Should your furnace and AC be replaced at the same time?

We all want our homes to be safe and comfortable, and if your HVAC system isn’t working, you’ve got a problem. If you’re in a situation where either your A/C or heater has died, you need to consider whether it would be a good idea to replace both systems at the same time.

Obviously, replacing both units may cost more than just replacing one, but there are many factors to consider before making a decision.

Why You Should Replace Both Your Air Conditioner and Furnace at the Same Time

Technology Changes

The technology that drives heating and air conditioning systems is constantly evolving and improving. Sometimes, the old and new technologies don’t work well together. If you’re going to be purchasing a new A/C unit for example, the differences in the technology may cause it to operate at less than its optimum efficiency.

Age of the Systems

The average lifespan of an A/C unit is 10-15 years, while the average lifespan for a furnace is 20-30 years. If you’re replacing the A/C system and the furnace is more than 15 years old, your best bet is to replace both at the same time.

Cost Savings

On paper, it may not seem like a good idea to replace more than one expensive appliance at the same time. After all, one at a time must be cheaper, right? The answer is yes, but there are several areas of cost savings that may make it less painful.

First, there are usually rebates available from the manufacturers of the various components. These rebates can significantly reduce the cost of the additional unit.

Next, your gas or electric company may offer cash incentives for homeowners who replace their old equipment with newer more energy efficient units. Speaking of your electric or gas companies, because you’re replacing the components with higher efficiency models, you’ll be saving on your monthly power bills.

Purchasing both the A/C and heating systems at the same time can allow your contractor to install both components faster, requiring fewer parts and at a lower labor cost. You won’t be paying for two jobs, one for each system, and there may also be savings in obtaining the required permits for the job.

Your new A/C or heating system will come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If you replace both systems at the same time, your warranties will match up, and you can save money on any service plans you may need to supplement the warranties. Manufacturers are not always required to honor warranties of new systems that are combined with older systems if they break down during the warranty period. Replacing both systems at the same time will guarantee that you have the best warranty protection if something goes wrong. When you get new systems at the same time, you will also cut down on the number of repair calls you’ll need to make for the next few years.

Added Value

A full replacement of your heating and air conditioning system will increase the value of your home. If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, this will make the home more attractive to any prospective buyer.

Life Events

From time to time, you need to consider your life situation both now and in the future, especially as you near retirement age. When people leave the workforce, they usually find themselves in a situation where they have less disposable income. After retirement, you won’t be receiving job promotions, periodic raises, or bonus payments.

Once you’ve reached your 60th birthday, you should consider replacing both your furnace and air conditioning systems at the same time when one of them breaks down. When people leave the workforce, they usually find themselves in a situation where they have less disposable income. After retirement, you won’t be receiving job promotions, periodic raises, or bonus payments. Relying on Social Security payments, pensions, and retirement plans may make it difficult to handle major home improvement expenses in the future. Since a well maintained heating and air conditioning unit can last up to three decades, there will be one less financial strain that could hit you down the road.

When Not to Replace Your Furnace and Air Conditioner at the Same Time

The lifespan of a good furnace is longer than that of the average air conditioning system. If your furnace is relatively new, it may be a good idea to only replace the air conditioning component of your split system. If your furnace is less than 10 years old, you may be better off waiting until your next air conditioning replacement to change them both.

Deciding whether or not to replace your entire HVAC system can be challenging. In making such an important choice, it’s always advisable to seek out the advice of an expert in the field. An experienced HVAC technician can inspect your entire system and make the best recommendation for your particular situation. Basing your decision on expert advice will give you the peace of mind in knowing you’re doing the best thing for your home and family.

If you ready to make that move, you can count on the experience and expertise of Allen Services. We have been a trusted name in plumbing and HVAC service, repairs and installations in the Fort Collins area for over 60 years, and we’ve built a reputation for quality work, affordable prices, and customer service that’s second to none. We can ensure that your home’s heating and cooling systems are resolved without breaking the budget. Our team of technicians is fully licensed, certified, and insured for your peace of mind, and we’ll give you a clear and accurate estimate of the work that needs to be done.

For additional information about the services we offer, or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or reach out to us at 970-484-4841.