Replacing a condensing unit with a higher SEER rating unit

tylanz

The condensing unit for my central air system failed a week ago, and I'm trying to find out what my options are.

The technician is currently quoting $2500 to replace the existing 60,000 BTU R-22 unit with a similar R-22 unit. I'm not sure of the existing SEER rating, but since the system is about 20 years old I'm guessing around 6ish.

I also found a 13 SEER 60,000 BTU unit from the same manufacturer for $1500, or packaged with a matching 5-ton evaporator for $2100.

Would I be best off repairing the system as is with the $2500 replacement condenser, or is it possible to update the system with a higher SEER R-22 condenser?

Or should I just call it on this system and replace both the condenser and evaporater with an R-410a system + additional line upgrades, etc, and about how much would that cost (maintaining the current rating of the existing system)?

NitroNate

depending on the age of the evaporator coil, i'd probably upgrade both to match them. i wouldn't bother going with a full R-410A upgrade since they will still sell R-22 through like 2019 and you can re-use the lines. most likely the evaporator coil isn't nearly as old as the outside unit because they tend to fail a lot more often and are replaced.

SEER ratings are for the entire system. there is no SEER rating for an individual component, even though they use the term loosely. a component will be designed for a complete system that is a certain tonnage and reaches a certain SEER.

beenthere

Replace both the condenser and the indoor coil.

Marty S.

Another vote for replace it all. Going to disagree with nate on getting r22 though. IMO there's no sence in buying a piece of equiptment that the refrigerant will no longer be able to be produced or imported in just a few years. It still will be available but at what cost?