It’s the middle of another hot & humid summer in central New Jersey and your 20 year old Central Air Conditioner just died, again; but instead of sinking more dollars into repairing it like you did in years past, you finally decide that it makes more sense – and cents – to replace it. You quickly speak with a couple of your local, reputable HVAC companies to gather some price quotes; but regardless of which HVAC Contractor you speak with, each one asks about the 20 year old Furnace or Air Handler your Air Conditioner is connected to, and “suggests” that you “strongly consider” replacing not just the outdoor / cooling components, but the matching indoor air-movement / heating components at the same time – “it was originally installed as a System, and you should replace it as a System” is the basis of their arguments. Is this just another sales pitch to try to get you to buy more than you need, or is there some real merit to this consideration?
Now, we know what you’re thinking: It’s hot as you-know-what outside, and now inside your home as well; the family is cranky from being uncomfortable, and there’s little relief in sight; this already-unwelcomed expense has already ruined your chance of buying that (something nice) you had your eye on, and now it’s being suggested that you consider going from a 4 digit investment to a 5 digit one? Nonetheless, this is one of the more important topics of discussion that you / the prospective buyer should have with their choice-of HVAC Professional(s), regardless of the immediate situation’s time-sensitivity, because it’s a decision that you / the buyer will have to live with for many years to come.
SO; when it’s time to replace a major component of your comfort system, like the AC & Coil, should you consider replacing the other major component(s), like the Furnace or Air Handler, at the same time? The answer is most likely YES; and here are but some of the main reasons to consider:
Matched system design: All outdoor cooling units are specifically designed to work with matched indoor units for optimum efficiency and performance. While most (but not all) Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps will "work" with other, older indoor air-movement units, the result is a definite compromise in overall system performance.
Design advances: In recent years, indoor blower / coil units 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, and by installing these “matched” components at the same time, you can be assured that you will get better value for your hard-earned investment dollars.
Higher cooling and heating efficiency:
The cooling and/or heating efficiency rating assigned to a given air conditioner or heat pump is based on matched system performance. While you may gain higher efficiency as compared to your current Air Conditioner or Heat Pump by replacing only the outdoor unit, the efficiency levels (and savings) will not be nearly as high as with a matched system.
Equipment age: If an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit is more than 10 years old and needs to be replaced, chances are that the indoor 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—you'll have years of reliable service from both units.
New warranty: A new unit also gives you a new product parts & labor warranty. Replacing the indoor unit at the same time as the outdoor unit gives you added peace of mind, knowing the new warranty covers the entire system.
Cost savings: At first, replacing only an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit may appear to be a bargain, as it is (on average) but half the investment required for a complete system. That is, until you consider the lower efficiency, decreased reliability and high cost of ownership associated with single-unit replacement. It may cost more to replace an entire system, but this gives you more efficiency, reliability and comfort.
Need even more reasons why you should replace that “Complete System” completely? Princeton Air’s Reps can easily provide you with them, so please don’t hesitate to contact us and speak with one of our Reps for yourself.
Stay Cool! Matt
