Cleaning Your HVAC System

Posted on: 12 September 2018

Replacing an entire split air conditioning system can get pretty expensive depending on what model you choose and any extra options that are added on. Needless to say, the temptation to save money by cutting corners can overwhelm one's good judgment. Replacing only half of your split A/C system seems like a money-saving move, but it's a move that'll prove costly in more ways than one.

Split A/C systems work best as a properly matched unit. Here are a few reasons why you should stick with a properly matched A/C system instead of attempting a partial replacement.

1. Improved Reliability

Mismatched systems are notorious for offering drastically degraded performance in comparison to their properly matched counterparts. For instance, consider what happens when you replace a failing outdoor condensing unit with one offering different specs than the original equipment.

One immediate consequence is that it operates less efficiently than your original equipment. The older half of your A/C equipment will struggle to keep up with its newer half, resulting in increased wear and tear on the entire A/C system. In a worst-case scenario, mismatched components can even cause your entire A/C system to fail prematurely.

2. Lower Costs

Another reason to stick with a properly matched split A/C system is that it saves money in the long run. A partial replacement may seem cost-effective at first, but it could cost more money to undo the damage a mismatched condenser unit could do to the rest of your A/C system. Imagine paying for a mismatched component, only to pay even more money to replace it and other damaged components with properly matched equipment.

Purchasing properly matched A/C equipment from the start not only saves money in the long run, but it also saves you plenty of headaches when it comes to your system's overall performance.

3. Preserved Warranty Coverage

Here's something you probably didn't know about mixing and matching your A/C equipment: it could lead to a voided warranty. Nearly every A/C system warranty contains a clause or disclaimer voiding the agreement in the event of a partial replacement. That's because using the A/C system as a properly pared machine offers the best chance of normal usage.

By mixing and matching your A/C equipment, you risk losing your equipment's original warranty coverage, along with any extended coverage options you may have bought. After all, no manufacturer wants to repair HVAC equipment that was deliberately paired with the wrong system.