Furnaces and Air Conditioning units work like a team
Baby it’s cold outside…….and inside now too!
Winter temperatures can bring on the unfortunate fact that your furnace may need replacing. So, does this mean you need to replace the air conditioning portion too?
Well let’s look at it like this. Can one wear a tennis shoe and a cowboy boot together? Technically yes, but it throws everything off from your stance to your gate when you walk. You still have shoes on your feet – but they don’t match. An HVAC system is much the same way.
In today’s world of internet shopping, one can be overwhelmed with the choices of HVAC systems to buy. Using different brands of units usually has no short term consequences as long as the coils, blower and wiring are compatible and properly sized however overall you may see marginal losses in performance that decreases efficiency and overall reducing the life of your system. Again, think about those two different shoes.
Your HVAC system is a “team”. Together they work to make your interior climate more comfortable. The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser coils and the interior air handler houses the evaporator coil and a blower that circulates the air. Refrigerant runs between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. If the indoor portion of the air conditioning is not installed properly or fully compatible with the exterior portion it is like cutting off one foot. It can still be possible to walk but with greater effort. Often manufacturers create systems with idiosyncrasies exclusive to their product so mismatching limits performance.
Usually both the interior and exterior units “age” from normal wear and tear fairly evenly. It would be a fair assumption that the other side of the system will need replacing in 1-3 years anyhow so it is best to just replace them both. It is true this will cost more initially, but overall lowers labor costs so you spend less than replacing first one portion and then the other.
Many homeowners feel they are “mechanically inclined enough” to swap out a system or a portion of a system. There are other factors to consider before making that leap. Many manufacturers will not warranty the product if a licensed HVAC technician has not installed it. The size of the area to be heated/cooled needs to be carefully calculated for the actual rating of the unit. CFM means cubic feet per minute which calculates with the tonnage of the unit for proper sizing are very important factors to consider. Often times the wrong sized unit was installed from the get go and replacing it leaves little to be desired when performance and efficiency is not improved.
It is usually best to hire a local licensed HVAC technician to assist you with these decisions and installations. If we can help you find a trusted contractor, please feel free to give Pillar Premier Inspections a call for a recommendation. Lake of Ozarks – (573) 363-5511 or Springfield – (417) 893-0770
Meanwhile, stay warm and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
