[RickJ]

I need new 1.5 ton 10 SEER Condensers. I know they stopped making them but if any of you HVAC guys know of anyone who has any remaining in stock, I'll buy up to 6 of them.

Thanks!

[NorthernHeat]

Good luck, we sold out quite a while ago.

[RickJ]

Thanks NorthernHeat. I guess I should have asked about what I was told too...

Our systems are central air in 1-BR apts. They were originally 1 Ton. For the past several years we've used 1.5 ton units as the 1 ton units became hard to get.

I was told that if I put a 13 SEER unit in then I have to change the inside unit too... or the condenser would only last 2-3 years.

Is this true?

[acetc]

If the indoor unit s are one ton capacity then you should not use one and a half condensing units, this may cause icing of the evaporator coil and could shorten the life of the compressor.
The difference between the 13 SEER and 10 SEER condensing units is that the higher SEER units have a larger condenser coil and because of this they have a lower head (discharge) pressure thus if the compressor does not have to pump as hard then it will pull less current (amps) and cost less to operate.
The lower discharge pressure provides less of a force to move the refrigerant through the metering device and may mean a lower suction pressure. If a thermostatic expansion valve is used then it has the ability to open or close automatically depending on the pressure and temperature of the evaporator coil, so if you have or can install a TXV on your existing coils then you can use the 13 SEER equipment. Hope this windy explanation is helpful. Mike

[RickJ]

Thanks acetc.

My problem is that our inside units are in a VERY tight attic... so the price of replacing coils or units in them is astronomical... so in the past when AC units have gone out, we've just installed a GE Zoneline unit for the apartment.

I'll ask my guys if they can do a TXV unit for a fair price in the confined attic as we would far prefer to keep central air than go the Zoneline route.

[hvac1000]

Take the simple route. York makes a one ton mini cube that is a 13 SEER. You can put it on the old coil. A friend of mine just did this. Naturally you will have to adjust the refrigerant charge and use superheat/subcooling depending upon your metering device to set the charge. It will not be a 13 SEER unit with the old coil but who cares in this situation.

[RickJ]

I've never heard of that. Is this a condenser to replace the exterior unit, or is it something that is put "on" the old coil?

[hvac1000]

York makes a one ton mini cube that is a 13 SEER
This is a outside unit.

If you do not know what superheat/subcooling is you should not be doing HVAC work to start with.It is the only way you can really check the charge of a A/C unit. Type in (superheat) in Google

[RickJ]

I don't do HVAC work :) I'm just the one that has to do the homework on major expenditures.

Thanks for the info.

[hvac1000]

I don't do HVAC work :) I'm just the one that has to do the homework on major expenditures.

Thanks for the info.

I understand. Just make sure the person knows what they are doing and not a HVAC wantabee kind of person.