Replacing the A-Coil

QUESTION:

My 15-year-old air conditioner, which was high-efficiency when I bought it, worked well until the A-coil recently started leaking. Should I replace the entire system or can I get away with replacing just the A-coil?

ANSWER:

We recommend replacing the entire system. Your condensing unit is nearing the end of its expected lifespan and could begin experiencing serious problems at any time, especially if you install a new A-coil that is not properly matched to the old condenser. By replacing both units at once, you will reduce the likelihood of component mismatching that can lead to compressor failure.

Replacing the entire system will also lower your cooling costs. Fifteen years ago, even the highest efficiency air conditioners had SEERs of only about 10. Today, SEERs of 14 or higher are common. (In fact, federal standards require heat pumps and central air conditioners manufactured in or imported to the U.S. since January 2006, to have minimum SEERs of 13.) Going from SEER 10 to SEER 14 will reduce your cooling costs by 40%! Replacing your entire unit with an all-new high-efficiency air conditioner might also qualify you to receive CWLP's Air Conditioner Rebate.

Another consideration might be to replace your old air conditioner with a heat pump (either all-electric or as an add-on to a gas furnace). This would allow you to reduce both your cooling and heating costs, and might qualify you for CWLP's Heat Pump Rebate.