It's not unusual to locate package and split system ac models within the Phoenix market which have been being used because the 1970's or 1980's. Since the average existence expectancy of this kind of Air conditioning devices are around twelve to 15 years, it's about time to retire a few of these tired old workhorses.
An additional benefit whenever you replace older ac systems could be a significant rise in energy-efficiency by having an associated reduction in energy costs. Considering the variety of discussion we've been hearing in news reports recently advocating many of us to become eco-friendly and save energy that's most likely not really an uncomfortable consequence.
Together with what's promising of one's savings you will find several factors the competent ac contractor could make you conscious of when it's time to replace older equipment. I must share a couple of of these along with you. First let us discuss split system warmth pumps after which briefly cover stuff that are typical to both package models and split systems.
As SEER (Periodic Energy-efficiency Ratio) rankings for brand new ac equipment have elevated, Air conditioning industry practices which have been marginal previously will no more be acceptable. Certainly one of individuals unacceptable practices happened whenever split system electric condensing models were changed. The most popular practice previously ended up being to switch the electric condensing unit without first verifying the new condensing unit was suitable for that old air handler. Several problems may arise whenever there's a mismatch between your condenser and also the indoor air handler.
The very first issue is the lower efficiency which will derive from changing a mature condensing unit without changing the environment handler simultaneously. The reason behind this really is that ac producers don't rate current model electric condensing models with "antique" air handlers which are two decades old. To offer the released SEER, a electric condensing unit should be matched up by having an indoor air handler or fan coil unit that it's been ranked with. Quite simply, should you use a new 13 SEER condensing unit by having an old 8 or 9 SEER air handler, the particular efficiency accomplished is going to be under 13 SEER.
Another problem is there might be a mismatch from the internal coil volumes between a mature air handler along with a more recent condensing unit. As minimum SEER mandates have needed elevated efficiencies through the years, producers make improvements to both indoor and outside coils to be able to increase warmth transfer efficiencies. More recent condensing models could have a different internal coil volume than a few of their antique alternatives. If your new electric condensing unit is a component of a classic air handler it may lead to improper operation either in the heating or even the cooling mode that will need periodic refrigerant charge changes and unnecessarily increase service costs. Additionally, it may lead to system reliability issues.
Another problem many of us are facing may be the improvement in the qualities from the chemicals and compressor lubrication that are used within the new systems. Since new ac equipment using R22 refrigerant can't be manufactured after 2010, the key producers have previously began making more recent high quality models utilizing R410a refrigerant and polyolester (POE) oils. The brand new refrigerant has qualities that are not the same compared to R22 that's been the main refrigerant for split system and package ac systems for many years. In a nutshell, R410a isn't suitable for the refrigerant flow control products within the older air handlers which were created for R22. Even when the flow device might be transformed, could also be problems that could develop with time when the original mineral oils aren't adequately washed in the system.
A 4th consideration may be the refrigerant line size. The brand new high quality R22 condensing models frequently require bigger diameter vapor lines than individuals which were initially installed using the old system. It might not be economically achievable to exchange the vapor lines, so you will see deficits in efficiency consequently from the elevated refrigerant pressure stop by the more compact than suggested vapor line. One possible means to fix resolve this problem is always to use a new R410a split system condensing unit along with a new R410a air handler. Since R410a generally requires more compact vapor lines than R22, it might permit the employment from the existing more compact vapor lines. Suggested methods for getting rid of residual mineral oil in the existing lines would need to be viewed when the conversion to R410a was implemented.
When the suggestions above factors are taken into account, it might be clearer that the most effective strategy would be to switch the indoor unit together with the electric condensing unit. Although this is more costly in advance, it can benefit avoid significant downstream issues later.
Now we have talked about issues unique to separate system substitutes, let us consider some factors which are present with both package models and split systems.
One problem that's present with both package models and split systems in greater SEER items is reduced cooling capacity at greater outside temps. This is often verified by checking manufacturer's rankings for that old ac system and also the new ac system at outside temps above 100 levels. The more recent high quality systems tend to get rid of sensible cooling capacity more rapidly compared to lower efficiency models which were manufactured previously. It is really an essential aspect when looking for a current system that's doing merely a marginal job of cooling the area it serves. A brand new system might have to be bigger in ability to make the preferred cooling effect in the greater outside temps we have seen in Arizona. There's a caveat with this particular also. You wouldn't want the alternative system to become grossly extra-large either or it won't perform as intended.
Another factor you will observe is that lots of the more recent systems have bigger cabinets compared to older style models. The bigger cabinet size may become an problem in limited areas. Since minimum clearances should be maintained, a brand new system might not fit in which the old system was installed. This consideration is going to be unique to every specific application, but you should know from it so you do not get an uncomfortable surprise.
One further item to understand regarding both package or split system substitutes may be the factor in equipment costs. Greater efficiency has a greater cost. According to one leading manufacturer's prices for any 5 ton package electric, the jump from 10 SEER to 13 SEER comes using more than a 30% differential in cost. If it's been some time because you have changed an aura conditioning system, you might have "sticker shock". Material cost increases together with using advanced technologies like variable speed compressors, dual compressors or unloading scroll compressors together with variable speed fan motors that has been enhanced control systems all lead to greater equipment costs. Keeping this in your mind when you're projecting future costs for Air conditioning equipment alternative will help you develop better alternative budgets.
