When it comes to energy efficiency and air quality, it’s important that you keep up with all of your home maintenance, including replacing an outside AC (air conditioning) unit when necessary. It can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider in order to get the best replacement for your needs.
In this blog post, we will outline some key things to think about when replacing an outside AC unit and provide advice on how best to select the right one for your home. So let’s get started – read on for helpful tips and information that will make sure you end up with the most effective solution!
Can You Replace Just The Outside AC Unit?
It is possible to replace just the outside AC unit, however, there are advantages and disadvantages to this approach which should be taken into account when deciding whether or not it is suitable.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Replacing Only The Outside Unit
One advantage of replacing just the outside AC unit is that you can save money on installation costs. Additionally, it’s also easier to install a new, energy-efficient model if you are only replacing one component instead of both.
A disadvantage of this option is that an old indoor unit will not be able to work optimally with a newer outdoor AC unit. This could result in reduced levels of air quality and an increase in energy use as well. Furthermore, it might lead to frequent repairs which can become costly over time.
The Importance Of Matching SEER Ratings
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measure of how efficiently your air conditioner can cool the space it serves. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient your system will be. It’s important to match the SEER ratings between your inside and outside air conditioner units in order to maximize efficiency and get optimal performance from both components.
When replacing an AC unit, make sure you buy one with at least as high of a SEER rating as that of its predecessor or higher. Not doing so will reduce efficiency and increase energy costs significantly over time. Also, check that any new parts included in the replacement model are compatible with existing hardware to ensure proper performance and compatibility.
Factors To Consider When Replacing An Outside AC Unit
It is important to consider a range of factors when replacing an outside AC unit, such as cost, type of unit and warranty. Read on for further information about these considerations!
Cost
Cost is an important factor to consider when replacing an outside AC unit. The cost of a new air conditioner can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the size, type and efficiency rating.
It’s important to get quotes from multiple installers before deciding on the best option for your needs. Be sure to factor in extra costs such as installation and repair fees, energy bills, and additional equipment such as digital thermostats or zoning systems that may be required for the operation of modern AC units.
Type Of Unit
The type of unit you purchase is an important factor to consider when replacing an outside AC unit. Different models have different features and benefits, so it’s essential to do your research before investing in replacement equipment. Many central air conditioning systems use either split systems or packaged units as an outdoor component. Split systems are composed of two separate components: the condenser and the evaporator, while packaged units combine all the necessary parts into a single unit.
The type of system you buy should also be determined by what you need from it in terms of energy efficiency and cooling performance, as well as how much noise output it has. HVAC professionals can help guide you to make sure that you get the best possible model for your home’s needs and budget. Investing in a high-quality system will ensure that your new AC unit lasts longer and operates efficiently for years to come.
Warranty
When looking for an HVAC professional to install your new outdoor AC unit, make sure you ask about the warranty. The majority of manufacturers offer a limited warranty on their products that often covers parts and labour for several years after installation.
Additionally, some companies also offer extended warranties for added peace of mind and protection from unexpected repair costs. It is important to note that the duration and type of warranty can vary greatly from one manufacturer or product to another so it’s important to research the specifics before making your final decision.
Be aware that extended warranties may cost extra but are likely worth the additional cost in order to protect yourself against unforeseen expenses later down the line.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider when replacing an outside AC unit. Purchasing a unit with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating will help you save money on your monthly energy bills.
A higher SEER rating means that the cooling system has been designed and built to use less electricity for the same amount of cooling, providing comfortable temperatures while using less energy. To get maximum savings from your new AC, try looking for ENERGY STAR-certified air conditioners or those with an Arzel Zoning System installed in them.
Read Manufacturer Specifications
Reading the manufacturer’s specifications for a new AC unit is essential. It will provide important information on minimum and maximum cooling capacities, as well as energy efficiency ratings. Knowing the type of system you need before purchasing can help you make an informed decision for your home’s cooling needs.
It is also important to determine if any special modifications are required to install a new AC unit in your existing space. Manufacturers’ instructions typically provide valuable installation guidance and should be followed closely when installing a new unit. Additionally, some models may require additional components or specialized parts that may not be sold with the original package, such as condenser fan motors or refrigerant lines.
Inspect Your Existing Unit
It is important to inspect you’re existing outside AC unit before replacing it. Look for visible damages, like cracks in the casing or if any of the fan blades are bent and broken. Check for physical signs of wear and tear, such as corrosion around exposed wires or components. Make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of water leaks around the base or near vents that may be causing problems with efficiency.
In some cases, you may find that there is a problem within the equipment itself that can be addressed without having to replace the entire unit. If this is discovered during inspection, consulting with an HVAC professional can help determine if repairs will suffice instead of replacement.
Additionally, checking air ducts/vents inside your home would also help identify underlying issues in need of repair before selecting a new AC system. This way, you can make sure that your home’s cooling system will stay efficient and effective after the installation of a new AC unit outdoors.
Discuss Your Options With An HVAC Professional
It is important to speak with an HVAC professional prior to purchasing a new AC unit. An experienced HVAC technician can assess your current system and provide advice on the appropriate type of AC unit for your home. They will also consider factors such as energy efficiency, noise levels, size and capacity, cost of installation and operating costs.
HVAC professionals understand the local climate and weather conditions in addition to building codes that may impact the choice of AC unit you should select. In addition, they will be able to review any existing warranties for replacement parts or labour coverage for future maintenance needs before making a decision about which model is best suited for your property.
Taking into account all these factors can only be done properly by an experienced HVAC technician. Additionally, they can ensure that the job is completed promptly and correctly so that you are not left with costly repair issues down the line from improper installation or part replacements.
Size And Capacity
Size and capacity are crucial factors to consider when replacing an outside AC unit. Choosing the right size for your home is essential to ensure proper cooling performance, as a unit that is too small will have trouble reaching the desired temperature and one that is too large will cycle on and off frequently resulting in wasted energy.
In order to select the proper size, you should measure all of the rooms in your home and calculate their combined square footage before choosing a tonnage rating that corresponds with this number. The higher your tonnage rating, the more powerful your air conditioner will be – but not better necessarily – since selecting too high of a tonnage can result in unnecessarily expensive operating costs.
Operating Cost
The operating cost of your new AC unit should be a determining factor when you’re looking for a replacement. You must take into account the initial purchase price and compare it to the estimated long-term energy costs that are associated with the unit. Calculate how much power is used by different models, so you can make an informed decision about which model yields better savings in the future.
You will also want to make sure there are efficient settings available on any new model, such as fan speed control, temperature limiters, filters, etc. Smart thermostats can even help reduce your energy bills by automatically adjusting cooling levels in response to changing weather conditions or occupancy level changes within your home. These small investments may lead to large returns in terms of lower energy bills over time.
Benefits Of Replacing Your AC Unit
Replacing your AC unit offers numerous benefits, including improved energy savings, lowered maintenance costs, increased comfort, and better air quality.
Improved Energy Savings
Replacing an old outside AC unit with a new one can substantially improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity bills. Newer models come equipped with features such as sophisticated temperature controls, variable speed fan motors, insulated compressor compartments and high-efficiency coils which all help to reduce energy consumption.
Moreover, using a correctly sized heat pump or air conditioner for the application increases efficiency by providing more uniform temperatures throughout your home.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Replacing your outside air conditioner unit with a newer model can help reduce maintenance costs. New AC units often feature energy-saving designs, making them more efficient than their older counterparts. This not only reduces energy consumption but also helps to extend the life of the AC unit, resulting in fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs over time.
Additionally, investing in a quality AC unit from an experienced manufacturer will ensure you get a reliable product that is sure to last for years. The improved efficiency of newer models means they typically require less upkeep, costing you less money over their lifetime compared to old models. It’s important to match SEER ratings when purchasing an outside air conditioning system for financial benefit too as this impacts cost savings directly.
Increased Comfort
Replacing your outdoor AC unit can have a direct impact on the comfort of your home. A new, energy-efficient system can help keep temperatures steady and reduce humidity levels inside. If you choose an AC system with higher SEER ratings, it will be more efficient in controlling indoor temperature and humidity levels while also using less power. Additionally, by ensuring that all components of the HVAC system are properly matched to one another, you can maximize overall comfort levels throughout your house.
Regular maintenance of all mechanical parts is important for keeping existing systems running optimally but if you don’t want to spend money just maintaining systems, replacing them might be a better option in the long run as there would be no need to worry about breakdowns or replacements down the line. Investing in a quality unit with good warranty coverage helps provide peace of mind that you have taken steps towards increased comfort and savings on utility costs year after year.
Improved Air Quality
Replacing an old, outdated AC unit with a new one can significantly improve the air quality in a home. A modern AC system filters out large particles such as dust, pollen and pet dander that can aggravate allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments.
Many units are equipped with additional filters to help further remove contaminants from the air. Additionally, newer systems use higher-efficiency blower fans that move more air without using extra energy or creating excess noise.
Conclusion
Replacing your AC unit can be a big job, but the benefits are well worth it. By choosing the right type of unit and size to fit your home and lifestyle, you’ll enjoy improved energy savings, reduced maintenance costs, increased comfort levels, and improved air quality.
Be sure to discuss all your options with an HVAC professional before making a decision so that you get the most out of your new unit for years to come.