Have you ever thought about changing the central air conditioner?

[jkk04]

thinking about it now. are old system is completely useless.

You won't be disappointed with a mini split air conditioner that should be more than 19 seer(mine is 21 seer)
(SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system)

Past July, 2024 in central and northern California temperatures were more than 110-115F degrees for 15 days straight.

The mini split unit I installed was a life saver.
I turned on the unit 24 hours 7 days for 2 weeks with auto, eco functions.
The electric bill was 15% lower than last year even though the temperature was a lot higher and longer than last year, very quieter than the old one and a much cooler feeling.

I won't look back to the conventional air conditioner. Period.
JKK

 

[kenmac]

We are talking about air sourced heat pumps in the OP.

Do not replace your central AC if it is still running and the only reason you want to replace it is AC. For AC only you will not see any real savings over what you have. Savings is realized by using it for heat.

If you need to replace the AC because it is at the end of its life, then replacing with heat pump is a good idea.

I have a 24k BTU ducted heat pump. There is no savings for AC in the summer, but in the winter I am paying 20% of what I was with my fuel oil fire furna

We are talking about air sourced heat pumps in the OP.

Do not replace your central AC if it is still running and the only reason you want to replace it is AC. For AC only you will not see any real savings over what you have. Savings is realized by using it for heat.

If you need to replace the AC because it is at the end of its life, then replacing with heat pump is a good idea.

I have a 24k BTU ducted heat pump. There is no savings for AC in the summer, but in the winter I am paying 20% of what I was with my fuel oil fire furnace.

While I have no clue as to what system he has. He can save on cooling with a new inverter system such as a ducted VRF. Installing something such as a Gree Flex (or similar) would be a great upgrade for Cooling and heating

 

[ultrarunner]

You won't be disappointed with a mini split air conditioner that should be more than 19 seer(mine is 21 seer)
(SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system)

Past July, 2024 in central and northern California temperatures were more than 110-115F degrees for 15 days straight.

The mini split unit I installed was a life saver.
I turned on the unit 24 hours 7 days for 2 weeks with auto, eco functions.
The electric bill was 15% lower than last year even though the temperature was a lot higher and longer than last year, very quieter than the old one and a much cooler feeling.

I won't look back to the conventional air conditioner. Period.
JKK

View attachment 976753View attachment 976754

The old ace hardware from 1926 installed a mini in the bolt room.

It would be unbelievably hot every summer and the split cured that with owner saying no usage jump... maybe the 2 big floor fans used as much or more Watts?

 

[hube2]

For those that quoted my comment about not replacing an old AC if it is working. This was simply said for the OP who was wondering if they would see an savings with an air sourced heat pump over a traditional AC unit and did not plan to use the pump for heating. As I stated, if this is the only reason that that someone is thinking about replacing then in my opinion I would not. My experience is that I am not seeing any savings on running the heat pump for AC over what I was seeing with my old AC units.

But of course, this might not be the only reason you are thinking about replacing. For example there were other factors involved for me. My old AC units were noisy and I could no longer stand listening to them and I could not sleep with them running. I also use the pumps for heating and I am seeing a significant savings on heating.

My point was that if you only want to replace an old AC because you think you're going to save a boatload of money and do not plan on using them for heating then you should reconsider.

Not only am I not saving money on AC but my heat pumps will likely cost me more money in the long run over traditional AC units. The life expectancy of the pump is only 10 to 15 years. Tech is changing rapidly. There is a high chance that in the future I will not be able to get them repaired which will mean a complete replacement. On the other hand my MIL had a central AC unit she ran for 30 years, and is still being used, which can still be repaired if needed because the tech was stable and parts are still available. But again, I'm also using mine for heat, which the OP was not planning on and my ROI over the 10 to 15 years they will last will pay for the replacement.

 

[ultrarunner]

For those that quoted my comment about not replacing an old AC if it is working. This was simply said for the OP who was wondering if they would see an savings with an air sourced heat pump over a traditional AC unit and did not plan to use the pump for heating. As I stated, if this is the only reason that that someone is thinking about replacing then in my opinion I would not. My experience is that I am not seeing any savings on running the heat pump for AC over what I was seeing with my old AC units.

But of course, this might not be the only reason you are thinking about replacing. For example there were other factors involved for me. My old AC units were noisy and I could no longer stand listening to them and I could not sleep with them running. I also use the pumps for heating and I am seeing a significant savings on heating.

My point was that if you only want to replace an old AC because you think you're going to save a boatload of money and do not plan on using them for heating then you should reconsider.

Not only am I not saving money on AC but my heat pumps will likely cost me more money in the long run over traditional AC units. The life expectancy of the pump is only 10 to 15 years. Tech is changing rapidly. There is a high chance that in the future I will not be able to get them repaired which will mean a complete replacement. On the other hand my MIL had a central AC unit she ran for 30 years, and is still being used, which can still be repaired if needed because the tech was stable and parts are still available. But again, I'm also using mine for heat, which the OP was not planning on and my ROI over the 10 to 15 years they will last will pay for the replacement.

Also depends on how frequently used…

I might run 10 days annually as I did not grow up with A/C and the tiered rate is the highest when I would use it…

 

[deserteagle71]

On the other hand my MIL had a central AC unit she ran for 30 years, and is still being used, which can still be repaired if needed because the tech was stable and parts are still available.

Don't be so sure that unit can be repaired. My central AC unit (34 years old) quit not long ago so I called an HVAC outfit to get it fixed. NOT! I was told that older systems like this cannot be repaired (they are not allowed to repair!) because they are designed for a refrigerant that the government no longer allows to be used. My unit just needed a new compressor but it didn't matter, they wouldn't touch it. Apparently the regulations say that these older units MUST be replaced with the currently approved ones, not repaired. Only alternative was to replace the whole system with a new one...at a cost of $7000+.

 

[ultrarunner]

Don't be so sure that unit can be repaired. My central AC unit (34 years old) quit not long ago so I called an HVAC outfit to get it fixed. NOT! I was told that older systems like this cannot be repaired (they are not allowed to repair!) because they are designed for a refrigerant that the government no longer allows to be used. My unit just needed a new compressor but it didn't matter, they wouldn't touch it. Apparently the regulations say that these older units MUST be replaced with the currently approved ones, not repaired. Only alternative was to replace the whole system with a new one...at a cost of $7000+.

We repair as needed but the cost of the no longer made refrigerant has gone up as much as a hundred fold…

I have a jug stashed away and could sell it for a good price but will probably keep it until it’s not worth much because I know if I don’t have it and my A/C needs it I will be sunk

At work one of the built up units takes about 80 pounds of the now US banned to manufacture refrigerant to fill… it’s the unit replaced earlier this year with a Puron unit that is also scheduled for phase out.

I’m starting to see more propane which is interesting…

 

[LouNY]

A new compressor and R290 (propane) can be a viable solution but it is also one that most "professional" service companies will not do due to the US regulations.

 

[ultrarunner]

I bought a new ice maker for the nurses station and was surprised it’s propane…

4 years now and no issues and way way cheaper than the Manitowoc unit that did not last 10 years.

 

[kenmac]

Don't be so sure that unit can be repaired. My central AC unit (34 years old) quit not long ago so I called an HVAC outfit to get it fixed. NOT! I was told that older systems like this cannot be repaired (they are not allowed to repair!) because they are designed for a refrigerant that the government no longer allows to be used. My unit just needed a new compressor but it didn't matter, they wouldn't touch it. Apparently the regulations say that these older units MUST be replaced with the currently approved ones, not repaired. Only alternative was to replace the whole system with a new one...at a cost of $7000+.

I have no idea what type system you're referring to but most all refrigerant is still available . (at a cost) If it's R12, there may not be any compressors to be had. but I'm not aware of any government mandates that require a full replacement due to the system being old and out dated