If you have the most common type of home heating and cooling - a central split system - you're likely familiar with its two main components: the indoor evaporator and air handler and outdoor compressor and condenser. Even though these two key components are spaced a distance apart, they're specifically designed to operate in unison and this makes it vital to have a properly matched system.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPERLY MATCHED HVAC SYSTEMS
It often happens that one main component of a central split HVAC system needs major repairs or fails, while the other is still functional. Simply adding a new component into an existing system isn't recommended, because it can result in a host of problems that affect your:
- Energy consumption.Depending on the age of your HVAC system, it's likely that a new component will have a higher efficiency rating. With this mismatch, you won't benefit from any energy savings because your system's overall efficiency is limited by the older component.
- Equipment reliability.When a system's components aren't properly paired, it operates under greater strain, so it's more vulnerable to breakdowns or failures.
- Convenience, comfort and costs.Since a mismatched system is less reliable, you're risking both inconvenience and a loss of comfort if it breaks down or fails unexpectedly. Plus, you can end up facing more expense for repairs or another equipment replacement.
- Manufacturer's warranty.It's impossible to add a new component to an existing split system to meet the manufacturer's specifications and doing so can void your warranty coverage.
HOW TO ENSURE THAT YOUR HOME HAS A MATCHING SYSTEM
We can determine if your home has a matched system that follows the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) guidelines for calculating the correct capacity and selecting new equipment and that your system is properly installed to meet the manufacturer's specifications.
Visit our Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical website for in-depth information on most HVAC topics, or to learn more about the importance of having a properly matched system, just give us a call at (408) 868-5500.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the South Bay Peninsula and Santa Cruz areas of California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).