Your Split Air-Conditioning System: Making Sure the Outside and the Inside Match Up

Though you want to spend as little as possible on your cooling system upgrade, you should be aware that cutting corners can lead to significant complications in the long run. To save you from stress and expensive problems, here’s a look at why replacing only one component of your split air-conditioning system is a bad idea.

A mismatched split air-conditioning system is a recipe for disaster

In split air conditioners, it’s not uncommon for one component (typically the outdoor condensing unit) to begin failing before the other component. Unfortunately, some homeowners believe that simply replacing the ailing unit will fix the problem. In reality, this usually isn’t the case. The components of a split air-conditioner are specifically designed to work together as a team. Attempting to integrate an incompatible unit into your system could reduce overall performance levels and lead to costly damages. Here’s why:

  • Energy efficiency ratings – If you install a new outdoor condensing unit with a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), it will not raise the efficiency of your older, less-efficient indoor unit. In fact, the difference between efficiency ratings will put a lot of undue stress on each component, and lower the overall efficiency of your entire cooling system. This can lead to higher utility bills, costly repairs, and premature failure of your equipment.
  • Differing refrigerants – Your current system likely utilizes R-22 refrigerant. In recent years, the U.S. government has mandated that all R-22 reliant equipment be phased out and replaced by cooling systems that utilize EPA-approved and non-ozone-depleting formulas such as R-410A. Unfortunately, the two refrigerants cannot work well together. Integrating an R-410A reliant unit with a component that utilizes R-22 refrigerant will strain the system, lower performance levels, and ultimately result in a system breakdown.
Having your split air-conditioning system properly matched is in your best interest and can reward you with improved efficiency, system reliability and longevity, and eligibility for utility rebates and federal tax credits.

For a quote on a total system upgrade, please contact the professionals at Overland Park Heating & Cooling. We serve residents of the greater Kansas City area.Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock