Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Central Air Conditioning’

Central Air Conditioning: How it Works

Monday, July 16th, 2012

If you’re ready to install a new cooling system in your home you may want to consider a central air system. Central air conditioning systems offer many features and benefits for your home’s comfort, but it is important to get the facts before deciding if central air is right for your Gaithersburg home. Here is some information on how central air conditioning systems work to get you started.

Central air conditioning systems circulate cool air throughout a system of supply and return ducts. Supply ducts and registers, which are the grate-covered openings you see in floors, walls and ceilings, carry this cooled air throughout the home. The air, which has become warmer during circulation, is then returned to the central air conditioner through the return ducts and registers.

If you have a furnace already and require only an air conditioning system, a split-system air conditioner can be a very economical choice. An outdoor metal cabinet contains the noisy compressor and condenser components, while an indoor unit contains the evaporator. This cabinet may also include a furnace or the indoor components of a heat pump if you are also heating your home with this central system. The evaporator coil is often installed in this cabinet or in the main supply duct of the furnace or heat pump component.

When replacing or upgrading your current cooling system in Gaithersburg, central air conditioning is certainly worth your consideration. They are much more efficient than running individual window units and even systems manufactured just 10 years ago pale in comparison to the efficiency of newer models. If you think that central air conditioning may be right for you, call Tuckers today. We have the answers to any additional questions regarding the benefits and operation of central air conditioning systems that you may have.

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AC Question: What is the Difference Between Duct and Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

Monday, June 18th, 2012

If you are going to buy a new air conditioning system in Gaithersburg, you have a few different options. Today, both ductless and duct air conditioning systems are available, and they each of their own benefits that might make them the right solution for your home depending on your specific needs.

Ductless systems have recently grown in popularity for a number of reasons. They are more energy efficient than central air conditioning systems, and they have none of the energy loss that usually occurs when you use ducts to transport conditioned air. Their installation is also usually much easier than a forced air system because you don’t need to install ductwork, which can be a lengthy process.

Ductless systems use a conduit to connect the indoor air handlers to the outdoor unit. Connecting the indoor components only requires a small hole to be made in your wall. Ductless systems are easy to zone with multiple indoor units, and they can be used to bring air conditioning to parts of the home it would be difficult for ducts to reach.  All of the indoor units can be connected to the same outdoor compressor, and they can be controlled individually by different thermostats. Zoning your air conditioning can help you save energy and make your home more comfortable.

A central air conditioning system also has indoor and outdoor components. Ductwork distributes cool, air conditioned air throughout your home and it’s a great option for many home that already have ducts in place. The ducts are hidden, so unlike ductless systems, you usually can’t see the indoor components.  Central air conditioners come in many different sizes and energy efficiencies, so they usually present the most options for homeowners to choose from. Central air conditioning systems can also be zoned with dampers to divert the air through the ducts to where is it needed most.

Both central air conditioning and ductless systems can keep your home cool and comfortable this summer. Which one is right for you depends on your current system, your budget, and your personal preference. Call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today at 301-670-0034 if you would like to learn more about which type of system would be right for your home.

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Air Conditioning Repair Tip: What To Do if Your AC Breaks Down

Monday, June 4th, 2012

When the heat really starts to rise this summer in Gaithersburg, there is nothing like sitting on your couch with the cold air conditioned air blowing over you. No matter how hot it gets outside, the right AC system will ensure your home stays cool and comfortable. However, few things could be worse than if your AC stops working and the cool air stops flowing.

Your air conditioning system breaking down is something you definitely want to avoid, but even the best maintained system occasionally needs repairs. If your air conditioning system does stop working, here are a few simple things that you should check:

  • Check the Power: Before you assume that there is something wrong with your system, make sure that your unit has power. A power surge or a tripped breaker can interrupt the electricity to your AC and prevent it from functioning. This is an easy fix unless your unit is repeatedly tripping the breaker, in which case you will need a professional to examine its electrical system.
  • Check the Air Filters: If you air conditioner has power but it not cooling your home effectively, it is probably a problem with the unit. Check your air filters – clogged filters can reduce efficiency and possibly cause icing, which prevent it from cooling your home. Issues with your ductwork can also cause uneven cooling, but you will need a professional to examine your system to determine the cause of the problem.
  • Call the Pros: If you have determined that your unit has power and clean filters but is still not working, then it is time to call in your HVAC contractor. Air conditioning systems are quite complicated, and a trained technician will be able to perform diagnostics to figure out the source of the issue and repair it quickly.  The best way to cut down on the number of emergency repairs your system needs is to schedule a maintenance visit for your AC every year.

A good air conditioning system can make a big difference in how comfortable your home is this summer. If you need air conditioning repair in Gaithersburg or the surrounding area, never hesitate to call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating at 301-670-0034!

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