A Quick Look at Replacing Your AC and Heating at the Same Time

When it's time to install a new heating system or air conditioner in your home, you might find yourself wondering if it's worth it to replace both devices at once. The truth is it depends on the circumstances. Getting new components for your HVAC system can be a big job, and several factors come into play when deciding what should be replaced.

What are these factors? That's what we're here to tell you. Here's a quick look at what should be considered when deciding whether or not to replace a furnace and air conditioner simultaneously.

When to Replace Both Your Air Conditioner and Furnace

There are a number of different reasons for Bloomington, MN homeowners to replace both their furnace and air conditioner. Among them:

You're Purchasing an Eco-Friendly AC
It's important to remember that both your furnace and air conditioner share several components. Purchasing an eco-friendly air conditioner while sticking with the old furnace means your new AC might not operate at peak efficiency. If your priority is to increase the energy efficiency of your HVAC system, it's best to replace both devices at once.

You're Close to Retiring
It's always a good idea to take advantage of your limited time left in the workforce. Homeowners who are close to retirement should take care of any household projects, such as replacing any HVAC components, before they start living on a fixed income.

Furnace Has Been Installed for Over 10 Years
The average furnace lasts about 20 years, while air conditioners last half that time at 10 years. Having the furnace replaced on its own will cost about $2,000-$5,000, but together with an AC, it's only $1,000-$2,000 if they're installed simultaneously. If your furnace is over 10 years old, it makes sense financially to get a pair of new devices at the same time.

Replacements Are a Difficult Job
One thing to keep in mind is a contractor might charge more if they know installing a new device will be a difficult job. The fee to replace any component will go up if the HVAC system is hidden or at the end of a crawl space. In this case, it makes more sense to install two devices at once.

When Not to Replace Both Your Air Conditioner and Furnace

There are some cases where it's not at all a good idea to invest in both a new furnace and air conditioner.

Replacing both devices instead of just one will add extra costs to your bill. If you can't afford to spend that much cash, you shouldn't feel pressured into doing so.

In addition, if your furnace is less than 10 years old, it doesn't make any sense to buy a new one. The lesson here is only to replace both your furnace and AC if it fits your needs and budget.

Call for a Specialist to Inspect the HVAC System

Always get your furnace, and air conditioner inspected before making deciding on a replacement.

Contact an HVAC specialist to take a close look at them, and they will tell you if it makes sense to replace one or both devices.

Homeowners who treat their HVAC system well might be surprised to learn their furnace or AC will outlast its life expectancy.