ktbradl
05-12-2012, 11:17 PM
Thank you in advance for your help!!
I have 2 systems in my home, one gas furnace and one heat pump. The heat pump (the compressor unit and the attic air handler) was added 5 1/2 years ago during a total remodel of the home and serves the added on Master bedroom and one other bedroom. It is a Payne 2-ton R22-based SEER13 system. The heat pump compressor just died. I have been told that our Payne system is very basic (we've only lived here 2 years so I didn't choose the system). Both systems have been serviced twice/year since we've lived here.
The cost to replace the compressor is essentially identical to the cost to replace the outdoor unit. My question is whether to A) replace the outdoor unit only (with a Trane XB13 R22-based heat pump matched to the current air handler), or B) replace the entire system (new outdoor Trane unit and attic air handler, 2-ton R410A-based Trane XR13 with a variable speed air handler [effective SEER=14, per the technician]). The cost difference between these choices is $ ($ vs $).
We plan to be in the house for at least 5-10 years. I would think that the current attic air handler should last a while, but then again wouldn't have expected the compressor to die this quickly. If I replace only the outdoor unit, I will be hoping my air handler works for many more years. Also, I am unclear of the ramifications of partially replacing an R22-based system. Is it time for us to move to the R410A?
Thank you. -Kyle
I have 2 systems in my home, one gas furnace and one heat pump. The heat pump (the compressor unit and the attic air handler) was added 5 1/2 years ago during a total remodel of the home and serves the added on Master bedroom and one other bedroom. It is a Payne 2-ton R22-based SEER13 system. The heat pump compressor just died. I have been told that our Payne system is very basic (we've only lived here 2 years so I didn't choose the system). Both systems have been serviced twice/year since we've lived here.
The cost to replace the compressor is essentially identical to the cost to replace the outdoor unit. My question is whether to A) replace the outdoor unit only (with a Trane XB13 R22-based heat pump matched to the current air handler), or B) replace the entire system (new outdoor Trane unit and attic air handler, 2-ton R410A-based Trane XR13 with a variable speed air handler [effective SEER=14, per the technician]). The cost difference between these choices is $ ($ vs $).
We plan to be in the house for at least 5-10 years. I would think that the current attic air handler should last a while, but then again wouldn't have expected the compressor to die this quickly. If I replace only the outdoor unit, I will be hoping my air handler works for many more years. Also, I am unclear of the ramifications of partially replacing an R22-based system. Is it time for us to move to the R410A?
Thank you. -Kyle