Replacing your air conditioning unit and your furnace at the same time might be expensive, but it can save money in the long run.
If you are planning to replace your air conditioner, you may want to seriously consider replacing the furnace too, and plan accordingly, as there are plenty of practical reasons to do it.
Replacing Your Furnace at the Same Time as the Air Conditioning Unit
The main indicator you should use when deciding if you’ll replace the furnace or not is its age. The average lifespan of furnaces is often two times longer than the life of an air conditioning unit, so you might be tempted to postpone replacing the furnace if it’s not too old.
However, if you do replace your air conditioner, the best decision is to go with a furnace that contributes to the efficiency of the whole HVAC system.
What Exactly Does Each Component Do?
The furnace is what provides heat to your home. It communicates directly with the AC unit, which distributes the heated air through your home and cools it down during the hot season. It can work on gas, electricity or other types of fuel, but the distribution system is generally the same for all models, relying on the fan for airflow.
The air conditioner can be split or a packaged system. A split air conditioner has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit contains the compressor and the condenser coil, while the indoor unit ensures the airflow and it also distributes warm air from the furnace. In a packaged air conditioning system, there is no outdoor unit and all components are in the same place.
When to Replace Your Furnace and When to Keep It
In most cases, it’s a good idea to replace the furnace at the same time as the air conditioner.
The most common reasons are:
- The new air conditioning unit has increased efficiency, with SEER over 16. If your furnace is old (15 years old or more), it won’t contribute to the efficiency of the HVAC system, making the AC unit an impractical expense.
- The furnace is approaching the end of its lifespan and will need replacement soon.
- In terms of maintenance and repair, installing a new furnace is easier than keeping it.
When It’s Not Necessary to Replace the Furnace
If your furnace is less than 10 years old, it can often last until the next time you will need to replace the air conditioning unit. Usually, that happens in 10-15 years, and a furnace may last for 25 to 30 years.
In conclusion, replacing your furnace at the same time as the air conditioning system is often a better option, because you will get the most out of a matched pair. Speak to our HVAC experts today and see if that is the best option for you. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 471-7625!
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