Although people commonly reference central air and heating units, many do not fully understand how these systems actually work. Most assume that a central air and heating unit sends warm or cool air to multiple vents spaced throughout the building. While this is true, a considerable amount of complex engineering lies behind this remarkable technological achievement. Central air and heating units are designed by mechanical engineers who focus their work around the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Let’s take a look at exactly how central air and heating systems work.
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning supplies cool air to an indoor environment while simultaneously controlling its humidity level. It is much more efficient than using those annoyingly loud window air conditioning units and fans that merely cycle hot air around the room. A central air conditioning system creates cool air by eliminating heat by way of either convection, radiation or conduction. A heat pump system is used along with a compressor to employ refrigerants such as ice, water or air to generate a thermodynamic refrigeration cycle. Alternatively, these refrigerants can be utilized in a free cooling system along with pumps to generate cold air. The air is transmitted to the rooms of the building by way of the system’s ducts.
Central Heating
Central heating is found in most homes, offices and businesses throughout the developed world. We’ve advanced beyond the use of space heaters, fireplaces, kerosene and other heating methods as central units are much more efficient. A central heating system contains a furnace, a boiler / heat pump that warms water and steam / air within a central location of the furnace room. The heating system pulls in new air from the outdoors by way of a vent. This fresh air is transferred to a heat exchanger to build up positive air pressure. The property owner can alter the vent opening to adjust how much fresh air is contained in the return air. The typical fresh air intake is about 10 – 15%. The system uses either convection or conduction to transfer the heat that it generates.
The Ventilation Component Of Central Air And Heat
Central air and heat systems also provide ample air ventilation so that indoor environments don’t become bogged down by stale air that hangs around in one place for too long. The ventilation component of a central air and heat system replaces old air with fresh air that is safe to breath. It also eliminates carbon dioxide, moisture, bacteria, dust, smoke, odors and other undesired microscopic particles that linger in the air. Without the ventilation component, central air and heat would not consistently replenish an indoor environment’s oxygen supply. It constantly introduces new air from outside of the building and circulates it into the air that is currently indoors. This way, every room within a building receives a new injection of fresh and clean air that is suitable to inhale.
Don’t Live Another Day Without Central Air And Heat
Your home or business will benefit from central air and heat no matter what type of climate exists in your part of the country. There is no better way to warm or cool an indoor environment. It also performs the invaluable task of replenishing the building with a constant cycle of clean outdoor air. Once you install central air and heat, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.