Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [central-air]

For questions regarding a central cooling system for your home. This is typically a split system with an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor evaporator and air handler. Air ducts are used to cool air throughout the home.

For general cooling questions not related to a central cooling system, see .

See also the following tags for specific components:

211 questions
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What's the most common cause of A/C refrigerant lines freezing?

I noticed my house wasn't getting under 75°F this weekend when I had the thermostat set for 70°F. Since I'd done a lot of drywall sanding inside recently, my first idea was to replace the filthy air filter. My first indication that the air filter…
Doresoom
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What type of regular maintenance should I be doing on my central air conditioning unit?

I have not done any maintenance on my central air conditioning system since I bought my house five years ago. Everything seems to be running fine but is there some sort of maintenance I should be doing regularly?
Jeff Widmer
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How much cooling can I expect from a central air conditioner?

Yesterday's high was 106.0F, low of 79.2F, full sun all day. AC set at 78F, indoor temperature reached about 85F. Today's high was 105.4F, low of 81.1F, full sun all day, now about 102 at 7pm. AC set at 78F all day, temperature climbed steadily…
retracile
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Air Conditioner causing rapid high CO2 levels - anyone know why, or how to fix?

wondering if anyone knows why when I turn my recently installed high-efficiency air conditioner on, CO2 levels rocket up in my house? (In just 4 hours they go from around 500ppm to 1200ppm, and that's across all three floors of two-storey house plus…
Adam Lopez
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3 answers

Should a bathroom fan vent to a separate duct system?

Is it acceptable to route a bathroom exhaust fan to the return of a central air system? I'm afraid this will cause mold to grow in the air return ducts. There is currently a fan in our bathroom and I can't seem to find any separate outlet or vent…
Joel B
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8
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7 answers

Should I insulate air conditioner coolant pipes?

I recently replaced some rotted insulation on the coolant pipe that runs out of my AC unit and into the evaporator in my house. When cleaning inside the actual AC unit itself I noticed that the coolant pipe running out of what I believe is the…
Jared
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What causes burn marks on the air handler in the attic?

What caused these burn marks? Phoenix Arizona suburb. House was construction complete about 6 months ago. The tape and insulating foam around the bigger tube was cut. I assume the AC tech that came out to investigate the bad fish smell (see…
Kirkland
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3 answers

Convert GE Load Center to main breaker

I'm looking to add central A/C to my 1970s era home. The electric panel is a GE Load Center, 125 Amp max. It's basically "full" with no space for additional breakers. The bids for the electric panel "upgrade" range from $600 to $3600. Crazy span.…
Mike Guth
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Why are almost all of my house's HVAC floor registers placed near exterior windows?

My current house is a single story built over a crawlspace and all the HVAC registers are in the floor. In all of the larger rooms, at least one (and usually more) register was placed near an exterior wall and almost always near a window. Looking…
kbyrd
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Should I apply car wax to the outside of my air conditioning unit?

Through different conversations with family members and friends, I have been told that it is good to apply a coat of car wax to the outside of the air conditioning unit frame. I assume that this is to maintain a protective seal and prevent…
Engineer2021
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Time to Replace Central AC?

Have a 2004, Rheem, Model #: RAMC-048JBZ; R-22 refrigerant. We live in Central Texas, very hot 5 months a year, we use the AC probably 7/8 months a year. Have had annual maintenance performed since we bought the place in 2016. Just had it serviced…
David H.
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Should I install an air conditioner pad on existing unit?

In budgeting time and money for a house I just purchased, the inspector noted that the central air conditioner is mounted outside without a pad underneath. The unit is a Carrier 38CKC024330, manufactured in 1999. The product data I found online…
calcium3000
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Optimizing HVAC airflow for cooling

Here's the deal: Two-story c. 2000 house in southern Missouri, lower level is a "walk-out basement" (subterranean on 3 sides) and consistently 10 degrees colder then the main level year-round. Single-zone ducted HVAC in a centrally-located basement…
Jamesfo
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Can I install A/C in a home built in 1924 which has round heat ducts in the ceiling?

Can I install A/C in a home built in 1924 which has round heat ducts in the ceiling? I am looking at homes to purchase in Milwaukee, WI. The home seems to have all it's ductwork above the ceiling, as the round registers are in the ceiling of each…
Jackie Williams
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two condensate drains?

we just had a new AC system installed in my florida house. the unit is in the garage, and the air handler is vertical with the evaporator on top. the unit he removed had 2 condensate lines: one that drips outside on to the lawn and a second on that…
longneck
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