Can an AC Unit be upgraded without buying a new one?

[cgoerss]

I am a home owner and have a 1997 model 10 seer out-door Rheem AC unit. My house is a 1 story with a loft above the kitchen. House is about 2200 sf. The AC unit itsself is a little small for my house but since AC units are a bit $$$$ and I cant aford to get a new let alone bigger one anytime soon and pay to have it installed by a professional. And to top it off I live in Houston TX

My question is, Is there anything that I might be able to do to boost or help out the pressure that comes out the vents in my house? I mean its does come out but not very much on the other end of the house. The vents that are right next to the Inlet vent by my front door get all the pressure. But the ones in the bedrooms get the left over wich is not a lot.

I was thinking that maybe if I put a better/faster fan or something. I dont know thats why I was hoping that someone here might be able to give me some hints/tips

Thanks,

cgoerss

[Lugnut]

Change filter and clean the evaporator and check position of all duct dampers.

[hiltontech]

Like to add to what Lug advised you to do, you said it was a litlle undersized so might want to help it out some, add ceiling fans in all rooms if possible and run them ,(money wise) keep blinds/drapes and all outside doors closed during the day,
Keep your bedroom doors open during the, this will also help some,
Bottom line, if it's really undersized then I'm sorry to say that there isn't much more that can be done except for chaging the units out, I understand that at times we can't offord what we need at any giving time, good luck to you.
When was the inside and outside units cleaned and serviced?

[DNT1]

2200 sg ft in Houston hmm well anyway I recently checked a rudd (same as rheem) 3 1/2 ton package unit the blowers on most of these are controlled at the board they typically can be set for different speeds for heat and cool modes. The one I checked was set at low speed for both heat and cool, the factory setting should have been heat - low speed - and cool - high speed - apparently the installer changed the speeds, no one knows why but anyway there was a good airflow improvement made. The coil was clean and unit was slightly undercharged after some tweaks the owner was a happy camper. Change your blower speed to high (if not there already) and clean your coil (if dirty) install a new free flowing filter media in the return filter grille and set your superheat/subcooling per factory chart and you will probably see a big improvement. Oh be sure to check the amp draw on the blower motor after speed change sometimes a seriously undersized restrictive duct can over amp the motor and you may have to go back to medium or something. You may want to have a tech come out and perform the service for you since it does require some special equipment to be done correctly plus a EPA certification. It would still be much cheaper than a new unit. Good luck

[cgoerss]

.
When was the inside and outside units cleaned and serviced?

Well about a year ago my furnes went out so had to buy a new one at the same time the "evap coil" above the furnes started to leak water like mad into the walls. So both of those ended up being replaced. Ended up being about $3K in the end. Ouch....The contractors that sears sent out to install everything had serviced everything inside/out to the best of my knowledg. I have ceiling fans in just about every room in the house including the kitchen. I replace my filters about ever months or so. I usely buy the cheep filters. :)

One thing I havnt done yet and Am going to here soon is have the ducts cleaned out. Maye that will help.

Thanks again for all the ideas/tips

cgoerss

[cgoerss]

Change your blower speed to high , and set your superheat/subcooling per factory chart and you will probably see a big improvement.

How/where would I change the blower speed to high if it is ajustable or not already at that speed?

And same for the superheat/subcooling?

Thanks again.

cgoerss

[mattison]

One thing I havnt done yet and Am going to here soon is have the ducts cleaned out. Maye that will help.


It's very unlikely that cleaning the ducts will reap any reward. If the company doesn't have the proper equipment they will leave most of it behind and it gets stuck in your filter, fan, and coil.

[TigerDunes]

cgoerss

All the suggestions here are worthy of your attention and consideration. I would also take a look at your ductwork for any leakage and there may be some inexpensive projects such as insulation improvements to reduce your cooling load and increase your comfort.

Good Luck!

[adrew]

i had a similar problem and i added a 8000 btu window unit to a bedroom for 125.00 it took care of the problem.run both at the same time. my electric bill went down some .