Improved efficiency - replacing your AC and furnace at the same time with new, energy efficient equipment can increase your home's energy efficiency and potentially reduce your energy costs.
Making Your Heating and Cooling System Installation Decision
Once again, you can expect to save between $2,000 and $5,000 on total installation costs by bundling both your furnace and air conditioner together.
The $5,000 rule is a rule of thumb in the HVAC industry to help homeowners decide whether HVAC repair or HVAC replacement makes more sense in the long run. The $5,000 rule: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit.
Companies/Service providers often offer seasonal promotions and discounts for those seeking a new system. The best times to seek out these promotions are the months leading up to summer and the period between the end of summer and the beginning of Autumn.
Furnace and AC replacement costs vary. A new furnace costs $4,800 on average, with an average range between $2,800 and $6,900. The cost to install a new AC unit is between $3,900 and $8,000 on average. However, the cost of a new HVAC system together is $7,500 on average, often in the range of $5,000 to $12,500.
Better pricing: Since there's less demand for HVAC system replacement in spring and fall, your HVAC contractor might even offer their own savings incentives.
Air conditioners and furnaces over 10 years old are generally what the HVAC industry would classify as “older.” This is also when most indoor and outdoor units stop being under warranty. If both your AC and furnace are more than 10 years old, we would recommend replacing them both at the same time.
Also, a lot of this information changes subtly if you're installing an air conditioner at the same time. It will usually take a full day (6-10 hours) if you're installing a full system with a furnace and A/C unit, and will occasionally stretch into two days if a lot of modifications are needed.
Winter and Early Spring are King
The colder months, especially winter and early spring, are generally considered to be the most prudent times to go shopping for a new air conditioner. It's the best time to be in the market for a number of reasons. Let's take a look at some.
Usually, it is a quick fix, but sometimes the failure can be caused by a much bigger problem. The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.
Section 1.274-5(c)(2)(iii) requires documentary evidence for any expenditure for lodging while traveling away from home and for any other expenditure of $75 or more, except for transportation charges if the documentary evidence is not readily available.
On average, you can only expect about 15 years of reliable service from a central AC system. And that's only if you maintain your system well. So, if your home has an AC that's 20 years old or older, it's likely living on borrowed time. Here are all the reasons to replace your home's 20-year-old air conditioner.
Most AC units and furnaces work well together, even from different manufacturers. Many units use the same setup or similar parts. Whether you have a manufacturer preference or don't want limitations on HVAC manufacturers to choose between, you can install a mismatched furnace and AC from two different brands.
Yes, You Can!
Keep rebates and efficiency in mind when making any decisions on replacing just the AC unit.
The good news is that as long as the existing ductwork in your home is in tip-top condition and doesn't require a repair or replacement, the furnace installation should be completed within a day. On average, it takes about four to 10 hours to wrap up a furnace install, depending on the type and size of the unit.
Most furnace installations can be completed in one day. If you're getting a new type of furnace or adding ventilation and ductwork, this may add a few days to the installation timeline.
Many HVAC companies offer financing to their customers to streamline the HVAC replacement process and paying for it. Banks and credit unions may approve you for a personal loan, home equity line of credit, or a home improvement loan where loan proceeds are used specifically to make the upgrades your home demands.
Apply for a grant
The Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income Americans with heating and cooling expenses. Apart from small grants, LIHEAP offices also help consumers find resources to help pay for the cost of replacing furnaces and air conditioners.
The best time to purchase an air conditioner is the fall or spring. HVAC installers in your area will be busy during the summer and winter months when outdoor temperatures are the most extreme.
You should expect to spend between $3,800 and $12,00 on a new furnace, including both the unit and installation costs. Factors influencing the price include the type of furnace (gas, electric, or oil), the unit's efficiency rating, and the complexity of the installation.
If your furnace is over 20 years old, it might be time to consider a replacement, especially if you're experiencing issues like poor air quality, frequent repairs, or high energy bills.
Your Warranty Might Be Voided
This could mean the difference of your manufacturer covering the cost of replacement or repair down the road versus you footing the entire bill. To summarize so far, the answer to “can you replace just the outside AC unit” is: not unless you want major issues.