Why Is a Matched HVAC System Preferred?

Typically, before starting an installation job, good technicians will make sure that the HVAC units you have at home are properly matched. A properly-matched HVAC system is highly recommended, as this ensures the optimal performance of each working component. That said, using mismatched parts for your air conditioner or heating equipment can lead to a number of issues, including your HVAC system’s failure.

In this post,  HVAC repair  and replacement expert R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating shares some basic information about matched HVAC systems and why it’s important to ensure your HVAC units are properly matched.

HVAC systems are typically created with specific designs for their indoor and outdoor units. This is to ensure that all components work together flawlessly. When selecting HVAC units for your home, make sure that you end up with a matched system. Otherwise, your air conditioning system will work at a reduced operating efficiency — which means you won’t be able to maximize the energy-saving benefits of your HVAC system. Furthermore, in some cases, mismatched systems don’t even work at all. This could especially be the result if you combine old and new units in one system. That said, if you have to replace one component of your HVAC system anyway, you should opt to change the entire system at once.

A mix-and-match solution may seem like a good option to some homeowners who are keen on saving money. However, as explained earlier, using mismatched HVAC parts can lead to poor performance or the breakdown of your system. To give you a clearer idea of why  HVAC maintenance  and installation experts often emphasize the importance of a matched system, below are some essential facts that you should know:

Indoor and outdoor units are designed to operate together.  Every component of an HVAC system is designed to work together in a specific way. All parts should be compatible with each other so that your system can operate efficiently and keep your home comfortable. Installing a mismatched system can prevent your HVAC system from operating at peak efficiency or even at all. Or if it does run initially, it might fail within a short time. Ultimately, getting components that aren’t properly matched could compromise the longevity and efficiency of your system.

A mismatched system won’t deliver the same energy efficiency indicated on the label.  Different HVAC units and components are designated with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating in order to help consumers get a better idea of the energy efficiency of these products. However, keep in mind that SEER is based on specific combinations or matched systems. If you combine a new 18 SEER condenser and an air handler that’s intended to work with a 14 SEER system, your HVAC system won’t be able to operate at 18 SEER efficiency. In circumstances like this, the older unit with the lower SEER will just hamper the newer unit with the higher SEER. Furthermore, the newer unit will force the older, lower-efficiency unit to work harder. This can strain the older unit and eventually lead to its failure.

HVAC units should be able to support the same type of refrigerant.  Refrigerant is crucial to the cooling process of your air conditioning system. If you got your air conditioner before 2010, it’s likely that it’s using a type of refrigerant called R-22. R-22 is set to be phased out in favor of a more eco-friendly replacement, R-410a. If you’re changing the air handler or condensing unit of your R-22 system, you might already have difficulty finding components that are compatible with the R-22 refrigerant. That said, you might want to consider upgrading your entire system.

A mismatched system will void your warranty.  Manufacturers can void the warranty of an HVAC unit if it’s used in a different kind of system. This can be a problem for you later on since you won’t have the coverage provided by HVAC warranties to back you up. Furthermore, you might find yourself dealing with expensive repair or replacement costs.

You’ll pay higher installation costs in the long run.  Your air handler and condenser were probably installed at the same time, so you can safely assume that they’ve been subjected to the same amount of wear and tear through the years. If any one of these parts were to fail at a certain point, the other would likely follow suit sooner rather than later. If you replace only one broken component at a time, you’ll end up paying more since you’ll have to call up the technician again. That said, it’s usually more economical to have both units installed at once.

To check if you have a matched system, you first need to ask your installer for an AHRI (Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute) reference number or AHRI Certificate of Certified Product Performance. If you don’t have access to these, you can look up your system using the manufacturer name, model name and model number. Take note that the numbers for your indoor and outdoor units will be different. Typically you can find this information on your warranty, on the invoice from the company from which you purchased your system or printed directly on the HVAC units.

Once you have the necessary information, you can simply go to  ahridirectory.org  and enter the details in the search box found on the website.

The initial cost of a full system replacement can sometimes be daunting, especially if you’re working with a tight budget. Fortunately, many HVAC contractors offer financing options. At R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, we provide affordable, flexible financing options to our clients so that you can purchase an HVAC system that will benefit you for years to come.

R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating offers a wide range of HVAC and plumbing services, including  air duct cleaning , AC installation and repair, plumbing repair and more. We perform tasks to a high standard, so you can expect quality workmanship from our team of experts. Call us at (505) 327-7755 or fill out our  contact form  to schedule a service.

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