Should I Replace My Furnace and AC at the Same Time?

Your furnace and air conditioning units are integral to keeping your home comfortable. With both units built to last, most modern furnaces and air conditioners last up to 15 years with regular maintenance. Although they’re different pieces of machinery made to do opposing processes, they’re much more connected than you may think.

When it’s time to replace either unit, most homeowners don’t think to replace them at the same time. But should you? That’s what we’ll discuss here! Read on to learn if you should replace your furnace and air conditioner at the same time, the situations that would make it necessary, and the pros and cons of doing so.

When Should You Replace Both Your Furnace & AC?

Since both units are made to last, it’s not common that you’ll need to replace them simultaneously. However, there are situations where doing so is the most beneficial solution for keeping your home comfortable, making your overall HVAC system more energy-efficient, and saving on your monthly utility bills.

Some of these instances include:

You Don’t Have the Right Sized HVAC Equipment

Perhaps you’ve renovated your living space but decided to keep the same furnace and AC units. Even if there’s nothing wrong with your units, you’ll want to be sure they can still adequately heat and cool any new accommodations.

Not having the correct sized equipment forces your HVAC system to work harder to heat and cool your home, wasting more energy, shortening its life span, and causing frequent issues. This makes replacing both units not only optimal but also necessary for maximum comfort.

Both Units Are Over 10 Years Old

After 10 or so years, you’ll notice your furnace and AC aren’t as energy-efficient as when you first bought them. One may even need frequent repairs and cost you more than it’s worth. As a result, you may consider only replacing the one needing repairs and keeping the functioning unit.

From a glance, this makes sense because why would you toss out a perfectly good HVAC unit just because one of them isn’t working anymore? When it comes to optimal performance, your furnace and AC work together to make your home comfortable.

If you bought a new unit, the old one would inevitably affect the efficiency of your newer model. This could be due to excessive dust, humidity, or even mold accumulation in your home’s ventilation system caused by the older unit. If your furnace and AC are both over 10 years old, regardless of function, it’s best to replace both if and when you choose to replace one.

You Want Improved Indoor Air Quality

Another reason to replace your furnace and AC simultaneously is if you want better indoor air quality. Two new systems are guaranteed to keep your home’s indoor air cleaner.

An old furnace or AC can lead to excessive dust and moisture buildup, resulting in clogged filters and ducts. This pollutes your indoor air with harmful airborne pathogens that can cause chronic health issues over time. It’s best to replace your furnace and AC at the same time to keep your home’s indoor air clear of harmful contaminants.

Pros & Cons of Replacing Your Furnace and AC at the Same Time

We’ve discussed the situations that would call for replacing both your units and the benefits of doing so. But as beneficial as this may be, other important factors must be considered. One of those factors is the cost.

On average, a new furnace can cost between $2,000 and $5,000, while a new AC can cost around $1,000+, making replacing both simultaneously a challenging feat with a pretty hefty price tag.

You’ll also need to know the proper size each unit needs to be to get the most out of your complete HVAC system. Even with research, it’s easy to accidentally get the wrong equipment if you’re unsure what to look for in terms of SEER rating, capacity, and type, which can be overwhelming for many homeowners.

Furnace & AC Alternatives

Thankfully, with the many technological advancements over the years, you have more options to replace your HVAC system through an easy, stress-free process.

Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air can provide an all-in-one HVAC system that heats and cools your home, including our heat pumps and packaged unit services, so you don’t have to worry about two separate units ever again.

While they may have higher upfront costs, these alternatives let you enjoy the benefits of a furnace and air conditioner as a complete unit, helping you save money and time on repair and maintenance services. They’re also more energy-efficient than using two separate units, lowering your monthly utility bills.

Choose What’s Right for You

Simultaneously replacing your furnace and AC is an investment that can save you money in the long run. You’ll be optimizing your home’s comfort and seeing improved performance from your heating and cooling system as a whole. And because it’s a big decision, our experts are here to help.

We’d be more than happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have about what this replacement means for your home.

Contact Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air, and we’ll help you make the best decision for you and your home.