Whether it’s an unexpected or a planned upgrade, you’ll eventually need to replace your furnace and AC unit. What if you could replace both systems at once? After all, these systems share components such as the blower, ducts and vents. It’s just a matter of knowing when you replace them. With help from Davis & Green in Richmond, VA, you can determine if you should replace your furnace and AC together.
Reasons to Replace Both Appliances Together
Reduces Costs and Installation Time
Replacing your furnace can cost up to $7,600, and replacing your AC can cost up to $12,095. The costs include the equipment, labor and additional fees. However, you can save on labor costs by replacing both systems together. Furthermore, you’ll have both installed and ready for use on the same day.
Ensures Compatibility Between Your Systems
Considering a replacement for both systems ensures compatibility. For example, the components of a new AC may not work with a 10-year-old furnace. If your furnace malfunctions, it may damage the new AC system. Replacing both systems helps you avoid premature repairs or failures.
Addresses Ongoing Issues for Both Systems
If both systems have ongoing issues, it’s time to consider a joint replacement. This way, both systems receive new, modern components. A joint replacement is a great way to extend the life of your HVAC system.
Matches Your Appliances’ Energy Efficiency
When you replace both systems, you’re taking the steps to improve energy efficiency. If you have one upgraded and one older system, you’re still paying more for wasted energy. Upgrading both systems together allows you to enjoy high performance and lower energy costs.
Improper Size of Both Systems
Installing the right-sized furnace and AC is essential for saving energy and money. Otherwise, you risk a strained HVAC system. You may spend more money on repairs and energy costs. Hiring a technician from Davis & Green to install the right-sized units ensures smooth operation, fewer issues and lower bills.
Ensures the Warranty Is Still Intact
Upgrading both systems ensures they’re still under warranty. This way, you’re not paying out of pocket for unexpected HVAC issues. A mismatched system may void your current warranty.
The Benefits of Replacing Both Together
Provides You With Peace of Mind
Replacing both systems provides peace of mind by ensuring a modern, compatible HVAC system. You don’t have to worry about repairs or breakdowns anytime soon. Plus, a technician installs the furnace and AC on the same day, minimizing disruptions to your daily life.
Improves the Comfort of Your Home
A joint replacement provides your home with year-round comfort. Your home is warm during winter and cool during summer. The best part is that your HVAC system doesn’t have to work harder to reach your desired temperature.
Lowers Your Monthly Energy Bills
You have the opportunity to upgrade your furnace and AC unit to energy-efficient models. Upgrading both together lowers your overall energy bills, putting more money in your pocket. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
Reduces the Guesswork About Warranties
With a joint replacement, you won’t have to remember which system is still under warranty. Upgrading to a new, compatible system ensures coverage for the same amount of time.
Extends the Life of Older Systems
If both systems are older, a joint replacement makes more sense. This way, you’re extending the lifespan of your furnace and AC unit. The lifespan starts over, ensuring your HVAC system lasts for another 10 to 20 years.
When to Replace Your Systems Separately
When One System Is New or Still Working
If one system was recently replaced or still works fine, you don’t need to replace both systems. In fact, replacing a working furnace or AC unit would be a waste of time and money. All you need to do is ensure the newest replacement is compatible.
When Your Existing Furnace Is Compatible
If your existing furnace is compatible with your new AC unit, you don’t need to replace it yet. You only need to replace a compatible furnace for other issues, such as age or frequent breakdowns.
If You Need a Budget-Friendly Solution
Sometimes, you cannot afford to do more than necessary. If you’re working with a tight budget and only need one system replaced, focus on that replacement for now.
If You’re Planning to Move Soon
You don’t need to replace more than the failing or outdated system if you’re planning to move. However, upgrading both can increase your property value. Of course, a recently-upgraded system doesn’t need another replacement so soon.
The Advantages of Separate Replacements
Provides More Control Over Your Budget
Focusing on the system that needs a replacement gives you more control over your budget. You’re not spending more money on an upgrade that you may find unnecessary right now. If your other system is in great shape, you can put off the upgrade until later.
Avoids Premature or Unnecessary Replacement
If your AC unit is only five years old, you don’t need to replace it alongside your outdated furnace. You only need to replace the system if there are other issues or if it’s incompatible with the latest replacement. Otherwise, you can save time and money by only replacing the problematic system.
Prevents a Longer Disruption to Your Routine
While replacing both units saves on labor costs, the longer appointment may disrupt your day. If you only need to replace one system right now, focus on that replacement. This way, you can take care of other daily tasks.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Furnace
Uneven Heating
You may notice cold spots or inconsistent temperatures in different areas of your home. This means your furnace is struggling to heat the whole house.
Old Age
Furnaces usually last 15 to 20 years. Therefore, it’s best to start planning your replacement and paying attention to signs of failure around 15 years.
Yellow Flame
A yellow flame instead of a blue flame indicates improper combustion. This can lead to a carbon monoxide leak, so it’s important to call a technician right away.
Other signs you need to replace your furnace include the following:
- Unpleasant smells
- Strange sounds
- Blowing cold air
- Poor air quality
- Frequent repairs
- Higher energy costs
Signs You Need to Replace Your AC
Short Cycling
When the AC unit turns on and off quickly, this is short cycling. This means your unit is failing to complete the cooling cycles.
Old Age
AC units usually last for 10 to 15 years. Once your AC hits 10 years old, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement.
Outdated Refrigerant
If your AC unit still uses R-22 refrigerant, you have an outdated model. You can avoid expensive repairs by upgrading to a modern system.
Here are several more signs you need to replace your AC unit:
- Strange sounds
- Foul odors
- High humidity
- Continuous running
- Warm or inconsistent air
- Weak or no airflow
- Visible damage
- Frequent repairs
- Water or refrigerant leaks
- Ice on coils
- Rising energy costs
Schedule Furnace and AC Replacement With Davis & Green Today
We’ve been providing furnace and AC services to our customers since 1984. Our technicians have undergone training in areas ranging from furnace repairs to AC upgrades. We also offer heat pumps, mini-splits, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air purifiers. If your home needs several upgrades, our Bundle Buddy package includes heating and air, electrical, plumbing and generator services. We have an A+ rating with the BBB and high ratings on Google, Facebook and Yelp.
When you need to replace your furnace and AC together, contact Davis & Green in Richmond today.
