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.
AIRLANDO 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.
Sometimes environmental laws determine the course of action a technician must take when faced with malfunctioning equipment. For example, many consumers ask contractors to repeatedly recharge air conditioning systems which are leaking refrigerant. If a comfort cooling system is releasing more than fifteen percent of its charge over the course of a year, the EPA requires the system to be repaired (through a leak detection and repair process) rather than repeatedly recharged. If the evaporator coil has numerous leaks or is
severely corroded, a reputable contractor will advise the consumer to replace the unit.
Should You Replace Both Units?
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, AIRLANDO 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.
Selecting a Unit
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.
Efficiency Ratings
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. If you are concerned about efficiency, watch for the Energy Star Label. 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.
Comfort Features
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).
As a general rule of thumb, you need one ton of cooling for each 500 square feet of living space. This ratio assumes that the space you are cooling has standard 8 foot ceilings, that windows make up less than twenty percent of southern facing walls, that your windows have drapes or blinds and that you close them during the heat of the day, and that your walls and attic are insulated.
The chart below offers a general guideline for sizing residential
systems.
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. Ideally, the technician should perform a load calculation to determine what size unit would best suit the space to be cooled and heated.
Note that when it comes to air conditioning equipment, bigger is not always better. An over size unit will lower the temperature too quickly and will shut off before it has an opportunity to properly dehumidify the air being conditioned. Excessive humidity can create an environment which facilitates the growth of mold.
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.
1. Are you licensed? What is your license number?
Under Florida state law, a contractor performing any type of air conditioning (service or installation) must possess a state license. The license should be displayed on the company's vehicle.
AIRLANDO's license number is #CAC1814456.
2. Are you fully insured?
If an uninsured contractor or any of his employees gets hurt on your property, you could be liable for his medical bills. Likewise you would faced with the expensive of repairing any damage to your property resulting from an improperly done installation.
A copy of our insurance certificate is available upon request.
3. Are you EPA certified? Will you use a recovery unit to capture the Freon when removing the old unit?
To legally handle refrigerants, such as Freon, an air conditioning contractor must be EPA certified and must use a recovery unit. Unfortunately, many EPA certified technicians do not comply with environmental laws and do not consistantly use recovery units when releasing refrigerant from a unit. The recapturing of refrigerant is a time consuming process, but must be done any time an old unit is disassembled. Releasing refrigerant without a recovery unit destroys ozone and is a violation of federal law.
AIRLANDO is EPA certified and follows all EPA regulations.
4. Do you pull all required permits?
If you live inside the city limits (of Orlando or another municipality), a permit may be required for the installation of a new air conditioner. Permits were created to protect you, the consumer. They insure that the job will be done safely and correctly (in compliance with city building codes) and that it will be inspected by the appropriate agency. If you live in a city where a permit is required and the contractor does not secure one, you may be required to have the job done over, even if it was done properly.
AIRLANDO always pulls and posts any required permits.
5. Do you want to check the ductwork?
When replacing an air conditioning unit, a contractor should first examine the existing ductwork to insure that its size will
accomodate new equipment and to check for leaks.
6. What kind of warranties cover this equipment?
Have in writing both the manufacturer's and the contractor's warranties on the equipment and installation. The manufacturer's warranty should specify the length of time your unit is covered and which of the specific components are included.
7. What kind of warranty to you offer on labor?
Most dealer warranty cover only equipment parts. It is generally up to the contractor who installs new equipment to warranty labor. Ask what kind of warranty the contractor offers on labor. A reputable contractor will warranty labor for one year from the date of installation. It's also a good idea to ask whether the contractor will make evening and weekend warranty calls in cases of extreme weather conditions. A labor warranty on your air conditioner is of little use if your unit goes out on a Friday night and the contractor who installed it only makes warranty calls Mondays through Fridays from eight to five.
AIRLANDO backs all installations of new equipment with a one year warranty on labor.
8. What are your prices and terms?
The contractor should provide you with a written contract before performing the work. Make sure the quoted price includes the equipment, installation, all permits, and taxes.
9. Do You Sub-Contract Installations
?
Many air conditioning companies have on-staff technicians to examine and repair existing cooling systems, but use sub-contractors for new installations. Know exactly who you are working with.
