When your furnace or air conditioner gets old, replacing them at the same time can be a smart move. Should I replace the furnace and AC at the same time? It is a common concern for many homeowners. Doing both together can help them work better as a pair and lower their energy bills.
This guide explains the best time to replace both units and the benefits of doing so. It also covers how this choice can save money on labor, improve system performance, and reduce the need for frequent AC repair. With the right timing and planning, you can make a smart choice for comfort and long-term savings.
Why Do People Replace Both Units Together
Many people choose to replace their furnace and AC at the same time when one of them stops working. These two systems often share parts, so changing both can help everything work better and last longer.
When both are new, they match well and run smoothly. If one is old and the other is new, it can cause problems like weak airflow or higher energy use. Replacing both helps your home stay comfortable and can save you money on energy bills.
It’s also a good way to avoid future issues and reduce AC repair costs. Getting both the furnace and AC replaced together can give you better comfort, fewer problems, and peace of mind.
How Long Do Furnaces and ACs Last
Knowing how long your furnace and air conditioner last helps you plan for upgrades and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Use this guide to make smart choices and keep your home comfortable.
Furnace Life: 15–20 Years
Most furnaces last between 15 and 20 years. If your furnace is getting older, you may notice more breakdowns and higher repair bills. Replacing it early can help you avoid surprise issues and save money on heating over the next several years.
AC Life: 10–15 Years
Air conditioners typically last between 10 and 15 years. Once they get older, they may not cool your home as well, and energy bills can start to rise. Even with regular maintenance, older air conditioning units often lose efficiency and require more frequent repairs.
Replace Both If One Fails
If your air conditioner stops working and your furnace is over 12 years old, it’s smart to replace both. Doing this can help avoid future repair costs and give you a system that works better together, keeping your home more comfortable and efficient.
Don’t Mix Old and New
New AC systems may not work their best with old furnaces. This can cause problems like poor airflow, uneven heating or cooling, and higher energy bills. A matched system ensures everything runs smoothly, which helps you save money and stay more comfortable.
Save on Labor
Installing both the furnace and AC at the same time saves on labor. It’s faster for the crew and less trouble for you. Fewer garage door technician visits also mean fewer scheduling headaches and lower overall installation costs for your new HVAC system.
Better Comfort
When your furnace and AC are designed to work together, they give your home even airflow and steady temperatures. This helps you stay comfortable in every room and season. Plus, a matched system uses energy better, which lowers bills and makes your home feel just right.
What Are the Benefits of Replacing Both at Once
One major reason people ask, ‘Should I replace my furnace and AC at the same time?’ is the cost. While replacing both units together involves a larger upfront investment, it often saves money in the long run. Here’s how:
Save on Labor Costs
Getting your furnace and AC replaced at the same time means the job is done in one visit. This saves time and money on labor. You won’t need extra trips from the technician, which helps lower your total installation cost.
Better Energy Use
New heating and cooling systems use less energy and work better than old ones. When both are made to work together, they heat and cool your home more evenly. This helps lower your energy bills and keeps your home more comfortable all year.
Fewer Repairs and Good Warranty
When both systems are new and matched, you’re less likely to have problems. The warranty is often better when you install them together. You won’t have to worry about one part wearing out faster or causing the other to break.
Works with Smart Features
Modern systems come with smart tools like phone apps and energy-saving settings. Replacing both your furnace and AC means everything will work with the newest features. This makes it easier to control your home’s temperature and save on power.
Can You Replace One Without the Other
You can replace your air conditioner or furnace without replacing the other, but it’s not always the best long-term solution. If one unit is still in good shape and under five years old, replacing only the broken one can make sense. However, it’s smart to think ahead before deciding.
Mixing old and new systems can lead to performance issues, higher energy bills, and increased repair costs. A modern AC may not run well with an older furnace that lacks updated features. Should I replace the furnace and AC at the same time to avoid future issues and save on overall costs?
Does It Affect Your Home’s Comfort
When your HVAC system isn’t matched well, your home can feel too hot in some rooms and too cold in others. It may also run longer and make the air feel damp. A matched system helps heat and cool your home more evenly and quietly.
This matters more in big homes or ones with two floors, where air can be harder to move around. When both systems are made to work together, comfort improves right away. Many homeowners notice better air flow and steadier temperatures after getting a new, matching system.
Will It Boost Your Home’s Value
Homebuyers often look for homes with updated HVAC systems because it means fewer future problems. A new furnace and air conditioner show that the home is well cared for. Even if you’re not selling soon, this upgrade can still raise your home’s resale value.
Replacing both the furnace and AC at the same time can be a smart move if you plan to sell in the next few years. It makes your home more appealing to buyers and may help you sell faster. This kind of upgrade also shows that the home is energy-efficient and well-maintained.
What’s the Best Time of Year for Replacement
The best time to replace your HVAC system is during spring or fall. These seasons are less busy for heating and cooling companies, so you can enjoy quicker service, more open schedules, and possibly lower costs compared to peak times like summer or winter.
Planning your HVAC installation early helps you avoid rushed choices and high prices during emergency seasons. Doing both systems at once saves time, reduces disruption in your home, and ensures everything works well together for better comfort and energy efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Replace the AC and Furnace at the Same Time?
Yes, you should replace both the AC and furnace at the same time if they are old or not functioning well. Doing them together can save money, make your home more comfortable, and help the systems work better since they’ll be built to run together.
Is It Cheaper to Replace a Furnace and AC Together?
Yes, it’s recommended to replace both the AC and furnace at the same time to save money. When both are installed at once, you pay less for labor, and some companies give discounts on a full system. It’s a smart way to cut costs.
Is It Best to Change the Furnace with a New AC?
Yes, many people find it’s best to change both at once. You should replace the AC and furnace at the same time to avoid future problems and make sure they work well together. A new system also helps your home stay warm or cool more easily.
Do AC and Furnace Have to Match?
They don’t have to match, but it’s better if they do. You should replace the AC and furnace at the same time to get a matched system that works smoothly. When both units are made to work together, they last longer and use less energy.
Can I Replace My AC Without Replacing the Furnace?
Yes, you can replace just the AC. But if the furnace is old too, you should replace AC and furnace at the same time. That way, both parts will match, work better together, and help you avoid more repairs or problems in the near future.
Conclusion
Choosing to replace both the furnace and AC at the same time brings better comfort, fewer repairs, and lower energy bills. It helps both systems work together more efficiently. AC Repair DFW makes this upgrade smooth and hassle-free for every homeowner.
The topic of whether should I replace the furnace and AC at the same time often comes up when one unit starts failing. Replacing both systems together gives you a better setup that runs longer and saves on future labor and repair costs. Our team focuses on reliable service and long-term value, including complete HVAC repair when needed.
We’re here to help you get the most out of your heating and cooling systems. With expert advice and quality installation, you’ll feel the difference right away. We’re ready to handle the job with care, skill, and your comfort in mind.
End Note
If you need fast and reliable heating and cooling services, AC Repair DFW is ready to help. Learn more about our trusted team on our About Us page. We offer expert HVAC installation and replacement services to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Protect your system with our residential HVAC maintenance plans designed to catch problems early. Stay informed with expert tips from our blog, full of advice for every season. When you’re ready to get started, visit our Contact Us page to schedule your appointment.
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