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TXV = Thermostatic Expansion Valve.

Air conditioning can account for as much as half of summer energy bills. A TXV (or TEV,) can help your system’s performance resulting in savings. TXV gauges refrigerant flow to the indoor coil of your central air conditioner. A TXV automatically adjusts to changing conditions. When the cooling load is high, it opens wider to let more refrigerant through the indoor coil. When the load is low, it reduces refrigerant flow to be more efficient.

IF DON’T HAVE A TXV, WHAT DO I HAVE?

Air conditioners that don’t have a TXV come with fixed orifices or capillary tubes. These devices also meter the flow of refrigerant to the indoor coil, but do not change size. They are not as precise or complete as a TXV

BENEFITS OF A TXV

1. Cooling when you need it
Your central air conditioner sustains comfort when its rated capacity (in BTU’s) matches your homes cooling load. Cooling load varies due to the sun’s heat and other factors like cooking inside your home. A TXV can help your system better respond to these always changing requirements.

2. Protects your compressor
Fixed orifices or capillary tubes can starve your coil of refrigerant under high cooling loads. This is because it is set to work well under average conditions. A TXV can increase the compressor’s life and reliability. More refrigerant enters the evaporator coil in low cooling conditions and liquid refrigerant can reach the compressor, damaging them.

3. Energy savings
A TXV equipped air conditioner provides energy savings after you buy a new unit. TXV tests prove they’re more efficient when the refrigerant charge is below manufacturer’s specifications. Recent studies suggest that 75% of installed equipment may be improperly charged. According to the USEPA, improper refrigerant charge can lower efficiency by 5 to 20%.

WHERE DO I GET A TXV?

A package unit central air conditioner combines the condenser and indoor coil. If you purchase a package unit, you will need to purchase one that comes with a TXV. Not all package unit manufacturers choose to include a TXV. We don’t suggest adding a TXV to a package unit. This is because replacing the factory installed metering device may void the warranty.

HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE A TXV?

If your TXV is put in by your contractor it will be visibly located outside the indoor coil. It is a brass valve about 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 inches, connected to the indoor coil by copper tubing from the outdoor condenser.

A factory installed TXV is placed in the indoor coil cabinet and can be seen before installing the cabinet. Manufacturers may provide a factory installed TXV indication in the model number.

HOW MUCH WOULD A TXV COST?

If a contractor adds a TXV to a split system central air conditioner, it can cost $100-$200. A factory installed TXV, where it is installed in the indoor coil cabinet, could cost an extra $40 to $70. But, a TXV could save you over $60 in one cooling season if your central air conditioner lacks the proper amount of refrigerant.

For more information...
Email Jeff Stamps or call him at 559-444-0777