What Is an AC Split System Replacement?
A split system replacement refers to a special type of air conditioner, which has a condensing unit that sits separately from an evaporative coil unit. The two parts are connected by a copper tube that carries the refrigerant between the units. Our AiRCO Heating & Cooling professionals would be happy to share the different types of split system replacements available on the market today.
The condenser unit, which contains the compressor, operates outside your Austin home. The compressor does not actually make cool air, it instead pulls the heat from your home using refrigerant, through the condenser unit, and blows it outside.
The coil portion of your air conditioner resides inside your home, usually inside a metal cabinet that may also contain the inside component of your heat pump or furnace. This component of your air conditioner takes the refrigerant and expands it in order for it to cool down to just above freezing. When air is blown over the coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat, which then makes your home feel cooler.
Advantages of a Split System Replacement
If you’re trying to choose between a split system air conditioner or a single-unit packaged air conditioner, you will want to understand the pros and cons.
One of the biggest advantages of a split system is increased efficiency. Since these units are engineered differently, they can have seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) values into the 20s. (SEER is the energy rating system for air conditioners, allowing for straightforward comparisons between them.) Older air conditioning systems may have a SEER rating as low as 6, in comparison. When looking for a replacement, qualified energy-efficient models with higher SEERs are about 15 percent more efficient than standard models, according to energy.gov
In addition, the coil component of a split system can be installed in a closet, garage, attic, or any other location convenient for you. And, finally, split systems are easier to repair, cheaper to maintain, and quieter to operate.
Disadvantages of a Split System Replacement
The biggest disadvantage of this type of air conditioning unit is its size—it can be up to three times as large as a packaged unit. Although the coil component is flexible enough to be stored anywhere in your home, it is often tucked in a far corner of an attic, making it difficult to access when you do need to repair or maintain the system.
Making the Decision
If it’s time to replace your air conditioner and you’re wondering if you should select a split system or a packaged unit, it’s probably best to choose to same kind you’re replacing. Your home most likely has spaces designed for either a split system or a packaged unit already, which will ease the new installation.
If your Texas home has a furnace and no air conditioner at all, it probably makes the most economical sense to go with a split system replacement. Comparing the prices for a split system replacement and a packaged unit shows they’re basically the same for the new units and proper installation.
In the long run, however, the split system replacement will save you more money. The one caveat is if your home is very small, and you simply do not have space for the split system replacement unit, then you may want to select a packaged unit.
Always be sure to use a professional service provider, like our AiRCO Heating & Cooling experts, to guarantee your split system replacement is sized properly for your home and installed correctly. You may also want to replace your air conditioner and furnace or heat pump at the same time if you’re considering upgrading your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. You will achieve the greatest level of efficiency if all your equipment is replaced together.
Call Us Today
For more information about split system replacement for air conditioning, call our team at AiRCO in Austin, TX We are ready and waiting to answer any questions about purchasing, installing, maintaining, or repairing split system air conditioners. Call us at 512.537.1234 or request service online.