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Replacing Only the Outdoor Unit of Your Heat Pump Is No
Bargain!
Q. The
compressor in my heat pump just failed. Since it's an older system, my heating
contractor says the best thing to do is install an entire new system, but I
heard I could save some money by just replacing the outdoor unit. Is this a good
idea?
A. No.
Replacing only the outdoor unit will sacrifice your comfort and lower the
efficiency of the unit. In fact, you can lose up to 15% of the unit's
efficiency! Even worse, your system may fail sooner than normal and most
manufacturers' warranties will be voided. You should seriously consider buying a
complete heat pump system.
| Heat pump systems are made up of four
integrated pieces: the outdoor unit, which contains the
compressor, transfer coils, a fan, a motor and some electrical controls;
the indoor unit, consisting of a blower fan and motor,
transfer coils, backup heat, and more controls; the refrigerant
lines and electric wires connecting the two units;
and a thermostat for controlling the system's operation and
your comfort. Each manufacturer designs these components to work together
as a matched arrangement. Only matched systems have been tested to
determine efficiency and output performance. These results are published
by the manufacturer and by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Institute (ARI) in a semi-annual directory. |
Unless indoor and outdoor
units are tested and listed as matched, no one can tell you how well (or
if unmatched components will perform. Even if a heating contractor can get
them work, research indicates there may be substantial losses in output
and efficiency. Also, most manufacturers' warranties do not apply when the
equipment installed is part of a mismatch.
For systems only a few years old, an acceptable match
can usually be made. For older systems like yours, it is almost certain
there is no proven match. If a contractor claims he can "make it
work", ask for a letter from the manufacturer or distributor. It
could save you a lot of money in the long run! |
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