"Downsizing" an oversized A/C
Let's suppose you have a building with a way oversized (central or large package) A/C (or heat pump), either due to recent energy efficiency renovations or as a result of a bad HVAC engineer. The A/C is otherwise in good condition and has many more years of service left.
Solution 1 - Replace the compressor and TXV with smaller ones. Expensive in parts even if you buy surplus, also very labor intensive.
Solution 2 - Replace the whole unit. Even more expensive and selling the old unit is unlikely to offset much cost.
Solution 3 - Change the refrigerant to a lower pressure refrigerant (e.g R22 to R134a) to lower the capacity. Labor intensive, especially if the oil has to be changed to POE.
Solution 4 - Add a VFD. Not cheap if you have to buy the VFD new, but very economical if you can get a surplus VFD. Relatively low labor cost and doesn't even need an EPA certification. Also get the benefits of a variable speed system. The high tech naysayers don't like this solution, but why listen to them?
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To my surprise, shortly after Naomi Wu gave me a bit of fame for making good use of solar power, Allie Moore got really jealous of her...
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