The answer to 'what is central air' is central air conditioning, also known as a central HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. Central air is an air conditioning system that uses a single compressor and condenser unit to cool and circulate air throughout an entire home or building via a network of ducts and vents. This type of system is designed to efficiently cool and condition the air in the entire living space, rather than just a single room or area.
Central air conditioning systems work by pulling warm air from inside the home, passing it over a refrigerant-filled coil that absorbs the heat, and then circulating the cooled air back through the ductwork and into the living spaces. The compressor and condenser unit are typically located outside the home, while the air handler and evaporator coil are installed inside, often in the attic or basement. This design allows the system to effectively cool the entire home while keeping the noisy components outside.