Do I Really Need to Replace my Furnace and Air Conditioner at the Same Time?

Over the next few months in Northeast Ohio, the weather will likely jump back and forth between frigid winter temperatures and sunny, spring-like conditions. While you’re switching between a parka and a light jacket, your home may alternate between heating and cooling modes. If one system is in need of repair, you may find yourself grappling with the decision of whether or not to replace both at once. Of course, doubling up on new comfort equipment is a major purchase, and one that would leave most homeowners asking… do I really need to?

There is no simple, cut-and-dried answer. However, here are our top reasons why replacing your furnace and A/C together is a smart move:

1. Get the Highest Efficiency Ratings

Energy-efficient technology has made major strides in the last 10 – 15 years, and recommendations for your HVAC equipment have likely changed since your last purchase. Furnaces are rated according to the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) measure, and an AFUE rating of 90 or higher is ideal for new equipment. Air conditioners are scored by a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), and you should look for equipment with a SEER score of 13 or higher. The more efficient the equipment, the lower the energy costs.

2. Benefit From a Matched System

Your furnace and A/C share the same blower, making them essentially two parts of one larger system – your HVAC system. This is why having a matched system helps optimize the performance of each. When you run an older unit alongside a brand new one, it can not only negatively impact efficiency, but it can also place undue stress on the new unit and lead to inconsistent performance and premature breakdowns.

3. Ensure You Get Your Warranty

Manufacturers know the value of a matched system… so much so that many will not offer a full warranty if you’re not running a matched system. For instance, if your cooling system is new, but your furnace is not, you may have difficulty getting a warranty on your A/C’s compressor coil.

4. Save on Installation Costs

Part of what you’re paying for when you purchase new equipment is the time and skill it takes for a certified technician to safely install the system. By updating your furnace and A/C at the same time, you can significantly cut down that installation cost since the units will be installed at the same time. This is especially true if your equipment is housed in a hard-to-access area of your home.

5. Prepare Your Home Before You Retire

Many people consider making a double equipment purchase before they retire and switch to a fixed income. Considering the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment, as well as the energy savings that new equipment can bring, this is an ideal time to take the plunge.

Of course, there are also valid reasons not to update both systems at once. For example, did you know that most furnaces are built to last 18 – 25 years, but most air conditioners max out after about 10 – 15? Therefore, simple math tells you that if your furnace is less than 10-years-old and your cooling system is in need of an update, you don’t need to think about a new furnace yet.

Blind & Sons is always happy to consult with you about your home’s unique comfort requirements and help you make the best decision for your family. Contact us any time!