If you’ve been thinking about replacing only one component of your split air conditioning system, you should seriously reconsider.
Although this may allow you to save a few dollars initially, it can lead to expensive problems down the line. By taking the time to learn why split systems must be perfectly matched, you’ll enjoy stress-free comfort in the many years to come.
Why does my split air conditioning system need to be matched?
If the outdoor condensing unit of your split system is giving you trouble while the indoor equipment’s operating normally, you may feel tempted to replace only the failing component. Unfortunately, the indoor and outdoor units were specifically designed to work together, and when the “team” is separated, your entire system will experience a reduction in overall efficiency. The only way to ensure that your system will run both as efficiently and effectively as possible is to insist that the indoor and outdoor components are a match.
What are the benefits of a perfectly matched cooling system?
By ensuring that your indoor and outdoor units are 100 percent compatible, you’ll enjoy several benefits including:
- Peak efficiency – Sticking with compatible elements will ensure that the system’s capable of living up to manufacturer expectations.
- SEER compliance – As of 2006, all air conditioners must have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of at least 13. If your older indoor unit has a SEER of under 13 and your new outdoor condensing unit replacement has a SEER of 13 or above, the overall SEER of the system as a whole will be diminished.
- Refrigerant – The federal government has mandated that manufacturers phase out the R-22 refrigerant in favor of a new, non-ozone depleting refrigerant like R-410A. If your current system utilizes R-22 and you incorporate an outdoor unit that relies on R-410A, the system will struggle to perform and will fail prematurely.
For more helpful information on selecting and installing a split air conditioning system, contact the professionals at Rheem Pro Partner. We serve residents of Colorado Springs, Denver and northern Colorado, as well as the Casper and Cheyenne areas of Wyoming.
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