Should I Replace My Furnace and Air Conditioning at the Same Time?

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As winter approaches, many people are faced with an important decision – should I replace my furnace and air conditioning at the same time? With today’s high energy prices, it may seem logical to install both a new furnace and a new AC system for your home.

Should I Replace My Furnace And Air Conditioning at The Same Time

However, there are a few factors to consider before deciding whether or not it is a good idea.

It’s important to first consider the cost of installing both systems at once. As with most home improvement projects, you can expect to pay more for the installation of both units. This is because it will take twice as long (and cost twice as much) for your service provider to install two systems instead of just one.

In addition, if your current furnace and AC unit are reaching their peak ages, it may be wise to have them replaced sooner rather than later. This is another scenario in which two new systems would make more sense. Contact All American Plumbing, Heating And Air for an assessment of your HVAC systems.

Why Should You Replace Your Air Conditioner And Furnace at The Same Time?

Lower Energy Bill

When your air conditioner breaks down, you may think it’s necessary to replace both the heating and cooling units in your home. If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient home, you should do so. Replacing both the AC and furnace at the same time reduces your energy bill.

Replacing an old furnace with a new high-efficiency model can save up to 33% on your annual heating bill. Replacing just the air conditioner alone in a home that has an old heating system can be a waste of money.

Better Indoor Air Quality

In addition, having a new air conditioner and a furnace installed together will provide you with a cleaner environment. This is very important if you have an allergy sufferer in your home.

Comfort is Key

When it comes to your home, you want comfort and peace of mind. A new AC and furnace can provide that to you. Maybe you’ve been putting off replacing the old equipment because it works properly for now? Replacing both the AC and furnace at the same time gives you peace of mind.

Temperature Control

To maintain proper temperature in your home, experts recommend having both an AC and a Heating System that are similar in age. The older your AC system is, the more likely it is that you should replace it along with your furnace. The same goes for an older furnace. For this reason, it may be best to replace both your AC and heating unit at the same time.

Should You Replace Both Your Split AC Condenser Coil And Evaporator Coil at The Same Time?

A split air conditioner is made up of two main units:

  • The Outdoor Unit contains the condenser coil and compressor
  • The Indoor Unit contains the evaporator coil and air handler/blower

In general, you should always replace both air conditioning components in a split system at the same time.

If you replace only one of the two components and not the other, then your system will still produce less than optimal results. This is because new air conditioners are designed to combine both coils for maximum energy efficiency and performance.

Replacing only one component creates a problem which we call “Short Cycling” where the outdoor unit starts and stops too frequently. This results in the evaporator coil freezing up because it does not have sufficient time to remove moisture from the air. It also causes higher energy costs and shortens the life of your compressor since the outdoor unit runs more often.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner And Furnace at The Same Time 

If your furnace is broken or wearing out, it may be a good idea to replace both the heating and cooling units at the same time. However, if you have a newer furnace that is still in good condition, you may want to consider replacing the air conditioner component. 

Here are other reasons why you should replace your air conditioner and furnace at the same time;

  • Your furnace is more than 15 years old.
  • You face a difficult installation process.
  • You’re buying a high-efficiency air conditioner with a SEER above 16.
  • You don’t want to be free from HVAC repairs and replacements for a while.

When NOT to Replace Your Furnace And Air Conditioner at The Same Time 

If your furnace is relatively new, it may be a good idea to replace the air conditioner component of your split system. You can save money by just replacing the AC unit.

If your furnace is less than 10 years old and in good working condition, you may be better off waiting until your next AC replacement to change them both. This is because your furnace may last for 20-30 years, while your AC may last 10-15 years.

Contact Us if You’re Wondering if You Should Replace Your Furnace and Air Conditioning at The Same Time

If you are willing to replace your furnace and air conditioner at the same time, it’s important that you find a qualified service provider that can help you choose the right systems for your home.

Contact All American Plumbing, Heating And Air at (209) 710-5629 for more information about the cost of installing both new systems. Call to speak with one of our HVAC experts about other factors to consider when you’re thinking if you should replace your furnace and air conditioning at the same time.

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