Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners are essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment during hot summer months. This article explores how central air conditioners work, the different types of central air units available, the benefits they offer, and central air conditioner prices. At Bryant, we offer a range of central air units designed to provide efficient cooling and reliable performance
What Is A Central Air Conditioner?
A central air conditioner is a cooling system designed to cool an entire home by circulating chilled air through a network of ducts. Central air conditioning provides consistent, whole-home cooling and is typically controlled by a thermostat for ease of use.
How Central Air Conditioners Work
Central air conditioners work by removing heat from indoor air and transferring it outside, resulting in a cooler environment. Key components of a central air unit include:
- Compressor: Circulates refrigerant and increases its temperature.
- Condenser: Transfers heat from the refrigerant to the outside air (air conditioner or heat pump)
- Evaporator: Absorbs heat from indoor air.
- Expansion Valve: Regulates refrigerant flow into the evaporator, causing it to cool down.
The system operates using the refrigeration cycle, which involves four stages: compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant gas, raising its temperature. The hot refrigerant then flows to the condenser, where it releases heat outside and turns into a high-pressure liquid. This liquid moves to the expansion valve, which reduces its pressure, allowing it to expand and cool. The cool gas enters the evaporator, absorbing heat from the indoor air, which is then circulated back into the building. The refrigerant, now heated, returns to the compressor to start the cycle again.
Understanding how central air conditioners work can help you make informed decisions when choosing and maintaining your central air unit.
Types of Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners are a popular choice for many homeowners, offering efficient and reliable cooling throughout the entire house. Two common types of central ac units are split system air conditioners and packaged air conditioners.
Split System Air Conditioners
These consist of an outdoor unit (air conditioner or heat pump) and an indoor unit (evaporator coil and air handler). The outdoor unit is typically placed outside the house, while the indoor unit is installed in the attic, basement, or a dedicated closet. Split systems provide efficient cooling by circulating cool air through ducts and vents in your home. Learn more about split AC units.
Packaged Air Conditioners
Packaged units are compact all-in-one units that combine all components of a split system into a single outdoor unit, typically installed on the roof or a concrete slab near the foundation. They are ideal for homes with limited indoor space or for simpler installation processes.
The choice between split systems and packaged units depends on factors such as home size, available installation space, and cooling needs. Consulting with a professional HVAC contractor can help determine the most suitable central ac option for your specific requirements.
Three Benefits of Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners offer numerous benefits for homeowners, including:
1. Even Cooling
Central systems provide consistent cooling throughout every room, unlike window or portable units that may only cool specific areas.
2. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Equipped with filters that trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particles, central AC systems help improve air quality, benefiting individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.
3. Energy Efficiency
Modern central systems utilize advanced technologies to cool homes efficiently.
- Inverter technology adjusts the compressor’s speed based on cooling demand. This eliminates the need for the compressor to cycle on and off constantly, reducing energy consumption and maintaining a more consistent indoor temperature. Learn more about inverter air conditioners.
- Variable-speed blower motors adjust the airflow according to the cooling needs of the home. This allows the system to operate more efficiently, reducing energy waste and improving comfort by providing consistent airflow.
- Central AC systems often work in tandem with programmable thermostats, which allow users to set temperature schedules based on daily routines. This helps reduce energy use by cooling the home only when needed.
- Many modern central AC units can be integrated with smart home systems, allowing remote monitoring and control via smartphones or voice assistants. This adds convenience and helps optimize energy use by adjusting settings based on real-time data.
Factors Affecting Central Air Conditioner Prices
Several factors can influence the price of a central air conditioner. Being aware of these factors can help you make an informed decision and select the best unit for your needs. Here are three primary factors to consider:
Size and Capacity of the Unit
The size and capacity of the central air conditioner significantly affect its price. Larger units with higher cooling capacities generally cost more than smaller ones. It is crucial to select a unit that is appropriately sized for your home to ensure efficient cooling and optimal performance.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
Energy efficiency ratings, such as SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), also impact the cost of a central air conditioner. Units with higher SEER ratings are more energy-efficient and may have a higher initial price. However, they can lead to long-term savings on energy bills, making them a valuable investment.
Location
Regional factors, such as climate, labor costs, and local market demand, can also affect the price of central AC systems. In areas with high demand or extreme climates, prices may be higher.
Features
The features and technology your central AC possesses will affect the cost as well. Variable-sped motors, humidity battling technology, and digital connectivity can enhance the value of your AC system but come with a price.
Ductwork Modifications and Insulation
In some cases, existing ductwork may need modifications to accommodate the new central air conditioner. This can include resizing, rerouting, or repairing the ducts. Additionally, proper insulation of the ductwork is crucial to prevent energy loss and maximize the efficiency of your system.
Upgrades
Upgrades such as smart thermostats, zoning capabilities, and indoor air quality products can increase costs but also your comfort. Smart thermostats allow you to control and program your cooling system remotely, optimizing energy usage. Zoning systems divide your home into different temperature zones, enabling personalized comfort and energy savings. Indoor air quality products provide cleaner air for you and your family to breathe in your home.
By considering these factors, you can better understand central air conditioner prices and make an informed decision.
New Central Air Conditioner Price
Understanding the cost is a crucial aspect when investing in a new central air conditioner. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that influence price variations and explore the average price range for residential units.
The average price range for residential central air conditioners can vary depending on multiple factors. Generally, prices range from $3,000 to $15,000, including installation. However, it's important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual central AC unit price may vary based on your specific requirements. You’ll want to work with your local Bryant dealer to get an accurate estimate for your home.
Contact A Bryant Dealer For Your Central AC Needs
At Bryant, we offer a range of high-quality central air conditioners designed to provide efficient and reliable cooling. Your local Bryant dealer team can help you choose the right unit for your home and provide professional installation services. Contact your local Bryant dealer today to learn more about our central air conditioner options and get a personalized quote.
Six Factors To Choose the Best Air Conditioner For Your Home
Selecting an air conditioner involves several important considerations. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best air conditioner for your specific needs.
1. Energy Efficiency
An important aspect of energy efficiency is the SEER2 rating which measures the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season. The higher the SEER2 rating, the more efficient the unit is, resulting in lower energy consumption and operating costs. Energy-efficient air conditioners also help reduce your carbon footprint.
Our commitment to energy efficiency extends beyond SEER2 ratings. Our air conditioners incorporate features like variable-speed compressors, which adjust cooling output based on your home's specific needs. This improves energy efficiency and enhances comfort by maintaining a consistent indoor temperature.
2. Environmental Impact
Bryant air conditioners utilize environmentally-friendly Puron Advance™ refrigerant. Puron Advance ™ is a non-ozone depleting refrigerant with a low global warming potential, contributing to a greener environment. Choosing a Bryant air conditioner allows you to enjoy advanced energy-saving technologies while minimizing your environmental footprint.
3. Quiet Operation
When selecting the best air conditioner for your home, consider the noise level it produces. A quiet environment is essential for peace of mind and overall comfort. Bryant offers air conditioners with a decibel level as low as 55 during the lowest capacity cooling operating condition in the Evolution™ Extreme Variable Speed Air Conditioner.
All EvolutionTM Series air conditioners feature an AeroQuiet™ System II design with a compressor sound blanket and quiet mount split post compressor grommets to ensure whisper-quiet operation, allowing you to enjoy a cool and tranquil indoor environment without disruptive noise.
EvolutionTM Series air conditioners have a soft start and smooth ramp up as well. This means you can relax, unwind, and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere at home, undisturbed by the hum of your air conditioner.
4. Humidity Control
Comfort goes beyond temperature control. Humidity control is a crucial feature in air conditioners. Bryant EvolutionTM Series air conditioners offer extreme humidity control and can remove up to 400% more moisture than standard systems.1 By maintaining optimal humidity, Bryant EvolutionTM units create a more comfortable living environment, which is especially important in regions with high moisture levels. Additionally, controlling humidity may help improve indoor air quality by reducing allergens like mold and dust mites, which thrive in humid conditions.
5. Smart Features and Convenience
When finding the best air conditioner for your home, consider the smart features and convenience that modern units offer.
Smart air conditioners enhance overall comfort with sensors that detect changes in temperature and humidity, automatically adjusting the cooling settings. This ensures your home remains at the optimal temperature, providing the perfect environment to relax and unwind.
Remote control and scheduling capabilities are additional advantages of smart air conditioners. With the Bryant SmartHome App, you can easily control your Bryant Evolution System from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. Whether at work or on vacation, you can adjust the temperature, fan speed, and mode settings. The scheduling feature allows you to set your preferred temperature for different times of the day, ensuring your home is always comfortable when you arrive.
Many Bryant air conditioners also integrate with popular smart home platforms. You can control your air conditioner using voice commands or through automation routines. Imagine saying, "Alexa, set the temperature to 72 degrees," and your air conditioner responds accordingly. It's convenience at its finest.
6. Warranty and Customer Support
Investing in a new air conditioner requires a reliable warranty for peace of mind, ensuring protection against unexpected issues or malfunctions.
Bryant understands the importance of a reliable warranty and is committed to exceptional customer satisfaction. Our goal is to deliver high-quality products that stand the test of time, backed by comprehensive warranty coverage.
All Bryant air conditioners come with a 10-year parts limited warranty upon timely registration. The limited warranty period is five years on parts if not registered within 90 days except in jurisdictions where warranty benefits are not conditioned upon registration will automatically receive a 10-year parts limited warranty.
Additionally, Bryant EvolutionTM series air conditioners come with a Red ShieldTM 10-year unit replacement warranty if registered within 90 days of installation. 2 Should a major component like the compressor, evaporator coil or heat exchanger fail due to defect during this applicable time-period, a one-time replacement with a comparable Bryant unit will be provided.
Learn more about the warranty provided when you purchase a Bryant air conditioner.
Work With A Bryant Dealer To Find The Best Air Conditioner For Your Home
Bryant air conditioners are renowned for their superior performance and reliability. With advanced cooling technology and energy-efficient features, Bryant air conditioners provide optimal comfort while helping you save on cooling costs.
Connect with your local Bryant dealer to determine the best air conditioner for your home.
Learn More About Air Conditioners
- Explore Bryant air conditioners
- Learn about AC repair
- Find out what is a split AC unit
- Understand AC replacement
- Discover the factors in choosing the best air conditioner
- Explore AC installation
- Understand AC maintenance
- Learn the value of an AC tune up
- Explore wall AC options
- Understand the definition of SEER2
- Read our guide to AC parts
- Find out what is an inverter air conditioner
- Understand AC replacement
- Get in the know on air conditioning service
- Learn all about air conditioning systems
- Get help with an AC not working, mold in air conditioner, AC leaking water or AC not blowing cold air
- Explore the ins and outs of AC capacitors
- Learn about AC refrigerant, including R-22 refrigerant and R-410A refrigerant
- Discover the importance of air filter replacement
- Find out how long do AC units last?
- Learn how to clean AC coils
- Find out what temperature to set air conditioner in summer
- Discover what is BTU
Discover Bryant Air Conditioners
A Bryant air conditioner offers reliable performance, energy efficiency, and advanced cooling technology to keep your home comfortable year-round. With high SEER2 ratings, Bryant units provide cost-effective operation, reducing energy bills while delivering powerful cooling. Their durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, and quiet operation enhances home comfort. Plus, Bryant’s smart thermostat compatibility and industry-leading warranties make it a trusted choice for homeowners seeking efficient, dependable cooling solutions.
