How to buy a central air condenser?

Question

My condenser (central air) need to be replaced. How can I make sure which one to buy? I have a unit inside my closet and the condenser is out side. It look like the condenser is too small for the house (2000 sq. feet). The house never get to the temperature set inside. I have the unit running 24 hours every day. I am paying 500 to 600 dollars a month (electricity). The unit inside looks too big for the condenser outside. How can I check if I need another condenser? How many tons do I need for the condenser? The unit inside the closet look very new. Should I change booth? Please someone help me.

Answer 1

There is no magic formula for sizing equipment. You home has to be evaluated to see exactly what you need. Find an a/c company that will perform a Manual J calculation. Don't accept rule-of-dumb sizing (x amount of tons per x amount of square feet). My house is 2300 sq ft and has a 2.5 ton a/c and it works perfectly.

Get a few estimates and make sure each of them perform a Manual J calculation. You may have to change the indoor coil to get the rated efficiency that you purchase.

Have you had an a/c company out to see what the problem is with your exsting unit?

Answer 2

If the system is more than say 15 years old, get a new one, you'll save money, but as a previous person posted, make sure who ever is giving you an estimate does the manual j which will properly size the syetem according to your house, the type of windows, roofing, siding, insulation and so on play a very big role in heat gain and loss.  Otherwise if you dont have this done, and someone matches what you have already you may have wasted 1000's and not get what you are wanting.  There is a wide range of pricing, it depends on what you want out of the system, the more efficient the equipment is, the more money it will be.

Answer 3

I would first service it. clean the coils with the unit off, and wash out the coils with water. If that dosen't help call a AC tech. to check the charge, it may just need to be services.

Answer 4

HVAC Tech.: You need between 4 and 41/2tons,and the unit inside HAS to MATCH the outside for tonnage and seer. Clearly this is something you know little about. You need professional help, call an a/c company that has been around a while and get a quote. Then get two more, you will know how to save money from there on. Good Luck!