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Last Revised: 11/22/2024
When your air conditioner stops working, your first thought is probably, “How can I fix this without spending a fortune?” It’s a fair question – especially if only one component, like the outdoor unit, seems to be the problem.
Why replace more than you have to, right?
On the surface, replacing just the outdoor unit seems like an easy way to save money. But there’s more to it than that.
We at Mattioni have helped advise homeowners throughout their unique AC replacement process, so we know that this can be a big question. However, swapping in a new major component (like the outdoor unit) without thinking about the whole system can lead to inefficiency, higher costs, and headaches down the road.
In the article, we’ll break down all aspects of replacing just the outdoor unit as a financial strategy and compare it to replacing your full AC system. After reading this, you’ll know when this strategy works and when it doesn’t.
First, it’s essential to understand how your indoor and outdoor units work together to cool your home
The Basics of How Inside and Outside AC Units Function Together
Your air conditioning system consists of two primary components: one unit inside your home and one unit outside of it. The indoor unit’s primary equipment is the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat from your home. The indoor unit may also contain an air handler to help facilitate airflow across the evaporator coil if your home doesn’t have a furnace (otherwise it borrows your furnace’s blower motor).
The heat that’s picked up at your inside unit is then transferred via refrigerant lines to the outdoor unit (pictured above), which houses the compressor and condenser coil. Here, the heat is expelled outdoors. This cycle continues to draw heat from your home, bringing the temperature down to your thermostat’s setting.
The indoor and outdoor units are designed to operate together, with specific efficiency levels and refrigerant capacities, potentially making compatibility a concern for anyone looking to replace just the outside unit.
Can I Replace Just My Outside AC Unit?
Yes, you can replace just your outdoor unit so long as the new unit is made by the same manufacturer and has the same tonnage as the original – however, for many homeowners it’s not highly recommended.
Even if the new outdoor unit is the same make and model as the indoor unit, vital aspects of your cooling system (like efficiency, warranty coverage, and system longevity) can be compromised.
This begs the question, why do a partial replacement (instead of a full AC replacement) at all?
Why Replace Just Your Condenser Unit?
The main, if not the only, reason that homeowners consider replacing just the condensing unit is to save money. If the outdoor unit is visibly damaged or malfunctioning while the indoor unit seems fine, it seems logical to address only the obvious issue.
Yet, for many homeowners, the savings you’ll experience from replacing just your outdoor unit typically won’t be worth the expected problems of a partial replacement. The outdoor unit itself can cost around $6,000 – $8,000.
Paying the least amount of money to restore your home’s comfort is a rational thought process, however, the benefits of this approach often don’t outweigh the hidden issues down the road.
4 Expected Problems When Replacing Just the Outdoor Unit
While replacing the outdoor unit alone might seem like a savvy maneuver to regain your home’s comfort without the investment size of a new system, it can create several issues:
1. Increased Rate of Efficiency Losses & Wear and Tear
When a new outdoor condensing unit is matched with an indoor evaporator coil that’s been operating for several years, the new unit will run into more rapidly decaying efficiency levels.
While you might experience a quick improvement in efficiency right after installing the new condensing unit, this will subside as the older evaporator coil struggles to keep up. As time passes, the new condensing unit will become less energy efficient faster than if it were installed as part of a whole new system.
The mismatch in the condition of each unit can also cause the compressor to work harder, increasing the wear and tear on both units and further driving up your energy bills.
2. Offset Unit Replacements Going Forward
In most cases, if one unit fails, the other isn’t far behind. Both the indoor and outdoor components will age cohesively, so the time between major system issues in both components typically isn’t more than a few years.
That means that if you choose to replace just the outdoor unit, then you’ll almost certainly be in the same position in the next 3-5 years when the indoor unit fails. Oftentimes, replacing just your outdoor unit can start a domino effect of replacing half of the system about once every 5 years.
When that happens, your installation expenses can rack up, efficiency levels will always be sub-par, plus you’ll never experience the comfort level of a new full AC system.
3. Warranties May Be Subject to Void
Most, if not all, HVAC manufacturers require that the indoor and outdoor units be replaced together to maintain warranty coverage.
Remember that mismatched units are more prone to wear and tear, which can lead to more frequent repairs. Manufacturers are aware of this and protect themselves from extra costs by stipulating that partial system replacements will void any warranties. This could potentially leave you financially vulnerable if something goes wrong.
To retain existing, or gain new warranties, replacing your entire system is typically the only option.
4. Limited Financial Advantages
The primary advantage of replacing just your outside unit is minimizing your short-term costs. However, replacing the outdoor unit will typically fall in the $6,000 – $8,000 range, which is over half the cost of most full air conditioning systems.
So, while it’s true that you’ll see some short-term savings, it may not outweigh the benefits of replacing your whole system instead.
When you factor in all the issues you can anticipate when you opt to replace just your outside condensing unit, the financial gains become relatively minor.
When Does Replacing Just the Outside Unit Make Sense?
There are two specific situation where replacing only the outdoor unit is the practical solution:
1. A Manufacturer Defect on a New System
If you installed a new AC system within the last year and the condenser fails due to a defect covered by the warranty, the outdoor unit can be replaced at no cost to you. This scenario assumes the replacement unit will be identical to the original and fully compatible with the indoor unit.
Any possible issues with efficiency or wear and tear should be negligible as long as the whole system is still under a year old.
2. You Have Set Plans to Move Soon
Opting to replace just your indoor evaporator unit usually makes the most sense if you’ll be moving within a year. While having a new full AC system is a good selling point on the housing market, it rarely increases the value of your home.
Replacing just the indoor unit is a good way to minimize costs if you won’t be around to enjoy the benefits of a full system.
What Does a Full System Replacement Have to Offer?
In addition to considering the drawbacks to replacing just the outdoor unit, it could also be wise to weigh the benefits of a new system.
Upgrading the entire AC system (both the indoor and outdoor units) is a greater investment, however, it offers the following benefits:
- Peak energy efficiency and minimized utility bills
- Reliability that you won’t run into repair costs or a system breakdown for years to come
- Reset warranty coverages on the new system
- Optimal cooling performance and enhanced comfort during peak weather conditions
If the affordability of a full AC system replacement is one of your chief concerns, be sure to explore all financing options available to you before making a final decision. A new air conditioning system may be more financially accessible than you think.
Making the Right Call for Your Home
By this point, you should have a good understanding that while replacing just the outdoor AC unit is possible and the lower short-term cost of doing so is attractive, it’s rarely the best option.
The HVAC professionals at Mattioni have been helping deliver quality, reliable cooling systems to homeowners for 3 generations. So, we know that immediate cost savings can be very appealing. However, a partial replacement of your AC system may only save you in the realm of $3,000 – $5,000, while leading to hastened efficiency losses, higher utility bills, and future warranty headaches.
Moreover, your future AC replacements will continue to be offset, and you’ll miss out on the advantages of a brand-new cooling system.
Opting for a full replacement, on the other hand, will provide your household with superior energy efficiency, optimal cooling performance, and a reset on your warranties. Because of these long-term performance and savings benefits, a full system replacement is often the smarter investment.
If you’re still not sure which option is best for your situation, it’s always a good idea to consult with a trusted HVAC professional. They will be able to assess your system, explain your options, and help you make the right decision to keep your home cool and comfortable for years to come.
The friendly staff at Mattioni can be reached at (610) 400-8510 to answer any remaining questions. Or, you can book a free in-home consultation directly online.
