As the old adage goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This is pretty good advice in many cases, but it really doesn’t apply to HVAC systems. As the system ages, it will become less energy efficient, it will cost more to run, and it’s more likely to break down when you need it most. When the air condition or furnace breaks down, it’s tempting to simply replace the affected system and continue using the other until that fails too. This may seem logical, but there are a number of reasons why it would make more sense to replace both systems at the same time.
Use a Certified HVAC Technician to Evaluate Your Systems
Whether you decide to replace one or both of your systems, it’s a great idea to involve a certified HVAC technician early on and take advantage of the expertise and experience. If you’re lucky, the HVAC technician may find a way to nurse the affected system along for another few years by carrying out some maintenance and repairs. This will give you more time to prepare yourself and your finances for the inevitable replacement that you need later.
When it’s time for the new system installation, a certified HVAC technician will be able to calibrate the two systems to make sure they are safe and operating at the best possible efficiency. If your technician tells you that you cannot avoid replacing one of your systems, it’s time to take a long hard look at the other system. Try to be honest and accurate when you evaluate how well your other system is performing. Ask yourself two key questions to help you reach a decision.
Is the system still keeping your home comfortable?Are you happy with the size of your utility bills when you’re running that system?
It’s important to know the age of the system that you’re thinking of replacing. A well maintained air conditioner would typically need replacing after 1-15 years. A well looked after furnace can still work efficiently for up to 20 years of service. The closer that each system is to this maximum useful lifespan will help you to make a final decision to replace it when you’re replacing its companion system.
The Importance of Matching Systems
Even if you’re happy with how your system is functioning, there is a fair chance that you could save energy and money in the medium to long term by replacing both systems at the same time. A matched air conditioner and furnace will typically use the same air handler, which will reduce the equipment costs, size concerns, and the energy used for cooling and heating.
When an air conditioner and furnace are designed to work together, it will reduce the general wear and tear on parts that you may find in mismatched systems. There is also a boost in energy efficiency that comes naturally when you upgrade to matched high efficiency systems that use the latest technology.
If you decide to only replace the broken system and keep the other, you cannot count on getting the best efficiency from the new system. You may have invested in a high efficiency system, but it will be less efficient when paired with an older mismatched system that is not as energy efficient. This is even more evident if your brand new system is going to be paired with your existing older air handler.
Saving on Installation Costs
A more efficient operation for your systems is not the only reason why you might want to think about replacing both HVAC systems at the same time. When you install both HVAC systems at the same time, it’s usually less expensive than installing the two systems separately a few years apart from each other. This will also cause less disruption in your home, and you won’t have to worry about going through the process again two or three years down the line.
Because matched air conditioners and furnaces are designed to work together, you may discover that the warranties are better. A warranty for a matched HVAC system may cover more components, and the coverage may last for longer when compared to purchasing individual systems. This could save you a great deal of money, and you only have a single warranty to deal with.
Planning for a Match HVAC System
If your air conditioner and furnace are still working well, it’s easy to be complacent and forget about the future. This is the wrong approach, and it’s easy to get caught out later on if you don’t have a plan. The best way to manage your inevitable future upgrade is to plan for it early and evaluate your equipment as we have shown above.
Talking to a local certified HVAC technician earlier is a great way to get ready for the eventual replacement and upgrade. Hopefully, you already have a relationship with a good local HVAC technician because you have your heating and cooling equipment regularly maintained.
The importance of regular maintenance at the beginning of each cooling and heating season cannot be overemphasized. When your HVAC system is well maintained, it will operate more efficiently, and this can save you a great deal of money of the lifetime of your equipment. If you take good care of your HVAC system, it’s less likely to break down, and it should have a longer useful lifespan. This will allow you to get the most out of your investment, and every year you don’t need to replace the HVAC system you can save money.
This is also a great way to build up a good working relationship with your local HVAC company. Finding a company that you trust will be very useful when you need to install your new matched HVAC system. Getting professional advice will help you to establish an accurate timeframe for the replacement, and this will help you to avoid any nasty surprises when a system fails. This will also give you ample time to look at sale prices of HVAC systems that you’re interested in and financing options.