Variable-Speed AC Replace Older Model in East Rochester, NY

We got a call toward the end of summer from a homeowner in East Rochester, NY. With a few weeks of hot weather to go, their air conditioner was having some problems.

The solution was a new variable-speed AC unit. When we got there, the problem was pretty obvious — and the diagnosis wasn’t good. Our homeowner had an older central air condenser that wasn’t working the way it should. It turned out to have a leaking evaporator coil. In some cases, we could replace the part and call it a day. But, this system didn’t have too much life left in it anyway. Plus, it used R-22 refrigerant fluid for cooling.

R-22 isn’t used in any new models, and it’s being phased out. No one in the country makes it anymore, due to the poor impact on the environment. So, repairing this problem meant running the risk of needing a new one the next time something broke down. Instead, we helped our homeowner find a silver lining:

They could enjoy a cool, even more comfortable home for the rest of the summer. And, their energy bills would be lower for the rest of this season and many more to come. This was all possible thanks to a new Trane XV18 variable-speed air conditioner. In this case study, we’ll look at what the problem was, exactly.

Then, we’ll see why and how the new system outshines the old one.

Problem: An old air conditioner in East Rochester, NY, had a leak in its evaporator coil.

Solution: Replaced the old unit with a Trane XV18 variable-speed air conditioner. It offers better dehumidification, more comfort, and lower energy bills.

In this case study, we’ll look at what went wrong with our homeowner’s old AC and why they needed a new one. Then, we’ll check out the benefits of their new variable-speed unit and how it makes their home more comfortable.

Signs of a leaking AC evaporator coil

When our homeowner called us, they didn’t know their air conditioner had a leaking evaporator coil. They just knew something was up. Specifically, they noticed their vents blowing warm air when it should have been cooling down the house. And, every so often they’d get a whiff of something weird when the system was on.

When we got there, we found another telltale sign: A hissing sound near their condenser outside. All signs pointed to a leaking evaporator coil. It’s the part of the system that circulates the refrigerant that cools the air. When it’s broken, the refrigerant starts to leak out.

Meanwhile, the air still circulates through the house. But it’s not getting cooled. And, with this older model, it wasn’t worth fixing. But, here’s what our homeowner got instead.

What Is a Variable Speed Air Conditioner?

A variable speed air conditioner is a system where the compressor can run at several different speeds. This feature is different from traditional units that only have two speeds: On and Off. Variable speed keeps your energy bills low and your home more comfortable.

Think about your usual central air system. It turns on for a while, then shuts off. Then turns on again. Then … well, you get the picture.

They usually cycle on and off a few times every hour. That’s because it’s turning on when the temperature rises higher than what you want. It turns on and cools things down. Then the temperature goes up again, and the process repeats. Instead, variable speed ACs run almost constantly.

But, they usually do so at a low speed. This way, it maintains the temperature instead of course-correcting over and over again.

Four Big Benefits of a Variable Speed Air Conditioner

So, what makes the variable speed AC better than the traditional models?

Lower Energy Bills
Better Comfort
Quieter operation
Longer life

Lower Energy Bills

money and change laying next to piggy bank

These cooling systems keep your bills down by using less energy. That’s the result of that variable speed: Low speed means using less power. We mentioned earlier how these units spend most of the time in a low-power mode. Well, that means it’s using less power overall. There are fewer jumps in power usage this way.

Better Comfort

Next is that nice, constant temperature in your home. Since your system’s not constantly playing catch up when the thermostat shifts, you don’t feel those changes. Sure, sometimes it’s a subtle difference. Other times, you’ll notice suddenly feeling a little warm, or the air is a little stickier for a few minutes.

Variable-speed gets rid of those fluctuations. And, since it’s continuously running, the humidity remains lower overall. Less moisture in the air makes you feel cooler. That’s why people always say, “It’s a dry heat” when they’re talking about high temperatures that seem more bearable.

Quieter Operation

Another perk of these systems? They don’t make nearly as much noise. If your outdoor condenser is close to a patio or deck, this is a big difference. The reason is that it’s simply not working as hard. Most of the noise from your AC comes from the blower fan. Once that’s in low-power mode, it makes less sound.

Longer Life

Finally, enjoying a variable-speed air conditioner means not having to worry about buying a new one for a long, long time. These models tend to last longer than their old-school counterparts. It’s because they go through way less wear and tear.

Think about it: Our homeowner’s old AC kept turning on, then off, then on, then … you get the idea, like we said before. All that stopping and starting wears down the inner components.

Sure, preventative maintenance can help extend the life of the unit. But, nothing beats just doing less work like that. The new Trane model runs almost all the time — but in low-power mode, So, it’s spared the stress of all that stopping and starting.

Call Us About Your HVAC System 585-641-3080

Installing a New Air Conditioner in East Rochester, NY

At first, our homeowner wasn’t sure what to do. Sure, they didn’t want to go much longer without cooling. But, they also didn’t want to make a snap decision. We understood. It’s a significant investment.

So, we walked them through the cost and the benefits of the Trane system they were considering. We also talked for a bit about the whole R-22 thing and why they'd need to make a switch soon, anyway. And, once they were ready, we moved fast.

A few days later, we were back out ready to put in the new unit. We were there and gone in a day. And, our techs made sure we left the place just the way we found it.

We know our homeowners are happy to know they’d be more comfortable from here on out. If you’re unsure of what to get when it’s time to replace your air conditioner in Rochester, NY, give Airquip a call. With a free consultation, we’ll help you find the model that’s just right for you.

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