When I replace my outdoor unit, is it also time to replace my indoor unit?

It’s no secret that heating and cooling equipment is expensive. Replacing one system is a big investment alone! While the idea of replacing both your heating system and your air conditioner at the same time may cause you a bit of financial panic, it’s actually a really smart idea that can save you money over the service life of your new HVAC systems.

Heating and cooling systems share an air handler

Did you know that your heat pump or furnace and your air conditioner share a single air handler? Did you even know you had an air handler?

The air handler doesn’t produce any heated or cooled air; instead, it is the piece of equipment that moves heated air from the furnace and cooled air generated by the air conditioning system through the home. It holds vital system components such as the blower and an evaporator coil, which is an essential component of the cooling system. Many homeowners aren’t aware the air handler is a separate piece of equipment because it is usually installed next to the furnace and looks very similar.

Matched systems perform better and are more efficient.

Heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners are all designed to work with an air handler – preferably a matched air handler. While your new outdoor unit will be capable of working with your existing indoor unit, it won’t operate at its peak. In today’s world, homeowners are seeking environmentally friendly, energy-efficient cooling systems – when investing more into an elite cooling system, you won’t be receiving the level of benefit you expect if you don’t match the system with a new indoor unit.

Replacing both offer savings now and ongoing.

Replacing only one system at a time will cost you more, as you’ll be paying for a second installation when you decide to replace the indoor components down the road. Because matching systems are so important to system performance, indoor and outdoor units are typically sold as pairs – both of your units are likely the same age, so if one’s old enough to need replacing, so is the other. By hanging on to that older indoor unit, you’re likely to experience the need for repairs in the future, further increasing your costs.

For friendly and professional advice on the sales, service and maintenance of HVAC equipment; contact Parkers Heating and Cooling today or call us at 615-355-9137.