Air conditioners and heat pumps are specifically designed to function best with certain indoor pieces of equipment. If you replace only one part of the system, you won’t benefit from the changes in technology that increase efficiencies, prolong the life of the equipment, and make you more comfortable. Another consideration to be made is the refrigerant in your current system. The type used in most heat pumps and air conditioners today, R-22, is being phased out and replaced by a new, more environmentally friendly refrigerant, R-410a.
Replacing just your outdoor unit will require you go back with one that operates with R-22. Should your indoor unit need replacing within a few years, you’ll face the same problem. Even if R-22 equipment is still available at that time you’ll be stuck with an outdated system that will cost you significantly more to maintain than a new R-410a system. To learn more about these important changes and how they will affect you, click here.