Make it a Perfect Match Not a Mismatch

Homeowners often ask if they can replace their outdoor unit and nothing else. Of course in many cases it is possible to replace just the outdoor condensing unit, but should you? A matched system is necessary for proper performance and to avoid premature failures.

Matched Systems

A matched system refers to a combination of components that were tested and approved by the manufacturer for use together.  A matched system doesn’t necessarily mean that a 3-ton outdoor condensing unit must have a 3-ton indoor evaporator coil.  While this combination is usually acceptable, it may not be the best combination for you.  Proper total airflow is essential, which is where the furnace or blower unit comes into play.  Every contractor should abide by some of the following tips when determining what to recommend for your home.

• An indoor evaporator coil, furnace or blower is rated in tons.  This refers to the
  maximum size of outdoor unit that should be used for your home (not how much it
  weighs but the force it takes to move the air in your home).  For example, a 3 or 3.5 ton outdoor unit may be approved for use with a 4 ton evaporator coil, often with improved capacity or efficiency.  Sometimes a larger sized, standard efficiency coil is approved that also gives improved efficiency.  While the use of these larger more efficient coils may be prohibited due to limited space it is usually a good purchasing decision.  However you should never reverse this by installing a larger outdoor unit with a smaller indoor evaporator coil or blower.
• New outdoor units with old indoor coils can rob your system’s capacity and efficiency by 10 to 30%, preventing it from keeping you cool on the hottest days.  It makes good sense and good ‘cents’ to change the indoor coil.
• Never “wing it” by assuming a coil will work with a certain outdoor unit.  The manufacturers have tested and approved combinations that work as intended.  They have also tested combinations that do not work well together suffer from poor humidity removal and unreliable
  operation or shortened system life.  For your protection these combinations are not approved. 

Reliability, durability and efficiency are the three most important attributes that customers look for when purchasing a new air conditioning system.  When dealers do not sell a matching indoor evaporator coil or air handler with a new outdoor unit, these three attributes are rarely reached. 
Always use an indoor coil and outdoor unit combination that has been tested and approved by the manufacturer.

Call Four Seasons today at 972-785-8700 to receive your free in home estimate with one of our comfort advisors.  Our comfort advisors are well versed in how to make your home the most comfortable place for you.