Efficiency                                      Benefit-energy savings, increased comfort

 

All air conditioners are now required by the EPA to be a minimum 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio).  Older units were on average 7-10 SEER, depending on their year of manufacture.  Higher SEER ratings mean lower energy costs.  Because of these new government requirements, it will be necessary to change out your evaporator if your condenser fails as the older coils cannot work with newer systems. 

 

 

 

 

R410a, Puron Refrigerant             Benefit-future availability, cost

 

As of 2010, all manufacturers are required to discontinue producing equipment that uses R22, Freon, refrigerant.  Freon has been shown to be an ozone depleting compound and can no longer be manufactured after 2020.  It's replacement, R410a Puron, will be available for service work and general repairs, therefore we only recommend purchasing any Freon based equipment in rare circumstances.

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment Db ratings                    Benefit-noise, worry-free equipment location

 

Condensers are available in a variety of models and designs, resulting in differences in noise levels.  Depending on its location to such items as windows, patios, and decks, this can be a consideration for some consumers.  Quieter units are in the 65-70Db range, where 80Db units are more in-line with a 'typical' air conditioner.

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment weight                         Benefit- quality

 

While not exactly scientific, looking at the overall weight of a condenser can give you a rough idea on such things as sheet metal gauge, copper vs aluminium coils, motor windings, and overall construction. 

 

 

 

 

 

Scroll compressor                          Benefit- noise, quality, energy efficiency, reliability

 

Scroll compressors have less moving parts and are quieter and more efficient than their older counterparts (reciprocating compressors), making them more reliable.  The compressor is the 'engine' of your air conditioning system, see the most wear, and are the single most costly part to replace.  Usually the loss of the compressor results in the changeout of the entire system, therefore scroll compressors are preferred.

 

 

 

 

©2012 Armbrust Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. and its licensors.

 

Things to consider