Answer - Question 1
When replacing the outdoor unit of an air conditioner or heat pump, should the indoor unit also be replaced?
The answer is YES, and here are the reasons why!
Matched System Design
All outdoor air conditioner and heat pump units are specifically designed to work with matched indoor units for optimum efficiency and performance. The result of this matched system is a coordinated, top-performance combination that ensures the dependability and high efficiency that today's applications require.
Outdoor air conditioner and heat pump units may "work" with indoor units other than those for which they have been specifically designed; however, the result is definitely a compromise in system performance.
Higher Cooling and Heating Efficiency
The cooling and/or heating efficiency ratings that are advertised for an air conditioner or heat pump are based on their performance as part of a matched system.
Although a mismatched system may work, it won't work as well as it should and costly components like the compressor could fail prematurely. Investing in a complete matched system offers many benefits. Not only will you enjoy lower energy usage due to higher efficiency, you'll also find that a matched system lasts longer because all of the components operate as they were designed to, thereby protecting your investment.
Design Advances
Through the years, indoor air handlers have undergone numerous design advances - especially in the areas of air handling performance, filtering efficiency and operating sound levels. A new outdoor unit will also include the latest design advances.
Equipment Age
If an air conditioner or heat pump is 10 years old and needs to be replaced, the indoor air handler unit is just as old and has been subjected to the same amount of wear and tear. Replacing both units means you won't have to replace the indoor unit in a short time.
New Warranty
A new unit also gives you a new product warranty. Replacing the indoor unit at the same time as the outdoor unit results in peace of mind, knowing the new warranty covers the entire system.
A Bargain?
At first glance, replacing only an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit may appear to be a bargan. But when you consider the lower cooling and heating efficiencies, decreased reliability and the high cost of ownership that results, it's not such a bargain after all!
REPLACING AN ENTIRE AIR CONDITIONER OR HEAT PUMP SYSTEM COSTS MORE INITIALLY, BUT YOU GET MORE...EFFICIENCY, RELIABILITY, AND COMFORT.
