When it's time to buy either a new furnace or air conditioner, it's common for homeowners in Brenham, TX to wonder if it's worth it to actually replace both HVAC devices at the same time.
The truth of the matter is it depends on several things. Since installing new components can be a big and expensive project, it's important to weigh this decision carefully.
If you're unable to make a decision, don't worry; we're here to help. In this article, we describe what you should consider before buying replacements. Check out our guide to replacing your furnace and air conditioner simultaneously.
Always Ask an Expert to Inspect Your HVAC System
Before you begin, first consult an HVAC expert and ask them to conduct an inspection of your system.
They will give you an honest appraisal of your devices and tell you if it makes sense to replace one or both of them.
It's also possible if you've taken good care of your devices they may live past their life expectancy.
When to Buy a New AC and Furnace
There are a number of different reasons, which may sway you to replace
both devices, and they include:
You're Getting Close to Retirement Age
Before you're about to live on a fixed income, it's a good idea to ensure every device in your home is in top condition. Homeowners getting close to retirement age should consider replacing both their furnaces and air conditioners.
Installing New Devices Is a Difficult Task
Depending on how difficult it might be to install new devices, contractors might charge a little bit extra. If your HVAC system is hidden or behind a crawl space, replacing any components might be more expensive. As a result, it might make more sense to replace both your furnace and air conditioner simultaneously.
You're Upgrading to an Eco-Friendly Device
Remember that since both devices are hooked up to the HVAC system, they share a number of components. If you upgrade one unit to an eco-friendly model but continue using the other older one, your modern machine may not be able to reach its full energy-saving potential. In this case, if you want to take full advantage of your new device, it may make sense to upgrade both of them.
The Furnace You Have Is More than 10 Years Old
Furnaces last on average about 20 years, while air conditioners last close to 10 years. Buying a new furnace will cost $2,000-$5,000 depending on the model and difficulty of the job, but it's only $1,000-$2,000 if you install it at the same time as your AC. If your furnace is over 10 years old, it makes sense from a financial standpoint to install two new devices at the same time.
When Not to Buy a New Furnace or AC
Installing two new units will always be more expensive than just one. If you can't afford it, don't feel pressured to get the second device.
As well, any furnace that's less than 10 years old shouldn't need to be replaced. Always keep tabs on your needs and budget before making big purchasing decisions.