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Should I Replace My Air Conditioner (AC) and Heater at the Same Time?

AC System outside of house
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If you are in a situation where you need to replace either your air conditioner or furnace, you may be wondering if you should replace them simultaneously. This may have even been recommended to you and that you will save money and your system will operate more efficiently if you go that route.

Furthermore, it is not uncommon to think of your heating and cooling system as a single entity, so it would seem logical to replace both at the same time and rhere are situations in which it does make sense, but that is not always the best option for every situation.

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to whether you must replace both at the same time. Keep reading for some important things to consider when making this important decision.

Average Life Span Of Air Conditioners And Furnaces

AC and heating systems can have vastly different lifespans. On average, your AC unit will last from eight to twelve years. Meanwhile, with proper care and maintenance, your heater can last for twenty years or more. This means that if you replace your heater every time your AC needs to be replaced, you end up wasting money replacing a heater that still has a lot of life left in it.

Before you jump to replace both systems, have our professional technicians review your entire HVAC system, determine where each unit is at in their respective lifespans and use that as a starting point. If your AC system is eleven years old and struggling with chronic repair issues, it makes good sense to replace it. Meanwhile, if your furnace is only five years old and working like a dream, there is likely no reason to replace it too. However, if your furnace was over fifteen years old and losing efficiency, it might be smart to replace both.

Consider Condition And Efficiency

Replacing both your furnace and air conditioner is a significant investment. In addition to each unit's projected lifespan, you should also consider the current overall condition of both your AC and heater.

If both systems are in poor condition and losing efficiency, repairs are unlikely to provide a long-term solution so replacing both units may be in your best interest. However, if only one is giving your trouble and the other is relatively new, replacing both may not make sense.

At Valley, Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar, we believe in helping our customers find the right solution and not pushing them to buy products and services they do not need. Before we recommend a dual replacement of your heater and AC, we consider all your options and what will ultimately serve you best.

What About Matched Systems?

A matched system is a heater and air conditioner that are designed to work together. A common argument in favor of replacing both systems at the same time is that matched systems run more efficiently and save you money over time. Systems that are properly matched will be able to run at a higher efficiency than those that are not. However, this does not necessarily mean that you must replace both your AC and your heater at the same time.

It is possible to match a new furnace or AC to your existing system. In some cases, the new unit does not even have to be the same brand as the existing one. When it comes time to select a replacement unit, the technicians at Valley will work with you to help you choose the best product for your situation. Our commitment is to your satisfaction and comfort, from making sure the product is appropriately sized for your home to finding a unit that will be compatible with your existing system.

We can help you make the best decision. Call Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar at (408) 868-5500 to book your appointment.

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