Central air conditioning systems typically do not use boilers or furnaces for cooling. Instead, they use a separate system called a central air conditioner or a heat pump to cool the indoor air.
Boilers and furnaces are heating systems, not cooling systems. They are used to provide warmth during cold weather by heating air, water, or steam. Here's a brief explanation of each:
Boilers: Boilers are heating systems that heat water or produce steam, which is then circulated through radiators, baseboard heaters, or radiant floor systems to warm the indoor space.
Furnaces: Furnaces are heating systems that heat air and distribute it through ductwork to various rooms in the building. The heated air warms the indoor space through vents or registers.
Central air conditioning systems, on the other hand, use a compressor and refrigerant to remove heat from indoor air and transfer it outside, effectively cooling the indoor environment. This process is entirely separate from heating systems like boilers and furnaces.
However, if you are referring to a combined heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, some options integrate both heating and cooling capabilities into a single system. These systems often use a heat pump for both heating and cooling purposes. Heat pumps can reverse their operation to provide cooling during hot weather and heating during colder seasons. Heat pumps are generally more energy-efficient for both cooling and heating compared to traditional boilers and furnaces, as they transfer heat rather than generate it directly. They can offer significant energy savings and lower utility bills when used in regions with moderate climates.