matching—meaning from the same brand—outdoor condenser with compressor (see illustration, below). The refrigerant cools the air, dehumidifying it in the process; a blower circulates air through ducts throughout the house. A thermostat maintains the temperature at the setting you select. A variation is the “heat pump,” a type of system that functions as heater and air conditioner.
Split Ductless Systems
Split ductless systems have an outside condenser and compressor, and one to four or more indoor blower units, called air handlers, mounted high on the wall that distribute air. The indoor and outdoor sections are connected by a thin conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, and a condensate drain. The conduit is run through about a 3-inch hole hidden behind each air handler. Each air handler cools the room in which it’s installed, and you set the temperature with a remote control. Split ductless systems can be more expensive than window air conditioners, and professional installation is recommended. While not technically central air, the cooling they provide can feel like a central air system.