When one half of your split air-conditioning system begins to fail, you may feel compelled to replace the offending component, rather than continue to pay for repair costs. It’s important to understand, though, that replacing A/C parts (either the outside condenser or the inside evaporator/air handler) requires more than simply picking and choosing just any equipment. Here’s a look at why having the correct match is so important to system performance and longevity.
Four compelling reasons to have matching A/C components
The components of your split system A/C were specifically designed to work together to maximize efficiency. Replacing A/C parts with a poor match, though, can lead to costly problems. To avoid issues, it’s important to work with your HVAC professional to find the proper match. Here’s why:
- 1. SEER ratings – Cooling equipment that’s manufactured today is required to have a minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of 13. If your current equipment has a lower rating, you cannot integrate a high-SEER component and expect the system to run at the higher efficiency level. For example, if a high-SEER outdoor unit attempts to work with a lower-SEER indoor unit, both components will experience undue stress. This reduces efficiency and could lead to costly repairs.
- 2. Refrigerant – New air conditioners utilize non-ozone depleting refrigerants such as R-410A. Because your current equipment probably utilizes the former industry standard refrigerant, R-22, a new component that relies on a newer formula will not be a good match. Attempting to incorporate such a component into your system could diminish performance levels or lead to system malfunction and failure.
- 3. Warranty invalidation – Installing mismatched components will go against manufacturer specifications. This will render your warranty coverage void, leading to high out-of-pocket expenses should anything go wrong.
- 4. Ineligibility for rebates and tax credits – Many utility companies offer rebates on high-efficiency HVAC upgrades. Additionally, homeowners who install energy-smart systems can earn federal tax credits through the end of 2013. In order to qualify, however, you must prove that your system was correctly matched for optimal performance.
For more advice on finding the proper match when replacing A/C parts, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve residents of Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about replacing A/C parts and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area