Central air conditioning systems are an important part of any home that is meant to be inhabited for long periods of time. They provide relief from the heat and humidity of summer months and are an essential part of keeping your home at a comfortable temperature year-round. Central air conditioning systems use refrigerant to allow air to be cooled as it travels through ductwork within a home or building. The process of cooling air is called refrigeration and this article will explain how central air conditioning works and how it is installed.

What is a Central Air Conditioner?

A central air conditioning system is a large air conditioning unit that is installed in a central location, usually in the attic or crawl space of a home. Central air conditioning systems are large and require special care to prevent damage to ductwork, wires and other components. Central air conditioning systems are connected to a power source, usually a dedicated circuit, and are fed water for condensation removal and coolant to carry heat away from the home. A central air conditioning system is controlled by a thermostat and operates in the same basic way as a stand-alone air conditioner or mini-split system.

How Does a Central Air Conditioner Work?

A central air conditioning system consists of several major components, including an air handler; a cooling or heating source; the refrigeration cycle; and ductwork used to distribute conditioned air throughout a home. The cooling source is a compressor that forces refrigerant through the refrigeration cycle. The air handler serves as the main control center for the system and includes the blower, heating and cooling coils and an internal fan that moves conditioned air through the ductwork. The ductwork is connected to the cooling source and fan motor, and the air handler is connected to the ductwork. The cooling source is connected to the fan motor and air handler by a refrigerant line. The refrigeration cycle begins when water passing through the cooling source becomes a refrigerant. The refrigerant flows through the refrigeration cycle and is pumped back into the cooling source as a liquid. The cooling source evaporates the refrigerant, which removes heat from the ductwork and nearby spaces.

How to Install a Central Air Conditioner

Central air conditioning systems are large units that are usually installed in the attic or crawl space of a home. Central air conditioning systems consist of a cooling source, ductwork, an air handler and other components. The cooling source (often referred to as the "coils") is the part of the system that heats or cools air. The cooling source is connected to the ductwork, which distributes the cooled air throughout the home. The ductwork is connected to the air handler, which is usually located on the floor of the home. The air handler is connected to the cooling source by a refrigerant line.

Step 1: Check the Air Conditioner’s Warranty and Incoming Supply Air Duct

Before beginning the installation process, check the cooling system’s warranty. If the cooling system has a long warranty or if it was purchased second-hand, it may be necessary to repair damage rather than replace the cooling system. If the cooling system has a short warranty or if it was purchased new, it may be necessary to replace the cooling system. Before beginning the installation process, check the incoming supply air duct for damage or cracks. Check the duct for any damage and repair any cracks if necessary. If the duct has been damaged, it may be necessary to replace it before installing the cooling system. Ductwork should be clean and free of debris before the cooling system is installed. Clean dirt and dust from the ductwork and use a brush or broom to clear the ductwork of debris.

Step 2: Install a Duct Clamp for Ductwork Installation

To install the cooling source, ductwork and air handler, use a duct clamp to fasten ductwork to the floor, walls and ceiling. Ductwork must be installed properly and securely and must be able to withstand the pressure of the cooling source. Ductwork must be connected to the floor, walls and ceiling with duct clamps. Duct clamps are metal pieces with bolts that fasten the ductwork to the floor, walls and ceiling. Ductwork must be connected to the cooling source with ductwork connectors. Ductwork connectors are plastic pieces with couplings that connect the cooling source to the ductwork. Ductwork connectors must be installed properly and securely to prevent leaks and damage to the cooling source.

Step 3: Install the Ductwork to the Air Handler

In order for the cooling source to operate properly, the ductwork must be connected to the air handler. The ductwork and air handler should be installed about two feet off the floor to allow cooling air to flow freely. When the cooling source is operating, the ductwork should be free of damage and debris. Ductwork should be smooth and free of bends and kinks. Ductwork should be connected to the cooling source with ductwork couplings. Ductwork couplings are plastic pieces that connect the cooling source to the ductwork. Ductwork couplings must be installed properly and securely to prevent leaks and damage to the cooling source.

Step 4: Install the Air Handler, Blower and Blower Duct

The air handler is a large, rectangular-shaped box located on the floor of the home. The air handler includes the blower, heating and cooling coils and an internal fan that moves conditioned air through the ductwork. The blower is a large fan that pushes air through the ductwork and into the home. The blower duct is connected to the blower and is installed in the floor or wall. The blower duct is an essential part of the air handler and must be installed properly. The blower duct should be installed about three feet off the floor and should be free of damage and debris. The blower duct should be smooth and free of bends and kinks. The air handler is connected to the ductwork by a ductwork connector, which is installed in the floor.

Step 5: Secure the Air Handler and Ductwork

To complete the installation of the cooling system, secure the cooling source, ductwork and air handler by installing duct anchors. Duct anchors are metal anchors that help to secure the ductwork to the floor, walls and ceilings. Duct anchors are essential for securing ductwork that is being installed in older homes where sheet rock and other materials are used. Duct anchors are often installed in the same locations as ductwork connectors. Duct anchors are installed by driving a metal rod into the floor until the end of the metal rod meets with a washer. Duct anchors are commonly referred to as "duck feet" because they look like a duck’s foot. Duct anchors are a necessary part of the installation of a central air conditioning system,

Conclusion

Central air conditioning systems are an important part of any home or building that is meant to be inhabited for