If your air conditioner is done, is it smart to replace your furnace at the same time (or vice versa)? If you think that you can get a few more years out of the heating or the cooling part of your HVAC system, even if you have to replace one, doesn’t that help to spread the expense out?
Not necessarily. In fact, there are many circumstances where replacing both at the same time is actually more cost effective. Here is how you can decide.
First- Consider the Upfront Cost
No question, replacing an entire HVAC unit at once isn’t inexpensive. It can also seem like an even more substantial expense if you weren’t anticipated having to pay to replace anything, and then now you are considering a full replacement.
The dollars add up. However, while full replacement does involve a more substantial upfront cost, there are a number of ways to save on operating costs, which may make that cost seem less heavy.
Some of the Benefits to a Full Replacement
Typically your furnace will last longer than your air conditioner. If either unit is getting close to 15 years, no matter which side of the HVAC unit, replacement isn’t that far away anyways. And if you have an older system, there are immediate cost benefits to replacing both.
There have been substantial improvements to HVAC energy efficiency over the last several years, which stand to save you a lot of money on operating costs. You could be leaving money on the table if you don’t switch. There is the issue of convenience.
Installing everything at once means one job period. That means less time and less money spent by you, the homeowner.
Do you have a matched system?
If not, now is the time to switch them to the same brand. If you are using different technology (not to mention old and new technology), it can work against you, energy efficiency-wise. Matched systems use a number of the same components too. It can be complicated and costly to repair mismatched systems as well.
Have an Inspection
One way to determine the answer to this question reliably is to have a full inspection done by a trained professional. They can tell you what problems may be down the road for your unit, what likely costs may be and what you might be up against in the future.
Did you know that one of the best ways to extend the life of your HVAC is by doing ongoing maintenance, which means annual tune-up? We are happy to help in Jackson, MO.
