If you’ve been thinking about only replacing one side of your split air conditioner, you may want to reconsider. Even if just one component is giving you trouble, making the decision to upgrade only half of your equipment could lead to even bigger problems. Here’s why:
The two sides of your split system A/C are a team
Your split air conditioner was originally purchased and installed with both an indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condensing unit that were specifically designed to work together. As a team, the two sides of your system can keep your home feeling comfortable while achieving maximum comfort levels. This is because each unit was constructed with compatible components, identical efficiency ratings and a dependence on the same refrigerant.
If you attempt to install a replacement unit that does not meet these criteria, your system will no longer be able to run efficiently. If the two components have different seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings, for example, the overall performance value of your A/C will be reduced as both units struggle to work together. This drives up utility bills and stresses your equipment. Conflicting refrigerants create similar problems. If one side of your system uses R-22, while the other side uses R-410A, you could experience a reduction in efficiency, or even premature equipment failure.
Replacement may be necessary in order to make a match
Finding a suitable replacement component for your split air conditioner may not be easy – or possible. If your current equipment has a SEER of 12 or below, you’ll be unable to find a match. This is because new A/Cs are required to have a minimum SEER of 13. You’ll also struggle to find a match if your current system utilizes R-22. This refrigerant is being phased out, and new systems are being designed to utilize R-410A. In cases like these, your best bet is to work with your HVAC contractor to upgrade to a new, performance-matched system.
For more helpful advice on replacing your split air conditioner, contact us at Team Bob’s. We proudly serve residents of Grand Traverse County and surrounding areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Traverse City, Michigan and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about split air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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