Do I Need a New Central AC Unit?

by Sheri
(USA)

I have a central air conditioning unit that is 30+ years old. It will cool the downstairs of my home adequately however in the past few years it has a very difficult time cooling the upstairs. I have had a "handy man" with HVAC experience come and look at the central ac unit.

He stated that my venting from the unit is the problem (although it doesn't seem to be a problem heating the upstairs) and recommended against a new AC unit. He recommended trying to reroute the two vents to the upstairs.

I think the age of the central ac unit is primarily the problem. Any advice?

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starstarstarstarstar 		Shop For Hvac Contractor
by: Dadan

When you replace a central air conditioner unit, some contractor will provide you the option to keep you evaporator coil and other contractor will just recommend you replace it. Your evaporator coil must be 27 yrs of age also. Since, you central ac unit is 27 yrs of age, your air handler must be the same age.

The evaporator coil is near your furnace unit. It is inside the air handler unit. It would make sense to me to replace the entire indoor and outdoor unit altogether. Getting new central heating and air conditioner unit will save you on energy.

Don’t focus so much on central ac brand, focus on contractor. The major task you need to do is to search and shop for contractor. Ask for referral from relative and close friend. Here is a link for what I consider the best hvac contractor.

Here is link for estimation on the price of central air unit.

Call ten of contractor for free estimation on new central heating and air conditioner unit. Central ac is not cheap, so shop around.

Good Luck

Dadan
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starstarstarstarstar 		Replace A/C and Heater
by: Anonymous

I am having the same problem w/my 27 year old Rheem central air unit. It is not cooling the upstairs. I know I need to replace it, but my question is should I also replace the furnace at the same time. They were purchased within a year of each other. Last time I replaced the central air the next year the blower on the heater went.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Not cool upstairs
by: Chester

There is a possibility that some of the insulation on the supply duct has been torn or come loose, but the problem is most likely the unit is worn out. Have a qualified HVAC technician check out the system. Handy men are usually quite handy, but they are not qualified to diagnose HVAC systems.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Upstairs is not cooling enough
by: Dadan

Yes, the age of the central ac unit does play a role in cooling the house. Did he tells you why the vent is the problem?

I doubt it the vent. if it was a bad vent. Cooling the upstairs should had been a problem in the beginning. Yes, it possible the vent need a new insulate.

How was the airflow in cooling mode or heating mode upstairs? If you were to put thermometer in the upstairs supply air vent. What temperature would you read?

The reason, I think you didn?t have problem in heating model is due to the fact that heat rise and cool air does not rise.

Had you paid tech to do monthly and annually maintenance on your central heating and air conditioning unit?

I wrote page on maintenance: central air conditioning maintenance

Come back here if you have more information.
Sincerely,

Dadan

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