Air conditioners are crucial to helping you and your family stay cool. But how do air conditioners work? Learn more with FIve Star!
The summer of 2022 has been a season of extremes for Los Angeles and Southern California. Whether heavy rain in Death Valley, mudslides, or flooding, Southern California and its surrounding areas are going through the wringer. Add to that the threat of triple-digit heat, and Californians everywhere are feeling the discomfort.
While we covered how to stay cool during an L.A. heatwave, it's essential to know: how does air conditioning work?
We felt that we should do a deeper dive into AC units. More specifically, how they work and how they can make a massive difference over the summer. Or whenever the heat picks up, for that matter.
The simple definition: an air conditioner is a unit that removes hot air from a room in your home, making it much cooler.
The term 'air conditioning' itself refers to the general practice of reducing heat indoors and making things cool.
Of course, a good air conditioner will do this flawlessly. But you could technically use 'air conditioning' with nearly any practice that cools the air and minimizes heat.
A ceiling fan turning counter-clockwise, for example, is a form of air conditioning. If you've ever used an air purifier, you can feel the air circulating, causing a cooling effect. However, you probably don't want to rely solely on a ceiling fan in the grips of a heatwave!
For our purposes, we'll refer to air conditioner units and air conditioning interchangeably.
But how does air conditioning work exactly?
An AC unit uses refrigerant in its cooling system. This refrigerant is essential during the cooling process. Think of it as a fuel source of sorts.
When the refrigerant goes through an air conditioning system's compressor, it turns to gas. The gas makes its way to the condenser, turning the refrigerant into a cool liquid. That cool liquid then evaporates through the evaporator coil, becoming cool air that permeates your home or room.
While a simple process transfers hot air and lowers the temperature, let's talk about cost. What does the average repair cost of an air conditioner?
The worst has come to pass: your AC unit is busted! How much does it cost to replace an AC unit? Well, it depends. Firstly, which type of air conditioner are you using? Portable AC? Window AC unit? Or maybe a larger, standing air conditioner?
Replacing an air conditioner can cost anywhere from $150 to $750.
If you have central air, that cost is much higher: from around $1,000 to $5,000.
Central air is an excellent alternative if you're tired of window air conditioners and want something more substantial.
Now comes the big question: is central air good? Is central air better than an AC unit? Yes.
Central air cools an entire structure through a series of ducts controlled by a thermostat. When temperatures rise, set the thermostat to your ideal temperature. Setting it to 75 degrees means that when the heat rises past that specific point, the air conditioning kicks on, cooling your home.
It pulls heat through ducts into an air filter, not only keeping your cool but helping keep indoor air quality at a safe level.
You've probably heard the infamous phrase, 'it's not the heat; it's the humidity.' With central air, humidity levels decrease rapidly, ensuring that neither heat nor humidity makes your life unbearable.
Not to mention, central air conditioning is a lot quieter than your average portable unit.
Here's what comes with a central air system:
Depending on where you look, these air conditioning units can run upwards of $3,000 to $5,000.
Both air conditioning systems are valid options to keep cool. However, it depends on your budget, energy consumption, and personal preference.
For example, if you're only in one or two rooms, portable air conditioners might be more efficient. But if you're trying to keep an entire home cool, it might be a stretch.
So which is cheaper?
Depending on your energy consumption, central air can be a cheaper option. Instead of having an air conditioning unit blasting all night, your entire home can achieve low temperatures for a fraction of the cost. In short, you could see a return on investment with an outdoor unit.
Plus, you'll be able to heat your home when temperatures drop during the winter.
The experts at Five Star Restoration know how important being comfortable in your home is. That's why the home repair and reconstruction professionals are ready to assist you with several services.
We have you covered if you suspect your home has mold, water leaks in the ceiling, or a busted central air system. We can take a look at your HVAC system and determine if it's in working order. With a home diagnostic, Five Star Restoration professionals in the Inland Empire can help you on the road to cooling the air indoors.
For more information on Five Star Restoration and how to stay cool in your home, call us at 951-368-2227.
This summer, don't let the high temperature get you down; call Five Star Restoration for help with your airflow!
If you are not sure your location is in the areas we cover, or if you'd just like to chat or ask a question, give us a call.
We are committed to an excellent finished product and even better customer service. Rest assured that when we show up for your restoration needs, you'll be informed, confident and stress-free.
