Benefits of Replacing Your Furnace at the Same Time as the Air Conditioning Unit

Deciding whether to replace your air conditioner and furnace at the same time is never easy. Factors like unit age, fuel source, and energy efficiency should all be considered before choosing a joint furnace and AC replacement.

And although replacing both units at once may cost more upfront, it could save you money over the long haul. Following these tips from the HVAC experts will help ensure that it’s the right decision for you.

Age is the main determining factor when deciding to replace either unit, while the average lifespan of a furnace is typically twice that of a central air conditioner. However, replacing the AC and heater at once should improve the efficiency of your entire HVAC system, resulting in lower monthly energy bills and a more comfortable home environment.

What Exactly Does Each Component Do?

To heat your home, the furnace “tells” the AC unit to distribute the heated air it produces, or cooled air during the summer. Although the HVAC system may run on either gas, electricity, or another fuel, the distribution system is typically the same for all models, with a fan providing the airflow.

Air conditioners come with either a split or packaged system. A split system has both an indoor and outdoor unit, with the condenser coil and compressor contained in the outdoor unit. The AC’s indoor unit controls airflow and distributes the furnace’s heated air. A packaged air conditioning system only has an indoor unit.

When to Replace Your Furnace and When to Keep It

A joint furnace and AC replacement makes fiscal sense when your old furnace is:

• Approaching the end of its lifespan.
• More than 15 years old, which lowers the HVAC system’s efficiency when paired with a high-efficiency air conditioner.
• Going to need repairs and maintenance that justify the cost of a new installation.
• Wrong for your home’s size, location, or heating needs.

When It’s Not Necessary to Replace the Furnace

The lifespan of a furnace is usually 25 to 30 years, while your AC unit may last half that long. If your furnace is under ten years old, it should hold up until it’s time to replace the air conditioner.

When Does a New Furnace and AC Add Value to Your Home?

When your goal is to improve energy efficiency and comfort, pairing a new central air conditioning unit with a SEER rating above 16 with a high-efficiency furnace is a marriage made in heaven— one that adds value to your home.

When is the Best Time to Buy a Furnace and Air Conditioner?

Most people don’t run their HVAC system as often during spring and fall. As a result, HVAC companies are not as busy doing repairs or selling new units. Being overstocked with unsold units tends to motivate them to sell.

Suppliers and manufacturers also lower the price of units to clear older stock before new models arrive for the next season. That lower price is passed down to the contractor, who can then pass the savings along to customers as a seasonal special.

When a faulty HVAC system is affecting your comfort, call the residential and commercial indoor air experts at Northern Climate Control— where we’ve been making homes and businesses more comfortable since 2003. As a locally owned and operated HVAC company in Littleton, we proudly serve customers in the entire Denver Metro Area. Contact us for a free estimate today!