So, you just bought a house and you’re looking to install an air conditioning system, or maybe you need to upgrade your current AC unit but you’re still figuring out which air conditioner type would be best for your home’s cooling needs. If you’re thinking of getting a central AC but still on the fence because you simply need to know more about it, you’ve landed on the right Peak Homeowner’s Guide article!

Here, we’ll break down what a central AC is, how it works, what its benefits are, its typical costs and energy consumption, and how long you can expect it to last so you know just what to expect when you decide to get one for your home.

What is a Central AC?

A central air conditioner is a type of AC that cools air in a central location and uses fans and ductwork to distribute the air into multiple rooms. It is a whole-home cooling solution that can be installed in any home but is ideal for and most efficient in large space settings. Because of its efficiency, it’s no surprise that central ACs are the most commonly used type of AC in American homes.

Before we dive into how central air conditioners work, let’s first take a look at what the components of a central AC are to get a better understanding of the complex system. A typical split-system central AC consists of:

A thermostat or control system that you use to set your desired temperature.

An outdoor unit that contains the condenser coil, fan, compressor, and electrical components.

An indoor unit that houses the evaporator coil and blower fan (also called air handler).

Refrigerant, which is a cooling agent that is responsible for absorbing heat from their surroundings and leaving cool air behind.

A network of refrigerant lines, which are copper pipes that connect the outdoor and indoor units and are used for circulating refrigerant between them.

Ducts that allow cool air to be circulated from the AC to the rooms in your home.

Central ACs can be further broken down into two different types: a split system and a packaged unit. Each of these have their own advantages and disadvantages, but for the sake of clarity we’ll focus on the most common type, the split system, in this article.

How Does a Central AC Work?

In simple terms, central air conditioners cool your home by compressing refrigerant gas and pumping it through the copper coils that run between the AC’s indoor and outdoor units. The gas then absorbs the heat in your home which lowers the air temperature inside. Then, the absorbed heat will be blown to the outdoors using fans in your outdoor unit and ducts. To illustrate this better, take a look at this infographics that outline how the main components of a central air conditioner unit work.

5 Benefits of a Central AC

Central air conditioning systems come with many benefits that may make it more attractive than other types of ACs for you. Here’s our list of its top 5 benefits:

Higher Comfort Level When Cooling Multiple Rooms

With central ACs, you can cool multiple rooms in your house at once, all while making sure an even temperature is achieved in each of them. It also boasts a quieter operation and comes with better customizability for comfort. For instance, if you only want certain portions of your house to be cooled, you may opt for a central AC with a zoning system. This particular system uses motorized discs placed within your ducts that directs cooled air only to certain zones within your home.

Higher Energy Efficiency

If you’re working with a large space, it would make more sense to go for a central AC because it requires less energy to cool down your home than multiple single units. This would also mean you would be saving more on your energy bills! It’s worth noting that your energy efficiency and savings can increase even more when you go with a central AC system that has a higher SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating.

Cleaner Air Inside Your Home

A central AC typically comes with an air filter that removes airborne particles such as dust, lint, allergens, and pet dander as indoor air is circulated within the system. On top of that, you can also opt for additional air cleaning components like our RGF® HALO-LED® in-duct air purifier that can remove even more pollutants, down to the microscopic ones, allowing for even cleaner air. This is great for improving your health, especially if you already have an impaired or sensitive respiratory system.

Lower Humidity Levels

Another important benefit of a central AC system is that it can dehumidify your home more evenly than any other type of AC, provided proper unit sizing and installation. Not only does a lower humidity level improve your home’s air quality, it also reduces air contaminants and prevents mold growth, creating a healthier environment for you. Do note that you may need a whole-home dehumidifier working alongside your central AC to obtain optimal indoor air quality if you live in a climate that is more humid.

Low Maintenance

You’ll probably love this the most: newer central ACs tend to require less maintenance! Getting a new central AC means you’ll only need to get routine annual inspections or tune-ups to keep your ac unit operating at peak performance for many years. We do recommend that you get a service contract with your HVAC pro as soon as you get your new central air conditioner.

Other than these 5 benefits, having a central AC installed in your home can also immediately increase its resale value as it adds to your home’s desirability.

Typical Costs and Energy Consumption of a Central AC

In 2024, the cost to purchase and install a central AC unit ranges anywhere from $3,000 to upwards of $15,000, depending on factors such as your unit’s brand and sizing, the efficiency level you choose, and where you’re located. Unfortunately, with the new federal regulations on refrigerant standards on new ACs that are set to be enforced in 2025, AC prices are expected to increase by up to 30% (we covered this topic in another Peak Homeowner’s Guide article). So, if you’re looking to get one, we recommend that you don’t wait and take advantage of current HVAC offers.

In terms of energy consumption, a central air conditioning system in an average-size American home consumes north of 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year according to the US Department of Energy. However, newer central ACs can save you up to 40% on energy bills compared to central ACs from even as recent as 10 years ago. Other than usage, properly sizing your central AC is key when it comes to maximizing its efficiency. Such is why a Manual J load calculation is extremely important prior to deciding which central AC unit to use for your home, something that Peak Heating and Cooling offers as part of our AC installation package.

Pro tip: Considering the relatively high price tag, make sure your HVAC pro offers warranty on your new central AC installation for extra peace of mind. Here at Peak Heating and Cooling, we’re proud to offer our industry-leading 15-year warranty on both parts and labor when you get your central AC from us!

How Long Does a Central AC Last?

If you thought the cost to purchase and install a central AC is high, that’s only because this system is a worthwhile investment! With routine check-ups and proper use and maintenance throughout its lifetime, a new central AC system can last up to 15 years. Be sure to check out our tips on how to maintain your air conditioner so you know what to expect in terms of maintenance before getting your central AC.

The Verdict

Central air conditioners are a comfortable whole-home cooling solution that provide more even cooling to multiple rooms at once. They can be installed in any home but are mostly ideal for homes with larger spaces. It may cost you more upfront to install a central AC, but with proper usage and maintenance, this system can last many years, save you more on energy bills, and be low maintenance. If you’re thinking of getting a central AC system for your home, be sure to reach out to your HVAC pro as soon as possible because AC prices are expected to increase by 30% in 2025!

Here at Peak Heating & Cooling, one of the best HVAC service companies in Michigan, we always go out of our way to make sure you are knowledgeable about your upcoming purchase. That’s why we prepared this Peak Homeowner’s Guide article! We’d also love to get in touch with you to tell you more about our opinion on getting a central AC installed in your home. Our promise of transparency means we will help you determine the best AC unit for you according to your requirements, preferences, and budget.

If you’re in West Michigan or surrounding areas, you may get in contact with us to schedule your free estimate and we’ll be more than happy to assist you! Don’t miss out on our limited-time BOGO offer, where you can get a free furnace with every purchase of a new AC unit. You may also wish to check out our other promotions by visiting our offers page.