Heat Pump + Air Handler - Both Needed? - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums

Original message

DJG500

68.100.31.229

"Heat Pump + Air Handler - Both Needed?" , posted Fri 18 Jun 18:42

We have a circa 1977 GE 3-ton air handler and a 1994 or 1995 Trane XE1000 heat pump. The air handler has a leak in the evaporator coil and so we are looking at replacing the air handler. We've already had some estimates from local companies (Northern Virginia area). At least one has made a strong recommendation for getting a new heat pump to match the air handler. The heat pump appears to be working OK (recent service saw no problems in it) and I would think that it shouldn't need to be replaced after not-quite 10 years. I recognize that a matched heat pump/air handler system would be more efficient, but does that make it worth buying both now, especially as that would cost at least twice as much as the air handler alone?

Would appreciate hearing about the pros and cons of replacing the air handler alone vs. buying a new heat pump as well.

BTW - our estimates have included replacement units by Armstrong and Carrier as well as by Trane.

Thanks

Replies:

Xenos
Webmaster

67.71.21.67

"Re(1):Heat Pump + Air Handler - Both Needed?" , posted Fri 18 Jun 19:42

If you were replacing the heat pump, you should also replace the indoor coil since the new heat pumps are far more efficient than the old ones, if you used a new heat pump with an old coil some efficiency would be lost. Now since your heat pump is technically less efficient than one manufactured today the installation of a new indoor coil may and will actually increase it’s efficiency.

Xenos.

The best way to escape a problem is to solve it.

djg500

68.100.31.229

"Re(2):Heat Pump + Air Handler - Both Needed?" , posted Sat 19 Jun 21:48

Thanks for your response. Not sure I understand for this situation. We will get a new air handler; question is do we also "need" to get a new heat pump unit now when our current one is only 9 - 10 years old? It would add $2500 - $3000 to the cost; shouldn't I expect a heat pump to last considerably longer than 10 years? Shouldn't I expect it to work fine with a new air handler? Or is it really worthwhile to spend that money now for a "matched" system and one that may be more efficent (from 10 SEER to 12 or 13 SEER)?

Thanks again for any advice.

Xenos
Webmaster

69.156.1.81

"Re(3):Heat Pump + Air Handler - Both Needed?" , posted Sat 19 Jun 21:56

NO.

Xenos.

The best way to escape a problem is to solve it.

DJG500

68.100.31.229

"Heat Pump + Air Handler - Both Needed?" , posted Sun 20 Jun 19:27

OK Thanks - that's helpful.
Followup questions:

How much longer can I reasonably expect the 9-10 year old heat pump to last? Generally, what is the useful life of a heat pump these days?

thanks again

Xenos
Webmaster

64.230.160.88

"Re(1):Heat Pump + Air Handler - Both Needed?" , posted Sun 20 Jun 19:29

ASHREA, rates it at 15 years.

Xenos.

The best way to escape a problem is to solve it.