As temperatures increase outdoors, so does the temperature indoors. You will want to make sure that your Los Angeles home’s air conditioner is in good shape for summer. However, if your air conditioner is on its last leg or is old, you may want to consider replacing or upgrading.
First and foremost, an air conditioner that is more than 10 years old could be costing 20 to 40 percent more in energy expenses when compared to a new model, states the U.S. Department of Energy. The following information may help you with your decision about replacing an older unit or upgrading your current unit with newer features.
Selecting a Model – Split Vs. Package
Split system air conditioning includes an outdoor component that includes the condenser and compressor. Inside the home is the unit that contains the evaporator. A packaged air conditioner consists of a condenser, evaporator and a compressor that are all in one unit, and is usually located outdoors. Packaged systems may include a furnace or heating coils, thus eliminating needing to install a separate furnace indoors.
Upgrading Vs. Replacing
You have two options – either you can replace your entire unit or you can choose to upgrade certain parts of your unit — say, an outdoor compressor. Although upgrading a particular part is initially the cheaper option, it doesn’t save you nearly as much money in the long run as replacing the entire unit with a more energy-efficient model. Further, you must also be careful about adding newer parts to an old unit, to ensure they work well together.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a New Unit
You should look for a new unit with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 13 or higher. Because California summers can be scorching, you should look at a unit with a thermal expansion valve and a high-temperature rating (EER, or energy efficiency ratio), which should be greater than 11.6. Make sure that the condensing unit is installed where objects are not blocking it.
If you have any questions regarding upgrading or replacing your unit or regarding your HVAC equipment, please contact Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioning and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock