Definition
A central air conditioner is a ducted cooling system that cools an entire home from one set of equipment. An outdoor condensing unit and an indoor evaporator coil, linked by copper refrigerant lines, pull heat and moisture from indoor air, and a blower delivers the cooled air through supply ducts. Efficiency is rated in SEER2; capacity in tons.
Also called: Central AC, Central air
Why it matters to you
Many Clark County and Portland-metro homes were built without central air because summers used to be mild, but heat waves such as the June 2021 heat dome have pushed many households to add cooling for the first time. New split central air conditioners installed in Washington and Oregon must meet the federal North-region minimum of 13.4 SEER2.
Practical guidance
Before adding central AC, ask for a load calculation and a check of whether the existing furnace ductwork, often run through a crawlspace, can carry cooling airflow. Homeowners can change filters and keep the outdoor unit clear; refrigerant, electrical and coil work is for a licensed technician.
About this definition
Written by the Home Energy Group team — a family-owned HVAC company celebrating 25 years of comfort & care across SW Washington and the Portland metro, licensed in Washington (WA LIC# HOMEEGI003J7) and Oregon (OR CCB# 184255). Definitions inform; an on-site diagnosis decides.
