Heating/Air Conditioning Outside Unit?
Question:My central air unit outside is fizzing out and the heating air guy told me my compressor is bad and I need to replace the unit, but he said I need to replace the outside air unit and the furnace since it matches and they no longer make that model. Is he Bsing me theres nothing wrong with my gas furnace so why cant I just replace the central air unit outside rather than all of it?
Answers:
Units with higher SEER rating (above 14) often work best as a matched set. The only "secret" is the variable speed blower in the heating side. Nothing else. If the A/C unit you are considering is no more than a SEER 14, and the gas furnace isn't ancient, I'd get another estimate.
More than likely your system is a 10 SEER system or less. The new Energy Standard went into effect last January 23, 2006 which raised the minimum efficiency of heat pumps and air conditioners from 10 SEER to 13 SEER. The new 13 SEER product is not compatible with the old 10 SEER and lower product.
By the way, if you are planning on staying in the home for a good length of time, it is in your best interests to make sure that the system is matched appropriately.
For more information on SEER ratings and the 13 SEER Minimum Efficiency Standard, go to www.howellsac.com.
Also, you can download 10 FREE Tips on How To Buy An Air Conditioner - And Not Get Ripped Off!
But only at www.howellsac.com
why put old laces on new shoes?, definately change the entire system, you will not benefit from the energy savings with an older furnace, remember you will have an old cooling coil in your attic with that furnace, do you realize how often evap. coils develop leaks as they get older? get several quotes to replace.
There is not one answer to your question. The furnace would need to be changed if the efficiency of the repalcement air conditioner you choose requires a variable speed blower. If it does not, you can just change the inside (evaporator) coil to match the new outdoor (condenser) unit and leave the old furnace there. Of course this still leaves you with an old furnace to deal with.
Your answer is probably in your financials. If you can afford to do both, do it. You will be better off in the short and long term. If your budget is tight, select an air conditioner that does not require variable speed and just change the condenser and evap coil.
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