Can You Replace Just the Outside AC Unit?

HVAC programs have turn into indispensable. In spite of everything, an HVAC system retains air cool indoors when it is sizzling exterior, after which makes an area heat and comfy when the surface temperature drops.

If correctly cared for, an HVAC system ought to final 10 to fifteen years, in accordance with the US Division of Vitality. Nonetheless, many HVAC programs final effectively in extra of 15 years, particularly those who bear a six-monthly upkeep test. The most effective occasions to have an HVAC system checked are simply earlier than summer season and simply earlier than winter.

In some unspecified time in the future, an HVAC system will cease working correctly resulting from easy put on and tear. When this occurs you is perhaps questioning if you will get away with changing the out of doors unit because it looks like an reasonably priced plan of action. However is that doable? That’s the fundamental query that this text solutions.

Most HVAC technicians advise towards it. Quite a lot of issues can go unsuitable whenever you substitute an out of doors HVAC unit with out changing the indoor unit on the identical time. As well as, each gadgets should come from the identical producer. And if the models fail to attach correctly, a harmful scenario may result.

Are you able to simply substitute the exterior AC unit?

When your HVAC system is not working correctly – and it’s clear that the system can’t be repaired – then a alternative is required. As tempting as it might appear, changing simply the out of doors unit just isn’t a superb transfer, because the result’s a unit that’s each inefficient and costly. Moreover, Frankenstein HVAC programs usually fail, inflicting them extra bother than they’re value.

For an HVAC system to run effectively, the indoor and out of doors models should be seamlessly linked. If one unit has parts that the opposite cannot use – or if issues do not match proper – then the HVAC system cannot run effectively. For instance, each models will need to have the identical SEER score.

What’s a SEER evaluation?

The Seasonal Vitality Effectivity Ratio (SEER) basically signifies how efficient an HVAC system is when there’s a excessive demand for cooling or heating. In the USA, an HVAC system will need to have a SEER score of 13 or increased.

The indoor and out of doors models of an HVAC system every have a SEER score, however the SEER rankings must be the identical. So in the event you join an out of doors unit to an indoor unit – and the SEER values ​​do not match – you’ll be able to anticipate issues later.

Think about constructing a supercharged engine right into a automobile filled with 30-year-old parts. that is like connecting two models with totally different SEER rankings.

Does the indoor air conditioner should be the identical model because the out of doors unit?

Not solely do indoor and out of doors models should be of the identical model; The fashions should even be appropriate. You can’t substitute an out of doors unit with an incompatible mannequin, even when the alternative mannequin is similar model. The alternative mannequin will include numerous parts and any mismatch will end in the whole unit not working effectively.

If you happen to have been simply changing the out of doors unit, you’d join the alternative unit to an older, probably a lot older, indoor unit. On this case, the alternative out of doors unit must compensate for an outdated indoor unit that’s on its method out, and this might speed up the damage and tear of the brand new unit. And if the older indoor unit makes use of an outdated refrigerant, then the refrigerant mismatch is probably going, and this case will result in the air conditioner malfunctioning.

Refrigerant R-22 vs. Refrigerant R-410A

If you happen to’re nonetheless utilizing an HVAC system that was put in earlier than society grew to become far more environmentally aware, your system is probably going working on R-22 refrigerant, an agent that has been linked to depletion of the ozone layer.

Fashionable HVAC programs are not made with this hazardous refrigerant, largely as a result of the Environmental Safety Company (EPA) has banned it and now requires that R-410A refrigerant be used as a substitute. If the indoor unit in your house’s HVAC system is rated to function on the banned refrigerant — and also you substitute the out of doors unit with one that’s rated to function on the brand new refrigerant — the system won’t perform correctly and can ultimately fail.

How a lot does it price to only substitute the exterior AC unit?

On common, changing an out of doors unit prices between $3,500 and $4,000. The price contains the set up work. If you happen to additionally need to substitute the furnace along with changing the out of doors unit, anticipate to pay anyplace from $3,500 to $5,000. In brief, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay anyplace from $7,000 to $9,000 for a full HVAC system alternative.

Whereas changing simply the out of doors unit is cheaper than changing an entire unit up entrance, all of the disadvantages mentioned already communicate to why changing the whole system is a greater possibility. Why spend $4,000 on a brand new out of doors unit – which can fail quickly after – when you’ll be able to substitute the whole system and profit from the brand new system for 15 years or extra?

How lengthy does an exterior AC unit final?

It has already been stated that almost all HVAC programs final between 10 and 15 years and that some programs can final even longer if correctly maintained. This final level shall be addressed right here.

Servicing an out of doors unit begins with having the unit frequently inspected by knowledgeable HVAC technician. You could additionally be certain that the machine is within the designated location and isn’t obstructed by particles or different obstacles.

For instance, in case your out of doors unit is roofed with leaves, you can’t function it correctly. On this case, you will have to wash the fins, be certain that the unit is degree, clear the evaporator coil and drain, after which vacuum the residue. If you happen to take excellent care of your out of doors unit, you will not have to consider changing it except it and the indoor unit are each malfunctioning.

Can an indoor air conditioner be operated with out an out of doors unit?

The indoor unit of an HVAC system can solely function if a purposeful out of doors unit is linked to it. Nonetheless, you would get a standalone window-mounted air con system, however that may solely present cool air – not each cool and heat air like an HVAC system supplies.

In case your HVAC system did not have an out of doors unit, the nice and cozy air in your house would not be cooled earlier than it was launched. As well as, there could be no place the place this air may very well be launched. A possible end result could be a harmful exhaust buildup.

Can I substitute an exterior AC unit myself?

Except you’re a certified, skilled, and trusted HVAC technician who has all the required instruments to put in an out of doors unit, you shouldn’t try this alone. Too many issues can go unsuitable when an inexperienced particular person is accountable for the set up. For that reason, in the event you ever want an HVAC restore, upkeep, or alternative, your greatest wager is to name a trusted HVAC technician.

associated questions

What are the indicators that an exterior AC unit just isn’t working correctly?

If you happen to observed an odd noise emanating from the HVAC system – and it began shortly after changing the out of doors unit with out changing the indoor unit – then this unusual noise is more than likely because of the mismatch of the models.

One other frequent clue is that the system is not circulating air correctly. For instance, if you’d like the home to be cool and as a substitute need it to remain heat, that is more than likely because of the air not with the ability to correctly escape by the out of doors unit, once more resulting from a unit mismatch.

What issues are frequent with out of doors air conditioners?

An outside unit might be affected by particles, animals, individuals, climate, high and low temperatures, and a wide range of different components. When putting in a brand new HVAC system, be sure to get an out of doors unit that’s constructed to final, as these models should endure rather a lot over their years of use.

Matthew Berg

Matt loves all the things DIY. He has studied and practiced numerous trades since he was a toddler and is commonly the primary particular person to name when a buddy or member of the family wants assist again residence. Matt loves working with wooden and stone, and landscaping is by far his favourite exercise.

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