Replacing an outdated heat pump is a major investment in your home and comfort. That’s why some homeowners try to save money by not replacing the heat pump’s indoor air handler. While technically possible, this doesn’t usually work as well. Even if the new heat pump is compatible with the old air handler, your system’s performance and efficiency will likely suffer.

An air conditioner also has an indoor air handler, but you’ll need a new air handler if you’re switching from central AC to a heat pump because of the reversal of refrigerant flow.

In this blog post, the HVAC experts at United Air Temp discuss the purpose of a heat pump’s air handler and factors to consider when choosing whether to replace it alongside the heat pump.

How Indoor Air Handlers & Outdoor Units Work Together

Indoor air handlers are critical components of HVAC systems and typically include a filter, fan, and coil. The filter removes particles and pathogens from the air before they enter the home, and the fan circulates the air to provide homeowners with precise temperature control.  

The coils in the indoor air handlers and outdoor units can perform two functions, which allow them to heat and cool your home:

• In cooling mode, the indoor unit’s coil is the evaporator, and the outdoor unit’s coil is the condenser.
• In heating mode, the indoor coil is the condenser, and the outdoor unit is the evaporator.

The outdoor unit also has a fan that blows air over the coils to facilitate the heat exchange.

Ducted vs. Mini-Split Heat Pumps

Replacing your heat pump without your air handler may not be an option for all heat pump owners. While a central heat pump that uses ductwork can work with an older air handler, a ductless mini-split heat pump won’t. This is usually because the newer software and technology aren’t compatible.

Factors To Consider When Replacing Your Heat Pump

Homeowners who choose to replace their heat pump without replacing the air handler should consider a few factors to prevent issues with performance, efficiency, and reliability:

Brand

If you replace your heat pump without replacing the air handler, you’ll still want to purchase from the same brand.

You can coordinate the systems’ technology, simplify your future maintenance and repair needs, and ensure that your warranty coverage isn’t voided. 

System Size

Homeowners should choose a heat pump with a system size compatible with their air handler, as mismatched system sizes lead to a wide range of issues.

This results in reduced efficiency and can cause unnecessary wear and tear that could put extra strain on the system. Failing to align your system sizes will ultimately reduce system performance and home comfort.

Refrigerant

For your new heat pump to be compatible with the old air handler, you need to make sure they’re both using the same refrigerant. If they aren’t the same, the system won’t work.

This is especially important for homeowners with older systems that use A1 refrigerants like R-22, as newly manufactured systems are now required to use A2L refrigerants. That means heat pumps manufactured after Jan. 1, 2025, will be compatible with air handlers installed before 2025.

Energy Efficiency

When replacing your heat pump, you’ll want to confirm that the efficiency rating of your new equipment matches that of your new unit. Otherwise, your less-efficient older system will prevent your new heat pump from performing at maximum capacity.

The best way to avoid these issues is to select a unit that matches your air handler’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF).

SEER measures the efficiency of a cooling system, with a higher rating indicating greater efficiency. HSPF is similarly used to measure heating efficiency for heat pumps.

Tax Credits & Rebates

Florida homeowners who install new heat pumps or ductless mini-splits can receive HVAC tax credits and rebates, which can help significantly offset the cost of a new, more efficient system.

Federal tax credits award up to $2,000 or 30% of the cost of a 16 SEER or higher unit. Local utility providers also offer rebates ranging from $45 to $1,150, depending on the system and efficiency rating.

While homeowners may think replacing their heat pump and not their air handler is a strategic way to save money, it makes them ineligible for these rebates and may even end up costing more.

Choose United Air Temp for Heat Pump Replacement in Orlando, FL

If you’re ready to replace your heat pump, call United Air Temp. Our highly trained technicians offer quality work and a satisfaction guarantee for all our HVAC services, including heat pump replacements.

We prioritize customer relationships and are always willing to go the extra mile. Plus, with our free estimates and upfront pricing, it’s no wonder we’ve been a leader in home comfort since 1931.

Schedule a heat pump replacement for your Orlando home today by contacting the team at United Air Temp.