Furnace Replacement: Should You Replace Your Furnace and AC at the Same Time?
Is your furnace or AC currently on the fritz, and now you’re wondering, “Should I replace my furnace and AC at the same time?” The answer is likely yes. Your furnace and AC work together to keep your home temperature and humidity controlled. Because of this, their compatibility does matter—meaning, double replacement may provide you with better long-term savings. Learn why, and how this option might be the right fit for your home.
How Does a Furnace Work with AC?
Although your furnace and AC are separate units with the opposite purpose of heating versus cooling, they do share the commonality of controlling the temperature and humidity in your home. And even more specifically, they both distribute that controlled air.
Because of this, they often share these parts:
- Air blower
- Ventilation system
- Thermostat
Reasons to Replace the Furnace with AC
A brand-new furnace alone will significantly improve your home heating efficiency. But a brand-new furnace and AC guarantees that your overall home temperature and energy use are much more consistent. Some key reasons to replace them together include:
Upgraded Energy Efficiency
An upgraded furnace or AC means that the technology, and specifically the energy efficiency of these models, is much improved from older systems. If there’s a significant gap between the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of your furnace and AC, it could stress both systems. The result would be your newer system not meeting its energy efficiency capacity, and your older system being overworked to keep up.
Compatibility
The more compatible your furnace and AC are, the more likely they are to operate safely and efficiently. Many brands design compatible furnace and AC units with the purpose of them being installed together as one HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system. This includes compatible features, technology, parts, and overall operation.
Most importantly, incompatible systems may even result in premature wear on the new system that you just invested in.
Overall Cost Savings
When you replace both units at the same time, you’re guaranteed to save on labor costs. But even more importantly, the reduced costs of energy use and bump in energy efficiency will provide you with better cost savings long term. It’s also less likely that more compatible units will need as many repairs as incompatible ones.
Newer models of air conditioning systems and heaters can be 15% to 20% more efficient than older models, which can lead to significant savings.
Do You Need to Replace Your Furnace with AC?
Replacing your furnace and AC together isn’t always necessary. It depends on your current systems and your home’s heating and cooling needs. Some considerations for not replacing them together include:
System Age
Most furnaces will last you between 15–20 years, and most AC systems will last between 10–15. If you need to replace one but the other still hasn’t neared its life expectancy, it’s likely not worth the replacement cost. Especially if you’ve already replaced that unit within the past five years.
Other HVAC Options
In some cases, upgrading to an entirely new heating or cooling system may be the best option for your needs and potential long-term return on investment. For example, switching to an electric furnace instead of oil or gas can reduce energy costs. Or, replacing both your furnace or AC with a mini-split system or an air source heat pump may provide you with better heating and cooling control.
Furnace and AC Replacement Cost
The price of furnace and AC replacement can vary greatly depending on the unit type, size, efficiency, brand, labor, and any additional installation needs. In general, homes smaller than 2,000 square feet may range from $70 to $150 per month for a fixed rate payment. Larger homes, multiple-family homes, or homes with multiple stories can range from $125 to $450 per month or more.
Quality home services companies (like Precision Heating & Air) offer financing programs to help homeowners install their new systems in a way that works with their budget. Usually, the system is installed with $0 due, with the first payment due 30 days after installation.
Furnace and AC Replacement in Travis County, TX
As an important home investment, your heating and cooling systems should be as compatible and efficient as possible. When it comes time to replace one or the other, you should consider the overall benefits that replacing both can offer. However, there are many options to consider when doing so. This is why our HVAC professionals at Precision Heating & Air® are here to help! Request service online, or call us at (512) 379-6385 for expert advice and service.