When your cooling system breaks down, you're often faced with the choice of repairing your existing unit by having one or more of the components replaced or by purchasing a new air conditioner. Many air conditioning companies push clients to purchase new units because there is a higher profit margin in replacing existing equipment than there is in repairing it.
A-All Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc focuses on educating its customers so that they themselves can make an informed decision regarding the replacement or the repair of an existing air conditioner. Often there's no absolute right or wrong answer. Repairs on an existing unit may be the least expensive immediate option, but may cost the customer more in the long run. Paying for repairs on an older, inefficient system simply prolongs the inevitable. An older system that breaks down once is likely to break down again. And it will consume more energy than a newer system. In fact, installing a new, energy efficient system can pay for itself over time.
However, there are times when simple repairs can sufficiently prolong the life of an air conditioner so that immediate replacement of the unit is not the most sensible option. If an air conditioning technician has advised you to replace your unit and you're not certain that purchasing a new unit is necessary, give us a call. If you are located in North Harris or Montgomery County, we'll come out and give you a second opinion at no charge. If your unit can be repaired, we'll explain the advantages and disadvantages of repairing versus replacing your existing unit. And, should you choose to replace the unit, we'll provide you with a unit replacement estimate so that you can do some comparison shopping.
Whenever your outdoor unit (condensing unit) goes out, an air conditioning technician likely will recommend that you replace your indoor unit (air handler) as well. This is because your two units must be matched in order for your new outdoor unit to run at its promised level of efficiency. Furthermore, mismatched units may compromise your level of comfort and may possibly shorten the lifespan of your new unit. However, there are times when a customer simply cannot afford to replace both units at once. When replacing an outdoor unit, A-All Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc advises its customers on the costs/advantages of replacing a functioning indoor unit versus the savings/disadvantages of leaving the existing indoor unit in place. This allows our customers to make an informed decision regarding unit replacement, based on the condition of their current cooling system, their air conditioning needs, and their current financial situation. Unlike many contractors, we do not "force" our clients to replace both systems at once.
It's a purchase you make perhaps once in ten years. You're concerned about efficiency and comfort. But how do you know which brand and model to choose. Understanding the standard ratings applied to air conditioners can help.
In general, the more efficient the unit, the more it will cost initially. However, the more efficient, more expensive unit will actually save you money over time as it requires less fuel to cool your home. Cooling efficiency for air conditioners is indicated by a SEER (Seasonal Energy Effiency Rating). The SEER rating tells you how efficiently a unit uses electricity: the higher the number, the greater the efficiency. The typical SEER rating of units manufactured prior to 1992 is about 6.0. In 1992, the government established a minimum cooling efficiency standard for units installed in new homes at 10.0 SEER. High efficiency units have a rating of at least 12.0 SEER. The maximum efficiency presently available is 17.0 SEER.
Depending on the location of your outdoor (condensing) unit and the floor plan of your home, a noisy unit may destroy the peace and quiet of your garden and may even be a sound nuisance when you're indoors. The sound level of outdoor units is measured in bels (similar to decibels), on a scale from 0 (barely perceptible) to 13 (the loudest). Most air conditioners operate at 8 to 9 bels. The quietest units operate at 6.8 bels. This may not sound like a wide range, until you learn that a 9-bel unit is 10 times louder than an 8-bel unit. In other words, one 9-bel unit makes as much noise as 10 8-bel units put together.
Some air conditioners come additional features that provide greater comfort. Two-speed units can run on low-speed (using about 50% of the energy) 80% of the time. Consequently, they use fewer on/off cycles and produce fewer drafts and much small temperature swings.
In order to achieve comfortable cooling and dehumidification, the system must be correctly sized. The size of central air conditioning is measured in tons. (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/HR).
The following is a rule of thumb guideline for sizing residential systems in Cuyahoga and Lake Counties.
| House Size | Size of Central Air System |
| 800 - 1,000 sq. ft. | 2 Ton |
| 1,000 - 1,200 sq.ft. | 2 1/2 Ton |
| 1,200 - 1,500 sq.ft. | 3 Ton |
| 1,500 - 1,800 sq.ft. | 3 1/2 Ton |
| 1,800 to 2,000 sq.ft. | 4 Ton |
| 2,000 - 2,500 sq.ft. | 5 Ton |
Keep in mind that this is only a guideline and that skylights, type of insulation, the number and size of south facing windows, protective shade trees, etc. can significantly effect the size of system required. Your contractor will make the proper recommendation during the site inspection.
Improperly installed equipment may work inefficiently, wastes your time as you set up and wait for repair calls, and, at worst, may cause leaks in your ceiling or walls or create a fire hazard. Make sure that the company you use is fully licensed and insured and that it warranties its work. Below is a checklist of questions you should ask every air conditioning contractor which bids on your replacement system.
A-All Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. license number is #25236
A-All Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is fully insured by State Auto. A copy of our insurance certificate is available upon request.
A-All Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is EPA certified and follows all EPA regulations.
A-All Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. always pulls and posts any required permits.
A-All Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. never sub-contracts installations.
