What are the Benefits of a Central Heating and Cooling System?
Central heating and cooling systems offer countless advantages compared to other, more piecemeal solutions. These systems are much more sophisticated and homeowner-friendly than options like space heaters or window units. While the initial installation costs are noticeably higher, the end result is a home that is cheaper to maintain, more comfortable and safer across the board. Here is why:
More Efficient
There are several problems created by having split units that a central unit solves. First, split units are not as efficient. They tend to use lower capacity electrical systems from outlets rather than having an industrial-style setup that allows for better performance.
Furthermore, all of the motors, compressors, condensers and heating elements that smaller systems use cannot begin to compare with the efficiency of a central unit, which can convert energy into work at an efficiency rate of 70 to 90 percent.
A simple illustrative example would be to consider the inherent limitations of individual units. They will be placed far across the room near outlets or in windows. The limited amount of forced air means that people will have to huddle around the unit to feel its effect or turn it up higher.
Window units in particular let air out by having plastic and vents covering the window rather than letting the window stay closed. In the end, the user has uneven heating and cooling throughout their house because of the lack of proper circulation.
Reduced Risk
Individual space heaters or window units may seem cheap, but they add up when bought in groups. Several individual units (most of which are made with poorer manufacturing standards than central units) increase the chances of something breaking and needing replacement. One central unit may eventually need repairs, but this occurrence is typically rare. Central units enjoy longer overall service life than any smaller unit ever could, lasting an average of 20 years. Smaller units only last a few years at best.
A non-central system increases personal risk as well. The heating source is much closer to the user, adding the risk of fires, burns or permanent damage to homes and furniture. Air conditioning units have their own risks with their high-speed fans and vulnerability to things like electrical shorts. And, especially with cheaper models, you’ll have to replace the AC unit much more often, leading to increased cost.
More Precise Temperature Control
Ten units usually means ten different temperatures — usually more, considering that their effect will be unevenly distributed. What is more, the thermostat controls on these devices are usually less advanced than a normal home thermostat, leading to inaccurate readings and unreliable controls.
Central units are hooked to a modern, reliable and sophisticated thermostat that gives accurate readings and shuts off dependably. The house can be set to one precise temperature in every single room with a few button presses. Programmable thermostats increase the convenience and use of systems even further. (Link to Thermostat Blog Post) By having more control, you are potentially saving much more money on your energy bill.
Noise and Comfort
Most heating and air conditioning units use fans to force air out. These can be quite noisy when located within you room, especially when several are placed near each other in the house. A central unit located outside or in an out of the way place means more space around the house and less noise overall. Central systems also offer best flexibility in terms of choosing a place for installing it. It can be on any portion of your property.
Better Air Quality
Very few personal-sized or separate heating and air units have an adequate filter, or a filter at all. Even if they did, the air is barely circulated around the house, making only a small portion of the interior space filtered.
Central systems force air intake through one or two points that will have filters, and they move air through ducts that maintain air quality when cleaned regularly. This feature means less pathogens and allergens in the air and in your and your children’s lungs.
As you can see, there are many excellent benefits offered by installing a central heating and cooling system. Nearly every house or unit has the infrastructure to support their installation with only the rarest of exceptions. Take a look at our other informational pages and our central heating and air products pages to learn more about what you could be missing without central air.
Are you in the market for a new heating and air conditioning system? Click here to get free custom quotes from reputable HVAC contractors. You’ll receive upfront pricing without having to invite a contractor to your home or even enter your contact information!
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hat are the Benefits of a Central Heating and Cooling System?
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