Replacing the A/C: Questions You Should Be Asking

If your old HVAC system has been experiencing breakdowns recently, hasn't been cooling as well, or was purchased more than ten years ago, it's probably time to think about replacing the A/C.A/C's that are older than ten years take significantly more energy to run for the same-- or in some cases, even less-- cooling benefit than current models. Ten years is also about the service life on a standard compressor, and so units that are older than ten years are more likely to start having problems, and A/C repair bills can quickly add up.If I'm replacing the A/C, do I have to replace the whole HVAC system?  It is best to replace all of the equipment at the same time. Otherwise, you can end up with ductwork that is too small to carry the full cooling capacity of your new unit to the living spaces of your house, or insufficient air handlers on the indoor unit. Mix and match systems are also more prone to energy loss and maintenance issues, which defeats some of the financial benefit of getting an energy-efficient system.How do I know if I've picked the right size A/C for my house?  This is a great question. If the system is too big, you'll be using more energy than necessary, but if it's too small, it'll have a hard time keeping up with your cooling needs. The best way to know if you're looking at the right size HVAC system for your house is to have a trained technician come in and do a detailed cooling load report on your home.There are so many systems on the market. Which type should I get? What type of cooling system is best largely depends on your circumstances and preferences, but here are some guidelines:

• A higher SEER rating will give more energy efficient operation

• A two-stage cooling system will remove more humidity

• A heat pump can provide year round heating and cooling

For more advice on replacing the A/C with the best results, contact Air Assurance, serving the greater Tulsa Metropolitan area since 1985.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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The A/C: How It Works, Some Terms to Know

The A/C: How It Works, Some Terms to Know

The hot and humid summers of Broken Arrow put quite a demand on your A/C. You can keep your air conditioning operating at its best with some basic knowledge and a plan for regular maintenance. Understanding how your air conditioning works and knowing some of the terms will help you get the most from your system.How it worksYour A/C removes heat from the air inside your home and releases it to the outside. Cool air is then circulated throughout your home. It does this by using a refrigerant that changes from liquid to gas and back to liquid. It absorbs heat as it evaporates and releases heat when it condenses.Basic components

• Compressor: The A/C compressor is typically located outside and driven by an electric motor. It compresses the refrigerant. The high pressure packs the molecules of the refrigerant together, thereby raising its temperature and energy. This hot, high pressure vapor then goes to the condenser.

• Condenser: The condenser is also located outside along with the compressor in what is called the condensing unit. Air blows across the condensing coils and releases heat from the gas to the outside air. As the temperature of the refrigerant lowers it becomes a liquid and is moved to the expansion valve.

• Expansion valve: The hot liquid refrigerant becomes a mist as it passes through the tiny opening of the expansion valve. The molecules have room to expand and cool. The refrigerant is now a low pressure cool liquid and moves to the evaporator coil inside your home.

• Evaporator coil: Warm air is cooled as it blows across the evaporator coil. The refrigerant heats up as it absorbs heat energy from the air and returns to a gaseous state. It then returns to the compressor to repeat the heat exchange process.

For more information on air conditioning and keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient, contact Air Assurance. We have more than 30 years experience serving the Tulsa metropolitan area and have the largest HVAC fleet in the area ready to serve you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock