A mismatched air conditioning system creates many risks you can avoid with proper planning. Specifically, the evaporator and condenser coils must be of the same type, size, design, configuration, and brand. Otherwise, inconvenient and expensive issues may occur. Mismatching often happens when a homeowner replaces one faulty component and leaves older elements in place. The following reasons are why you should replace the entire system during AC installation:
- You Won’t Meet Your Goals to Save
- Monthly Energy Bills Will Increase
- The System Won’t Match Its Energy Efficiency Rating
- You’ll Void the Warranty
- Your HVAC System Won’t Last as Long
- The Mismatched System Will Struggle to Control Indoor Temperature/Humidity
- Mismatched Components May Be Incompatible
- New Technological Innovations Will Be Out of Reach
1. You Won’t Meet Your Goals to Save
If you have older condenser and evaporator coils, they were probably installed together. Therefore, both have been subject to the same amount of wear and tear. Only one may be malfunctioning now. Although the other works, it may not for long, so a partial replacement saves you money temporarily.
When replacing the whole system, you pay more upfront for equipment. However, installing all components together typically requires less effort than returning later to do more work. The contractor will likely charge additional fees for a second visit. Therefore, a complete air conditioning installation can save on labor and other service costs.
2. Monthly Energy Bills Will Increase
When a smaller coil is installed in an older system with a larger coil, the newer component works harder to keep up. Or, if you install a mismatched larger coil, it forces the older, smaller one to work harder. The older component is more likely to fail sooner. But before then, your AC system uses more energy and runs longer. These variables cause utility costs to rise. Therefore, you pay more each month for the same amount of cooling.
3. The System Won’t Match Its Energy Efficiency Rating
A new air conditioning system’s efficiency rating is shown on the label. This makes comparing units easier. An AC is rated using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which was updated to SEER2 in 2023. Its components must have the same rating; a 14.3 SEER2 air handler cannot match the efficiency of an 18 SEER2 condenser. Otherwise, older, lower-efficiency components are strained and the new unit’s overall energy efficiency is reduced.
Also, high-efficiency AC units cost more, so mismatching the system makes your investment less worthwhile. The impact is even greater if parts of your HVAC system were installed before the previous updates to efficiency standards in 2015.
4. You’ll Void the Warranty
Most manufacturers won’t warranty units that do not match during AC installation. The reason is mismatched components are more likely to develop problems. Voiding the warranty means you must pay for repairs. Therefore, the evaporator and condenser coils must be a matching set. Industry professionals know mismatched coils and other components will cause malfunctions and failures sooner rather than later.
5. Your HVAC System Won’t Last as Long
At first, you pay for just a single component. But increased strain wears out every part regardless of its age. Mismatching the system can lead to an early system failure on top of more frequent repairs. You may need a complete air conditioning installation soon after purchasing new equipment. Even the most recently purchased component may need to be replaced.
6. The Mismatched System Will Struggle to Control Indoor Temperature/Humidity
The risks of a mismatched AC system aren’t limited to costs. Since manufacturers design each component to work together, a mismatched condenser and air handler may not adequately control the temperature. It may be too warm or too cool, fluctuate, or be uneven throughout your home. Mismatched components can also lead to higher humidity, which may cause discomfort and mold.
If the evaporator coil is larger than the condenser coil, you should get enough cool air. However, the system won’t properly dehumidify your home. Installing a smaller evaporator coil makes it harder for an AC to provide cooling. But it will dehumidify rooms if the condenser coil is working properly. In either case, excess strain leads to more frequent repairs and replacements.
7. Mismatched Components May Be Incompatible
If your AC components are mismatched, there’s a chance the system may not work at all. The new component could also be damaged. Or, it may be unsuited for your home. You’ll ultimately have to purchase an entirely new HVAC system, including coils, blowers, line sets, drains, and wiring.
The refrigerant type a system needs is another concern. If one component uses R-22, which has been phased out, a new unit that requires R-410a can be damaged. At the very least, it won’t function properly. The entire system must be upgraded to use R-410a or other new refrigerants. This helps save since new Freon is no longer available, and recycled supplies are becoming scarce and expensive.
8. New Technological Innovations Will Be Out of Reach
Even if a new unit has a variable-speed operation, reduced noise, high-efficiency filtering, or other modern technologies, you can’t benefit if the system is mismatched. An old unit that doesn’t support these features can’t keep up. Therefore, you’ll have invested in new technology but be unable to use it.
Why Does an Air Conditioning System Have to Match?
All an AC system’s components are designed to work together. The evaporator coil, which is built into the air handler or attached to the furnace, absorbs heat from the air in your home. The refrigerant passing through it transports this heat to the condenser coil, where it’s released outside. Cooled refrigerant then circulates through your HVAC system to produce cool air.
Both coils must be of the same size. If not, the system won’t run smoothly. An improper amount of refrigerant may circulate, impeding heat transfer. As the system tries to compensate, various components are strained. Unless all are matched, your AC will run overtime, not achieve the desired comfort level, and possibly fail prematurely.
How Do I Know If My System Is Mismatched?
The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) provides a reference number for each component. You can obtain it from your air conditioning installer. Or, you can find the model name and number on the warranty, system invoice, or product label. To determine if components match, look up a unit’s reference or model number at https://www.ahridirectory.org/. The AHRI has tested thousands of certified indoor and outdoor units to determine whether they match.
Contact Monarch Home Services for AC Installation
When you need an air conditioning system installed or replaced, Monarch Home Services ensures the comfort and safety of your family. Our NATE- and EPA-certified technicians are prompt and reliable. They install matched components from top brands and are committed to providing the highest-quality service.
We know you cannot be without AC during a San Joaquin Valley summer. From installing high-efficiency HVAC equipment to providing seasonal coupons and financing options, we ensure you stay cool and accommodate your budget. To schedule air conditioning installation or other AC services, call (661) 215-6573 today.