What Happens When You Mix And Match Your HVAC Units

Selecting the ideal HVAC system replacement is a difficult choice. In order to select the system that will meet your heating or cooling demands the most effectively, you must consider installation considerations, capacity, efficiency ratings, and many other aspects.

Limiting yourself to a single brand when making this choice may seem constraining. You could believe you have found the ideal furnace, but you may have heard that you should only purchase a brand that complements your existing AC system. Similarly, your furnace might work just fine, but you want a new air conditioner and aren’t constrained to selecting the same brand.

When multiple brands of equipment are employed, a situation known as a “mismatched system,” it often has minimal immediate effects provided that the coils, blower, and wiring are compatible and the right size. However, a mismatched system may result in slight performance losses that lower efficiency and may ultimately shorten the lifespan of your HVAC system.

The Importance Of A Matching System

The HVAC system in your home is like a linked twin. The compressor and condenser coils are the only components of your AC’s exterior unit. The remaining components of the system are located inside your home’s air handler unit. The evaporator is housed inside the air handler, and a blower that circulates air is connected to the air handler. Between the outdoor unit and the air handler, a refrigerant line is present.

When separating conjoined twins through surgery, it is similar to having a major internal organ removed if the interior and outer components of the AC are not connected properly. Without the other, one component cannot work properly. This fact indicates that in order to replace the outdoor unit, you will either need to connect to the outdated indoor unit or buy a new air handler and evaporator coil system.

Even more significantly, the furnace and the AC unit use the same air handler, which is typically attached as a component of the furnace. Both systems will struggle to operate if there are issues with the connection.

A qualified HVAC professional is aware of these potential issues and is equipped to handle them. If you are replacing the furnace, they can suggest an indoor unit that can properly connect with the outdoor AC or an outdoor unit that is compatible with the old system.

Why Mismatched Systems That Are Installed Correctly Can Still Have Problems

Long-term issues could still arise even if a skilled HVAC specialist connects the two systems. One reason is that an older or less efficient unit will reduce the system’s overall efficiency.

Imagine two dogs dragging a sled to understand why this would occur. Both become worn out, but only one is changed. The slower one will prevent the faster one from having an impact, slowing down the entire system.

Reduced lifespan might go hand in hand with decreasing efficiency. The efficiency and longevity of these systems are greatly impaired when they are improperly matched, which might lead to more breakdowns and a generally shorter service life.

Additionally, if you try to replace just one component of the system, like as the outside unit but not the evaporator coil, some manufacturers won’t fulfill your warranty.

Do I Need To Replace Both Systems With The Same Brand At The Same Time?

It is advised even if it is not required. The first is that your air handler and evaporator will probably deteriorate at the same rate as your outside unit, necessitating a replacement of both units at the same time. You might not need to replace the entire system with brands that are compatible if your new evaporator fits within the old air handler and your blower and furnace are otherwise in good working order.

On the other side, as was previously indicated, you might notice problems that get worse over time. In the end, the decision usually boils down to whether you want to spend more money over time on a system that is perfectly matched or less money initially on installation.

If you expect that your furnace will need to be replaced in three to five years, it is often less expensive to install the entire system at once and to choose matching brands that make installation easier and more efficient. Read this useful article to determine whether you need to replace your HVAC system.

If you believe you have few choices after considering this advice, don’t worry. Recognize that numerous manufacturers of HVAC systems use comparable components and even sell the same items under various brand names. For instance, Payne, Bryant, and Tempstar units are also produced by Carrier. Lennox, Armstrong, and Concord, as well as Trane and American Standard, are essentially same.

The best course of action is to ask a local HVAC contractor for advice on which parts should be replaced and which items, including the brand type, should be used in their place.