Getting a new heat pump: get new air handler too?

[TonyXL]

My heat pump (outside condenser unit) is dying and needs replacement. Indoor air handler running fine. Both units are 10 year old Carriers. 2 questions:

1. Do I need to replace the indoor air handler unit at the same time? I know doing so would be best for efficiency, but ignoring that, is it OK to get just a new outdoor condenser unit?

2. Any thoughts on American Standard performance/reliability?

Thanks everyone!
-Tony

[gary_g]

Heat pumps need to have the condenser and air handler coil matched as an ARI-rated pair. ARI = American Refrigeration Institute. The system match will provide the rated btus and efficiencies (HSPF, SEER, EER).

Good luck.

[Daltex]

You can just swap out the outdoor unit. The cost vs. effeciency loss may make it worth getting both at the same time. How long do you plan on living there?

[Ricoch3T]

do you know the seer rating of your older unit?
Reason I ask,
I've seen some problems come out of units that had a 10seer indoor and tried to swap out to a 13 outdoor.

[dash]

There's more then effeciency to be lost.

Check this and then decide if the risk is worth it.

[Daltex]

Great post dash! The paper say's it alot. I was under the assumption you could install a TXV on the old coil. I stand corrected.

[adrianf]

http://www.vaccafl.org/consumerinfo/...hedSystems.pdf
This study is pretty damning.

[GreenDude]

If the contractor can show you a rated ARI match with the new outdoor unit and the existing air handler, and you are satisfied with the performance and efficiency, then you are good to go.

If there is no ARI match then you have a science experiment on your hands. It may work, it may not...