Central air conditioning is an amazing invention that has made summers more comfortable. But do you know how it works? Does AC use gas or electricity?
There are many central air conditioning systems to choose from. Some have features that make them more efficient than others.
One thing that’s common for these central air conditioning units is that they use electricity and not gas. Heating systems, on the other hand, use gas. Central heating, boilers, and furnaces are all powered by gas. Another system that uses gas is the hot water heater.
These appliances use natural (or propane) gas to provide you with plentiful hot water. Natural gas is not exactly environmentally friendly, but it’s still better than having an electric geyser at home.
How Electricity Is Used In AC Systems
Central air conditioning units may also feature timers, remotes, and digital displays. These appliances are convenient to use, but they do come at a price.
They require electricity to run. This electricity is used to power the compressor, fan, and other parts of the air conditioning system.
Electricity powers central AC units in much the same way that it runs your TV or computer. The main difference is that you can’t plug in your AC unit like you would with a laptop or a cell phone charger. Instead, you use wires and electrical sockets to deliver power to the appliances.
Older models tend to consume a lot more power than newer ones. Newer models have been designed with efficiency in mind. Inverter controls help them deliver optimal performance while reducing energy consumption.
Difference Between Wall AC Units vs. Central AC Units
Central AC units use less electricity than the standard room AC unit on the wall of your room. Central AC units cool an entire house; they don’t cool a single room.
Additionally, central air conditioning units are more energy-efficient than room AC units. Full central air conditioning systems cover the entire house, which means all rooms are cooled.
They also have a remote control or digital display that allows you to configure your home’s temperature settings easily. There are even smart thermostats that let you control your central AC unit with an app on your phone.
How to Save Energy with Central Air Conditioning Systems
With newer models designed to be more energy-efficient, you can save more money on your electric bill. Central AC units are built to use less energy than other appliances. But if you want to take it a step further, here are some things you can do to reduce power consumption even further:
Install an Energy Star-Rated Model
These units are designed with enhanced insulation and the latest air filtration technology. They are also built to be more energy-efficient than regular AC units.
Regularly Maintain the System
Your central air conditioning unit needs to be well-maintained. A poorly maintained system will use up more electricity than a well-maintained one. To save on power, conduct annual maintenance on your AC unit.
Use a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are convenient. They use Bluetooth to connect to the AC unit and allow you to change settings with your smartphone. You can preheat or cool your house remotely, which is great for those who forget to turn down the air conditioner before leaving home.
Final Thoughts
Central air conditioning systems do not run on natural gas like furnaces and hot water heaters. They use electricity, but they’re efficient and save you money on your electric bill. Depending on the model you have or choose, central air conditioning systems can reduce up to 20% of your energy consumption.
