Replacing Your Air Conditioner: Why Only a Perfect Match Will Do

With cooling season here, now’s the time to make sure your A/C is ready to do its job. If you’re considering replacing your air conditioner with a newer, more efficient model, don’t stop halfway. A split A/C system consisting of an indoor and outdoor unit is meant to work as a team; replacing only one of these units may be easier on your budget, but wind up costing you more in the long run. Read on to see why a perfect match is your best bet.

Increased Efficiency

The efficiency level of your A/C is determined by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, where a higher rating is best. The number is determined by calculating the cooling output produced by the A/C unit over the course of the cooling season, divided by the amount of energy it consumed.

The SEER rating is based on a matched set comprised of an indoor and outdoor unit. Replacing one half of this set may result in a different rating altogether, lowering its energy efficiency and reducing comfort.

Less Stress

Mismatched indoor and outdoor components may place excessive stress on the system as a whole. In an effort to correct the imbalance, one unit may over- or under-compensate, resulting in extra wear and tear and potential system failure.

Greater Life Expectancy

Replacing your air conditioner also means replacing your refrigerant. As part of an international climate-change treaty, R-22, the refrigerant of choice for decades, is being phased out. It has has been replaced in newer units with a non-ozone depleting alternative.

In order for your system to function properly, the indoor and outdoor units need to match for a variety of reasons, though refrigerant compatibility is one of the main ones. This can result in system failure.

If you’re considering replacing your air conditioner, call the experts at All Temp Co., Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. For more than 30 years, we have been providing quality service to the residents of Harrisburg and the surrounding area.