Upgrading Your Furnace and A/C: When Should My System be Replaced?

August 23, 2023

Many homeowners struggle with this question because replacing a furnace or air conditioner is a large investment. It can be hard to know whether it is worth it or if it is even necessary.

However, there are a few signs that it is time to get a replacement.

The Age of Your System

Furnaces have an average lifespan of about 15 years and air conditioners have one of about 10 years, but of course this depends on things such as how well the systems have been maintained. However, if your systems are around these ages, it is probably time for an upgrade because odds are that it is no longer running at peak efficiency or will have issues very soon.

Age is not everything though, there are younger furnaces and air conditioners that can still have issues and efficiency problems that could make a replacement worth it.

Increased Amount of Repairs

One common sign that your system, whether it heating or cooling, is nearing the end of its life is the frequency of breakdowns that is has. If you find yourself paying for repairs often, it is time to consider replacement.

Breakdowns can be extremely costly. A good rule of thumb when it comes to breakdowns is to replace if the cost of repair is 50% or more of the cost of a new system.

For less expensive repairs, it is probably okay to hold off on replacing. However, if your system is at or above the average lifespan, even with a cheaper repair cost, you should still replace it because it is not expected to work much longer or will have much more frequent repairs.

Your Heating Bills Have Risen Dramatically

Even if your system is not breaking down very often, it may not be cost efficient to keep it if your energy bills are skyrocketing during use. It is important to keep an eye on and assess how much it is costing you and if replacing your current system could save you a significant amount of money in this area.

What are the End Benefits of Replacing My System?

Replacing your old or worn out furnace and air conditioner is very beneficial. New furnaces and A/C’s are not only energy efficient, but they will take less time to heat or cool your home than your old system. If your current system has any of the previous signs, then you should consider getting an AC replacement.