Should You Replace Indoor and Outdoor Air Conditioning Units at the Same Time?

If one of your HVAC units breaks down and can't be repaired, you'll probably think about replacing just that single component. When it comes to replacing air conditioning units, an experienced HVAC professional will advise you to install new indoor and outdoor units at the same time. Here are some of the reasons why it's the wisest choice:

Energy Efficiency

Central split systems have efficiency ratings that factor in their matched components. If you put in one new unit with a higher rating, it can only operate at the efficiency level of your older unit. This means your new component won't reach its full energy-saving potential.

Long-Term Reliability

If you add a brand new unit to an existing system, it's bound to put added strain on the older component. This makes it more likely that this unit will break down or fail during the hottest summer weather. When you have matching new components, you can rest easy that your cooling system will work reliably when you need it the most.

Cost Savings

Upfront savings are the main reason why Broken Arrow homeowners might consider replacing only one air conditioner unit. Upgrading the entire system instead offers more potential for long-term energy savings, and cost savings on necessary repairs. Plus, if you keep one older unit in place, it will likely need replacement in the near future, so you'll still have to pay for a second new unit.

System Enhancements

Installing two units with matching SEER ratings ensures better energy efficiency, but it also gives you the opportunity to integrate system enhancements for more comfort and convenience. Options worth considering include variable-speed technology, ductless HVAC, system zoning, whole-home air purification and smart thermostats.

Warranty Coverage

To meet equipment manufacturer's warranty requirements, split system components have to be installed to certain specifications. This is impossible to do when a new unit is added to your existing system. If you want warranty protection against factory defects, indoor and outdoor units must be installed at the same time.

For more reasons why we recommend replacing air conditioning units together, contact us at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

How Do Your HVAC Components Coordinate?

Each part of your HVAC system has a role to play in heating or cooling your home. By learning about the process, you can develop a greater understanding of why even simple maintenance tasks, such as changing the air filter, are important. Here's how HVAC system components coordinate to create a comfortable indoor climate.

The Ventilation Cycle

Airflow is as important to the function of heating and cooling systems as breathing oxygen is for your health.Return air ducts draw old air from your home and move it to heating or cooling component of the system. Supply ducts, on the other hand, are the delivery network for the newly filtered and conditioned air into the home’s interior. Both return and supply ducts help keep your air fresher and the temperature comfortable.Ventilation problems can affect the other HVAC system components as well as your comfort. Examples include:

• Dirty ductwork — dust accumulation in ductwork results in poor air quality and dust inside other HVAC components.

• Clogged air filter — This restricts air from flowing as it should to the heart of the HVAC system. Problems caused by clogged filters can include frozen evaporator coils, an overheated blower fan, furnace shut down, and dirty ductwork.

• Inadequate ductwork— ductwork that is damaged, too large or too small will perform its role poorly and reduce the HVAC system’s efficiency.

Heating and Cooling

Your furnace performs its function by heating air flowing through its heat exchanger. If all goes well, there is sufficient airflow, and all burners, heating elements and blower fan are working well, this heated air will be pushed into supply ducts. If your ductwork is in good shape, most of the heat will remain in the air during its journey between the furnace and your registers.A similar process occurs when you use your air conditioning. Air is pushed through components in the air conditioner where it is cooled. If all goes as it should, this cooled air then flows into your home through ductwork.

To learn more about HVAC system components, please contact us at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Ioannis Pantzi/Shutterstock”

Tips to Protect Your Air Conditioner From Thieves

Most homeowners dedicate some time and effort toward security in their home, but what you may have missed is protecting your possessions that live outdoors. Your outside heat pump and air conditioning (A/C) units are both common targets of thieves because of their valuable copper content. There are a few simple things you can do to protect your air conditioner.

Use an Alarm

If you are looking for maximum protection, a video surveillance system combined with an alarm system is your best bet. There are special alarm systems designed just for outdoor HVAC units, although they can be fairly expensive. Both security consultants and HVAC technicians are good sources for more information and recommendations.

Disguise Your Equipment

One surefire way to stop most thieves from trying to steal from you is to pretend that you don’t have anything to steal. Installing your outdoor unit in your backyard and covering it with bushes or patio furniture is a great way to hide it.

Invest in a Cage

Another robust option is to buy a specialized cage for your A/C unit. Not only will this protect you from thieves, but it will also protect the unit from damage caused by weather. One thing to be wary of is that some cheaper cages may protect the unit from most things, but still allow copper to be stripped.

Fence It In

If you don’t already have your yard fenced in, building a tall fence can not only provide cover for your A/C, but also make it harder to spot. This works best if you have a large dog that often occupies the yard, but you could always stick up a dog warning sign as a deterrent anyways.

If you have any questions about how you can protect your air conditioner in your Broken Arrow home, please contact Air Assurance for further assistance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock