Should I Replace My Air Conditioner & Furnace at the Same Time?

Any homeowner who has called to replace their old, outdated cooling or heating system can tell you a new installation isn’t the easiest on your finances. Energy-efficient HVAC systems are more affordable than ever, but that doesn’t mean they’re cheap. If you’ve been considering HVAC replacement, you may have wondered: “Should I  replace my air conditioner and furnace at the same time?”

As a long-time HVAC company serving Ogden, we’ve encountered this question often — and it’s a good one. But it’s not one with an easy answer.

Scenarios Where Replacing Your Cooling & Heating Systems Works

It’s not always advantageous to replace your systems simultaneously. There are situations where it’s ideal, and also times when it’s only marginally beneficial or not beneficial at all. Our team recommends replacing it when doing so is more cost-efficient or effective for your comfort.

When Both Systems Are 10 Years or Older

The general issue with replacing both systems simultaneously is that a furnace tends to far outlive most standard air conditioning systems, meaning for most homeowners, the two systems were installed at different times.

If both systems are over a decade old, replacing them will provide significant energy efficiency, performance, and reliability benefits, making it worthwhile.

Please note, however, that we don’t recommend replacing a furnace younger than nine or so years unless you plan to switch to a heat pump.

When You’re Upgrading to a High-Efficiency Cooling System

Likely, the most significant potential benefit to replacing your air conditioner and your heating system simultaneously is to get what’s called a matched system. While your furnace and central AC don’t share most of their components, they do share the blower assembly system housed in your furnace.

This means that if you’re getting a high-performance AC system (any system rated 16 SEER or higher), then the performance of your new system will suffer because it’s less than compatible with what your furnace has to offer in terms of the blower motor.

Bottom line, if you’re looking to upgrade to a higher efficiency cooling unit, you need to be ready to update your furnace.

When You’re Anticipating Retiring Soon

Retirement is a wonderful event we all look forward to. It’s also not a time when, as your financial situation is stabilizing, you want to incur additional unplanned expenses.

If you’re planning to retire and both of your systems are reasonably old, replacing them now can ensure that the next few years will be free of the stress of a furnace breakdown or an air conditioner failure.

Reasons To Avoid Replacing Your Furnace & AC at the Same Time

Despite the many benefits of dual replacement for your furnace and air conditioner, there are a few reasons why it may not be the best option.

• Not in the budget: A new furnace and AC can add up to $6,000, which can be a hefty sum to put down all at once. So, unless necessary, it’s best to save that cash for a rainy-day fund.
• Both units are under 10 years old: Usually, you’ll notice your furnace and AC having problems with wear and tear. But if they haven’t reached 10 years of age yet, chances are they’re in good working condition and don’t need to be replaced yet.
• Current unit works well with the new one: If you recently got a new furnace or air conditioner and it happens to work perfectly with your older unit, as in your energy bills are roughly the same, and there’s no decline in performance. There’s no need to replace your older system yet.
• You’re not sure which units to buy: Factors to consider when purchasing a new unit include the SEER rating, size, and power output to ensure it performs well when installed. If you’re not sure what to look for, you don’t want to buy based only on price, so it’s best to get professional help before deciding to replace your furnace or AC.

Contact Mountain Air for HVAC Replacement in Ogden, UT

Still wondering if you should replace your air conditioner and furnace simultaneously? Need the assistance of a trained professional? Mountain Air Conditioning & Heating is ready to help.

As a locally owned and operated HVAC company, we’re glad to help homeowners in our area make the best decision to suit their needs.

If you’re looking for the best HVAC company in Ogden to help you make the best decision, you’re in the right place — contact us or call (801) 773-7171(801) 773-7171.