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Ruud AC unit 12 years old, worth replacing?
QUESTION:I have a few concerns with my current unit and plan on replacing it in the
near future.
It is an Achiever 9 but I am unsure of the size, model is UAFD-042-JBS built
in 1991. Is this a 9 SEER?
My house is 1500 square feet with vaulted ceilings throughout and the AC
unit seems to have a hard time keeping up with the heat (100-105) here in
Southern Cal. lately. If I set the thermostat (good digital) at 80 the
unit seems to keep up okay but if I try to cool it to 77-78 it will run
continuously during the mid day heat. It has been this way for as long as I
owned the house, I bought it new, so I am assuming the unit is too small.
The charge in the unit is fine and the air temp at the vents is 20 degrees
cooler than the return air. I always clean the furnace filter and burner
area and last year I cleaned the evap coil and noticed the drain pan was
pretty corroded due to the installer not having the drain at the lowest
point. Also since new the compressor seems to be very loud. To top it all
off the furnace electronic ignition module goes out about every 2- 3 years
at $150.00 a pop.
I would like to install the unit myself and pay someone to evacuate and
charge it but I am not sure if there is anyone local who would sell to a non
contractor type like me.
How much would a 13 or 14 SEER save over a 9 seer?
If I go with a unit that is 1/2 to 1 ton larger what would this do to the
energy usage? Use more amps but cycle less? Save money?
ANSWER: Vaulted ceilings are are real added heat load problem.
I would say at 100 to 105 F, 80 degrees is doing okay especially
considering the vaulted ceilings. In Oklahoma techs would say 15 degrees
under the outside temperature when it's really hot is doing okay. You
are getting 20 to 25 degrees under, so be thankful, it is big enough!
Figure out ways to reduce the radiant, conduction and infiltration heat
loads, that will save money, notwithstanding the SEER rating. If you
install it in you may get less cooling with the bigger unit and gain
nothing Additionally, if everything is not done properly you'll lose
the unit prematurely!
Wear shorts and go bare foot and with an added floor or small fans
directed on you, you should be in the comfortable zone.
Try not to disturb the air above the 7 foot level as you don't want all
that hot air in the vaulted ceiling area going through the evaporator
coil. Do some studying and then call a good tech to evaluate your entire
situation! Don't make a huge mistake!
Like it or not, from 2000 miles away, that is my honest assessment!
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