A split air conditioning system consists of two parts that work together—one part of the unit goes inside your home, while the other is installed outside. If you have a split air conditioning system and are considering replacing one of the units, there are some important things to keep in mind.
In 2006, the minimum efficiency rating of A/C systems known as seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) changed to 13. So if you’re replacing a unit that was manufactured before 2006 and don’t replace both the indoor and the outdoor units, your new system won’t work properly together and will bring down your system’s overall efficiency.
Since the two units are designed to work as a team, replacing one unit without the other can reduce the efficiency and performance of the entire split air conditioning system. This can cause your home to feel less comfortable and increase your energy costs. In fact, the added stress being put on your mismatched system can ultimately cause your entire unit to permanently fail.
It’s also important to remember that if you pick a new system with a HFC or non-ozone depleting hydroflourocarbon refrigerant like R-410A and don’t replace both components of your split air conditioning system, your new unit may not work with your old unit. The resulting problem could be complete failure of both the indoor and outdoor units. This can cost you more money than if you just replaced both units in the first place because now you’ll be forced to replace the new and the old unit with a whole new system.
For more expert advice about split air conditioning systems and other issues related to home comfort, please contact us at James Lane. We’ve been serving the Wichita Falls area since 1957.
