|
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 25% 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 factory matched 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
to 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 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, time and aggravation in the long run! |
|
