Air Conditioning
How Central Air Conditioning Works

The most common central air conditioning system installed by Palm Springs AC contractors is a split system, which includes an outdoor unit such as an air conditioner or heat pump containing a condenser coil and compressor, and an indoor unit called an evaporator coil.

This setup is usually installed in conjunction with your furnace or air handler. The compressor (air conditioner) pumps a chemical called refrigerant through the system to cool the air. Modern refrigerants go by names like R-410A or Puron ® (essentially the same thing). R-22 is an older refrigerant being phased out of modern systems due to environmental issues.


How Central Air Conditioning Works

Once warm air inside your home blows across the indoor evaporator coil, its heat energy transfers to the refrigerant inside the coil. That transfer, in turn, "cools" the air. The refrigerant is pumped back to the compressor where the cycle begins again. The heat absorbed by the refrigerant is moved outside your home while cooled air is blown inside. Moisture that contributes to humidity is also condensed out of the air.

Your central cooling system is usually combined with your heating system because they share the same ductwork for distributing conditioned air throughout your home.

In warm environments where a furnace is not used, an air handler can be used to pump the air through the ductwork which helps your AC run efficiently.

Air Conditioner vs. Heat Pump

An air conditioner serves one purpose: to cool the air inside your home. A heat pump however can cool or heat your home. Both air conditioners and heat pumps use R-410A refrigerant for cooling, but a heat pump can be used to provide warm air in the winter as well. Heat pumps are electric and can be used when a gas fuel source is not available to power a furnace. Heat pumps can also ideal for areas where average winter temperatures are 40 degrees and above as a heat pump is often cheaper to run than a gas furnace in such climates (depending on fuel prices).

* Puron is a copyright of Carrier Corporation. The term R-410A is a general HVAC label for modern refrigerant.





Heat Pump and Fan Coil System
For areas that do not provide gas or where winter climates are more mild, a heat pump and fan coil take the place of an air conditioner and furnace. The heat pump is able to both cool and heat the home. When the winter climate is mild, and heat pump can be more efficient than a gas furnace.





Thermostats
Programmable thermostats allow for efficient cooling and heating with seven day programming so you never forget and leave the air running while you are at work on a hot California summer day. Modern thermostats can also control indoor air quality components (like humidity levels) and provide remote dial in access so you can adjust the temperature in your home with a simple phone call. Click the thermostat simulator compliments of Venstar Thermostats to learn more about the different functions a thermostat provides.


The Slimline Platinum Series offers the proven reliability and flexibility of Venstar thermostats.
Models: T1700, T1800, T1900




Zoning System

If you have had problems with inconsistent temperatures in your home, you would appreciate the flexibility of a zoning system. High ceilings, direct sun, windows and entry ways are all challenges in keeping your indoor comfort consistent. A zoning system allows for you to split up your home in separate zones, allowing indoor comfort control to be more specific based on your home's unique design.






Purchasing An Air Conditioner | Sealing Your Home | The Right AC Contractor | Indoor Air Quality
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