When describing HVAC systems, people often use the terms “central air” and “forced air” interchangeably. If you have an electric, oil-fired, or gas-fired furnace in your Stroudsburg, PA home, it’s important to know what these terms mean and how they apply to your climate control equipment. This is especially true if you intend to upgrade your HVAC system soon or have questions about ongoing HVAC maintenance.
What Is Central Air?
Central air refers specifically to ducted cooling systems. Central air conditioners cool air in a central location and then route it to all areas of the building via ducting. Central air systems offer temperature control, humidity control, and air filtration.
How a Central Air System Works
Central air systems extract warm air from building interiors. They pass this air over their cooling coils. The cold refrigerant within these coils extracts the air’s heat and humidity. Cold, dry air is routed through ducting and distributed via HVAC air vents. Hot, high-pressure refrigerant moves to outdoor condenser units as a vapor gas. This gas is compressed and cooled, and vapor moisture is converted into condensation and routed down a central condensate drain.
Required Maintenance for a Central Air System
All central air systems require annual, professional maintenance. The best time to schedule this maintenance is right before the cooling season starts. During these appointments, HVAC technicians:
- Test airflow
- Calibrate thermostats
- Clean and lubricate moving components
- Replace damaged parts
- Test refrigerant levels
HVAC technicians also clean evaporator and condensation coils, check all electrical connections, and take other steps to optimize the performance of central air systems.
In between professional tune-up services, homeowners should inspect their air filters monthly and replace them every 30 to 90 days as needed. It’s also important to keep the perimeters of outdoor condensers clean. These units need at least two feet of clearance all around.
Pros and Cons of Central Air
Central air systems offer comprehensive climate control. With air filtration and humidity regulation, they help limit the risk of mold and mildew development. When properly sized, installed, and maintained, they can also be highly efficient.
However, standard central air systems cool homes uniformly. With a single, central thermostat governing their operations, these systems run until all building areas reach roughly the same temperature. This can lead to considerable amounts of energy waste when large areas of homes are empty.
Central HVAC zoning solves this problem. If you have a central air system but want customized cooling, HVAC technicians can install duct dampers, a zone control system, and thermostats in each of your preferred service areas.
What Is a Forced-Air System?
Forced-air systems refer to ducted heating only. In a forced air system, electricity, natural gas, or heating oil is converted into usable heat energy. This heat is then pushed through HVAC air ducts and distributed throughout buildings via powerful blower motors and fans.
Fuel-Burning Forced-Air Systems and Exhaust Gases
Fuel-burning furnaces burn or combust fuel to produce heat. When fuel is burned incompletely, the heating process creates dangerous exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide (CO). These gases are routed outdoors via attached venting systems. With a fuel-combusting, forced-air heating system, you must have multiple CO detectors installed throughout your home. This way, if something goes wrong with your heater’s venting system, all residents will receive timely alerts.
Required Maintenance for a Forced-Air System
Like central air systems, forced-air systems require professional maintenance service at least once each year. During heater maintenance, HVAC technicians:
- Inspect and test exhaust systems
- Check and clean combustion chambers and heat exchangers
- Inspect electronic ignition switches or pilot lights
- Test airflow
- Test all failsafe measures
Routine furnace maintenance ensures safe and efficient furnace operation.
Pros and Cons of Forced-Air Heating
Forced-air heating is both effective and efficient. Forced-air systems can raise indoor temperatures within just minutes. However, the high heat produced by natural gas furnaces tends to dry out indoor air. During long, cold winters when furnaces run longer-than-average heating cycles, it’s sometimes necessary to add humidity to building interiors.
Are Heat Pumps Central Air or Forced Air Systems?
Heat pumps are unique. These appliances provide both heating and cooling. When cooling, heat pumps qualify as central air systems. However, when they transition to heating during the winter months, they’re classified as forced-air systems.
As a family-owned and operated company, we proudly serve Stroudsburg and the surrounding cities. We offer top-notch heating, cooling, plumbing, and indoor air quality services. We also provide ductless mini-split systems, duct cleaning, and duct sealing. To schedule an appointment, contact R.J. Groner Inc. now!
