If the Components Don't Properly Match, Everybody Loses
Imagine that you've purchased a brand new luxury car, and you're looking forward to a smooth, comfortable ride... but when you pick it up at the showroom you find out it has old, worn-out tires. Oh, sure it'll run fine... but as you shimmy down the highway, listening to the roar of the tires and wondering how long until one blows out, how do you feel... worried?... like you've been "taken for a ride"?
You could find yourself facing the same frustration if the components of
your air-conditioning or heat pump
system are not properly matched.
Your air-conditioning or heat pump system consists of two parts: an indoor
(coil) unit and an outdoor (condensing) unit. These two parts are specifically
designed to work together as a coordinated "team" to provide top performance and
maximum efficiency and comfort. So if you install a new
high efficiency outdoor
unit, but don't include a new, equally efficient and properly matched indoor
unit, the results could be uncomfortable, frustrating, and expensive.
From Disappointment to Worst-Case Scenario
At best, when your air-conditioning or
heat pump components aren't properly matched you'll be sacrificing
comfort. The system will still work but it won't perform up to the promised
efficiency.
This will also cost you money, because the system won't operate at peak
efficiency. At worst, when the components aren't properly matched, it could
create undue stress on the system, resulting in premature failure.
Properly Matched Systems Mean Maximum Satisfaction
When you consider the steep costs of repairing or replacing these units,
installing a properly matched system the first time around makes good sense. Of
course, replacing the indoor unit will add cost to the installation, but it will
mean greater comfort and energy savings in the long run as you make up for the increased initial expense
in lower operating costs. Ensuring Efficiency
The efficiency of a central air conditioner is rated by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This
SEER rating is technically defined as the cooling output provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period divided by its total
energy consumption. More simply, the SEER rating is similar to the miles-per-gallon rating for automobiles. The more energy
efficient the air conditioning equipment is, the higher the SEER rating - because less electricity is
needed to cool your home.
Since 1992, the minimum efficiency standard for central air conditioners and heat pumps has been set at 10 SEER. That's about to change. Beginning in January 2006, the minimum efficiency level for all new central air conditioners manufactured must be at least 13 SEER.
The Right Person for the Job
Before your contractor enters your home, make sure he/she is licensed, well trained and experienced. Look for firms whose employees are certified by the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) training program.
Also note that an outdoor unit of one manufacturer can be properly matched with an indoor unit of the same manufacturer of of another manufacturer as long as the combination satisfies the outdoor manufacturer's specification for the system.
Get Educated!
Visit the website of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), and learn about matching coils, proper sizing, finding a certified contractor and energy efficiency standards ARI is the national trade association representing manufacturers of more than 90 percent of North American produced central air-conditioning and commercial refrigeration equipment.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only. If you would like a free estimate for installation of a radiant heating system for your San Diego home remodeling or home renovation project, please contact your San Diego hvac contractors today.
