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Anyone Got A Match?
Posted: September 2008

     As summer ends, it may be a good time to evaluate your air conditioning system. Did your current system cool your house on the hottest days? Did it need repairs again this year? Did it need to have some Freon added? Were your electric bills approaching the national trade deficit?

     Air conditioning systems typically last about 18 to 22 years, if installed properly. If your current system is nearing that age, you should start planning now for its eventual replacement.

     New air conditioners are much more efficient than older units when they are installed with a matched cooling coil. They will also lessen your electrical consumption and in turn, reduce your electric bill. Air conditioning “systems” have a rating to show consumers how much electricity they will use, this is known as the SEER rating. The current minimum SEER rating is 13, but higher ratings are available. Theoretically, the higher the SEER rating, the more electricity you will save.

     However, the days of replacing the outdoor section (known as the condenser) alone, are long gone. New, high efficiency air conditioning condensers need to be connected to a ‘matched’ cooling coil to achieve their higher ratings. The cooling coil is located next to or above the furnace and is connected to the condenser by copper refrigerant lines.

     If anyone suggests replacing your air conditioning condenser and leaving your old cooling coil (if it is more than 10 years old) you should avoid this person. I advise all consumers to check out the following link: www.ahrinet.org/ARI/util/showdoc.aspx?doc=672    

     If you spend your money wisely, you’ll only need to deal with this issue every 20 years or so. Go cheap, and you’ll likely be doing it again, and likely way too soon.

     Call or e-mail me if you’d like a free evaluation of any quote you’ve received. I can help you decipher all of the information. I’ll also bring you a free copy of The Homeowners Heating and Air Conditioning Buyers Guide. This brochure is designed to give you the facts you’ll need before you commit to a new system.

     Would you like to learn more about heating and air conditioning? Attend our next action-packed homeowners workshop. We’ll answer any and all questions, so bring your list – as well as your friends, neighbors and relatives. For dates and times and to reserve a seat, call (818) 886-2600. Join us for a couple of hours and you’ll take home some useful information. You’ll also receive a free copy of The Homeowners Heating and Air Conditioning Buyers Guide.

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