When Is It Time for a Split-System AC Replacement?

Most split-system air conditioning (AC) units are designed to have a long lifespan of 15 to 20 years when well maintained. After that point, even if your system seems to be cooling your Birmingham home, you may want to consider replacing it. As technology continues to improve, newer models are typically more efficient than older ones and will cost you considerably less in energy costs. 

Our Western Sales and Services team can help you learn more about current split-system models as well as help you evaluate whether your current system requires repair or replacement.

What Is a Split-System Air Conditioner?

To avoid any mix-ups, let’s clarify what the term split-system air conditioner means. In heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), a split-system air conditioner is an air conditioner for your home with its components located both outdoors and indoors. 

This is not to be confused with a mini split—a small ductless heat pump that heats and cools your home without any ductwork. A split system is also not to be confused with a window air conditioner, which typically cools one room, is installed in the window, and has all its components contained within its casing in the window.

A split-system air conditioner is a traditional air conditioning system and has its condensing unit separate from its evaporative coil unit. If all the components were combined in one cabinet, this would be a packaged unit instead of a split system.

The condenser portion houses the compressor outside your home, usually located in the back or on one of your home’s sides. Inside heat travels through the compressor and condenser to the outdoors. The coil component of the system stays inside and expands the refrigerant to cool it down before absorbing the heat that enters the system.

Each of your split-system components must be inspected and maintained for optimum performance. If one of these components requires major repair, this could also signal a time for a split-system replacement. Since both indoor and outdoor units work together, it’s important to replace both components at the same time for maximum efficiency and performance. Trying to replace only one portion may result in a mismatched system that will not work as well when replaced together.

Should You Replace Your Split-System Air Conditioner?

If you are currently running an older air conditioning system or even window units, should you replace them with a newer split system?

A newer split-system air conditioner unit will always be more efficient. In fact, newer split systems have Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) values as high as 21 while older systems may be as low as 6. 

Of course, don’t assume a higher SEER necessarily means you will get more cooling faster. Let one of our highly trained professionals properly calculate the appropriate unit for your home. We utilize Manual J load calculations to arrive at the perfect system for your home’s needs.

If your energy bills continue to climb each month or you are constantly needing more repairs, it may be time to replace rather than repair.

Rely on Professional Expertise

Before you make any final decisions, be sure to talk with one of our HVAC professionals about split-system air conditioners as well as about other HVAC services. Our trained technicians can bring a wealth of knowledge to help you make the best decisions for you and your family.

If you are building a new Alabama home, one of our experts can help you properly size your split-system air conditioner and choose the best system for your lifestyle and wallet.

If you currently have a split-system unit, one of our knowledgeable team members can inspect it and provide you with advice on its condition. In some cases, maintaining, cleaning, and tuning up an existing system makes the most sense. In other cases, you will gain so much more efficiency from a new unit so our team would suggest a new installation.

Contact Us Today

For more details about a replacement for your split-system air conditioning, call our team at Western Sales and Services in Birmingham, AL. We are ready to help you determine if it’s time for a new system. Call us at 205-787-8674 or request service online!