Installing a new indoor unit without replacing the outdoor unit (and vice versa) will result in premature failure and much lower efficiency. The indoor and outdoor units of your air conditioner must be designed to work together. Although it may be mandatory to replace only one air conditioner unit to save money, it is generally recommended to replace both units at the same time. Combining old and new units can cause imbalances in performance and efficiency.
In addition, older units may have different specifications and technologies than newer models, making it difficult to achieve optimal system performance. Nobody wants to spend more money than necessary on an air conditioning system. Therefore, when the indoor or outdoor unit of a split air conditioning system cannot be repaired, it may be tempting to replace only the faulty unit. However, there are 5 very good reasons why you should replace both at the same time.
If any of the units in your air conditioning system have reached the end of their lifespan, the system is likely to be at least 10 years old. Over that time, air conditioning systems on the market have improved considerably in terms of efficiency, noise reduction, and overall quality. By replacing only the broken unit, you won't get the benefits of these improvements. Outdoor units are designed and manufactured to work with compatible indoor units.
When they work together, they are more efficient during operation, ensuring the best possible system performance. Replacing the outdoor unit and keeping the old indoor unit can compromise the reliability of both, which can be costly in the future. This can be a good opportunity to consider replacing the entire system and switching to one with a higher level of comfort and greater efficiency. Most HVAC systems are installed in pairs, so your outdoor unit is likely to be as old as the indoor unit.
However, when you consider considerations such as reduced efficiency and performance, repair and maintenance complications, and the potential impact on the manufacturer's warranty, you'll find that replacing the entire split air conditioning system is the most cost-effective way to do so. Honestly, cooling will work more efficiently if you're going to replace a unit that's 10 years old or older. By replacing both units simultaneously, you ensure that the new units are compatible and optimized for efficient operation. The best HVAC companies can attest to the fact that, over the past 20 years, we've seen manufacturers produce better indoor and outdoor residential HVAC units.
If you have a system that's more than 10 years old and your condenser or compressor isn't working outside, you'll face an expensive replacement. Suppose you have a system that is only 4 or 5 years old and the outdoor unit is damaged, you can replace it with another of the same type. By replacing both indoor and outdoor units of your climate system simultaneously, you ensure efficient operation of your entire system which will help keep your home and family comfortable and healthy. In addition, if an older unit fails in the near future, you will incur additional expenses to replace it separately.
