San Antonio Central Air Conditioning

With our warm San Antonio climate, most homes rely on central air conditioning fairly heavily from spring into fall. Central air conditioners are typically part of an HVAC system known as a split system.

The air conditioning condenser unit is installed outside and a furnace or heating unit is often installed indoors.

In this San Antonio HVAC guide, we will provide an overview of how central air conditioning works and then provide information about cost and how to find a dependable contractor here in San Antonio.

How Your Home Air Conditioning Works

It’s important to know how your air conditioning works so that if it needs repairs or if you have questions about it you can discuss the situation intelligently with an contractor. Without this information, you are leaving important and expensive decisions in the hands of the air conditioning company. The more you know about your HVAC system the more you will have control over important decisions, so lets take a look.

The condensing unit is the core of central air conditioning. It’s primary components are a compressor, a condenser coil, and a fan. Inside the home, in the gas furnace, is a component known as the evaporator coil. Copper lines carry refrigerant from the condensing unit to the indoor coil.

When the temperature in the house rises above the level set on the thermostat, the system turns on. The compressor starts the refrigerant flowing. It travels into the house as a liquid. In the evaporator coil, the refrigerant literally evaporates into a gas, absorbing heat from around the coil. This process starts to cool the coil, making the coil very cold. The furnace blower circulates air over the cold coil,and then distributes the cooled to the rooms of the home through the supply ducts. A second benefit of this process is that moisture in the home condenses on the cold coil and is drained away, just as it does in a dehumidifier. This reduces the humidity in the home, a process that makes the indoor climate more comfortable.

The hot refrigerant travels through a second copper line to the condenser coil outside, where it condenses back into a liquid, shedding the absorbed heat in the process. That heat radiates out through the coil and is dispersed by the condensing unit’s fan. This entire process continues until enough heat has been removed from the home to cool it down to the temperature indicated on the thermostat. These are the essentials of how central air conditioning cools and dehumidifies homes in warm weather. For the essentials of how a gas furnace works, see the related guide.

Sizing your San Antonio Air Conditioner

Condensing units are made with cooling capacities from 1.5 tons to 5.0 tons, with tons being a measurement of how much cooling they can provide. They must be matched with a blower motor in the furnace that can move enough air to make the system work effectively and efficiently. It is important to have these elements matched and also to have the system sized correctly for the home.

To get the proper size, within .5 to 1.0 tons, an air conditioner contractor will do a load calculation taking the home’s size, the climate and other factors like windows and insulation into account to determine the proper size air conditioner. One that is too small will labor to cool the home and in very warm weather will be inadequate. One that is too large will cool the house too quickly and then shut off. This is called short-cycling and can damage the compressor. In addition, short-cycling hinders the dehumidification process. Choosing central air conditioner size should not be guesswork. Always hire an HVAC professional to do a complete load calculation.

Cost Factors in San Antonio Central Air Conditioner Split Systems

Several important factors determine the cost of a central air conditioner split system here in the San Antonio area.

• Efficiency: The efficiency of a central air conditioner is listed in terms of SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit is, and the less energy it will use to produce the same amount of cooling.
• Size: If the efficiency is the same, the unit that has more capacity will cost more.
• Features: Some air conditioners have a 2-stage or modulating compressor which makes them quieter and more efficient. It also makes them more expensive.
• Brand: Some brands have a reputation for better quality or durability and they may be more expensive as a result.
• Installation Costs: Installation charges can account for half the total expense of a central air conditioner split system. Contractors consider time and materials in their estimates. Installation that is more time consuming or complex will cost more.
• Time of year: Air conditioning contractors are very busy here in the warmest months, and their prices are higher. In slower months, they may offer better deals on both equipment and installation in order to generate business.

Hiring a San Antonio AC Contractor

Choosing an air conditioning contractor can seem like a random decision. These 4 tips will give you greater control over the process so that you’ll find a dependable contractor you can trust to do the work.

• See our Contractor Page for a list of San Antonio’s highest-rated air conditioning companies. Click on each company to read reviews and ratings left by their recent customers. The reviews will give you firsthand information you can use.
• Get personal recommendations. Your friends and neighbors will be happy to suggest contractors you contact and those you should avoid. Ask for specific information about the quality of the work done and the fairness of the prices.
• Streamline the process by requesting FREE estimates online from local contractors. They are fully certified and have been pre-screened to ensure quality control.
• Visit brand websites for a list of preferred contractors. Most brands will allow you to search by location for contractors that sell, install and service their air conditioning and heating products.tioning and heating products.