Indianapolis HVAC FAQ – Should I Replace Furnace At The Same Time of Replacing Air Conditioner?

Replacing a Furnace Along With an Air Conditioner Can Make Sense (Sometimes)

With the hottest days of summer ahead of us, many homeowners across Indianapolis will have to replace their air conditioning systems.

One of the most consistent questions we receive from homeowners across the Indianapolis area when a new A/C is required is, do I have to, or should I, replace my furnace at the same time?

This is an important question, and one that is far too often glossed over by the HVAC industry. Ask almost any HVAC company this question, and you’ll get the same answer: Yes. How convenient for them, that you have to spend another $2-$3,000 on a new furnace too.

To make a customized answer as simple as possible, here’s a list of the reasons you should and shouldn’t replace your furnace when you replace your air conditioner:

Reasons NOT to Replace Your Furnace When Replacing Your Air Conditioner

1) Your furnace is less than 10 years old and not caused you any issues.

2) You don’t have the money to replace it now. Ultimately, if you don’t have the budget to do it, don’t do it.

3) You are planning to move in the next year (let the inspector force you to replace it)

4) You have looming financial commitments. Have a child about to go to college? Save your resources until those priorities are met.

Reasons to Replace Your Furnace When Replacing Your Air Conditioner

1) Your furnace is older than 10 years and has had repairs

2) You have the resources to replace it now (there are efficiency savings from doing them both at once)

3) You have a downflow furnace. What’s this mean? It means your existing furnace has to be completely removed and reinstalled to perform the Air Conditioner replacement.

4) The manufacturer is offering financial incentives to replace both systems at once.

5) To achieve the desired efficiency for new air conditioner, it requires a complimentary furnace. Many high efficiency air conditioners need to be paired with a high efficiency furnace blower to achieve