With freezing Panhandle winters and scorching summer heat, Amarillo homeowners experience the full range of temperatures each year. These seasonal shifts make it more important than ever for your heating and cooling systems to be ready to handle whatever the season throws at them.
When one system starts struggling, it can make you wonder whether you should replace your furnace and AC at the same time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits, cost considerations, and key factors that can help you make the right decision for your home.
How Long Do Furnaces and ACs Typically Last in Amarillo?
The lifespan of your furnace and air conditioner depends on several factors, including usage, maintenance, and local climate. Most air conditioners last 10 to 15 years, while furnaces can last 15 to 25 years.
In Amarillo, the scorching summer temperatures can cause homeowners to keep their ACs running continuously. While this keeps your home comfortable, the excess wear can shorten your unit’s lifespan. The chilly winters can also put additional strain on your furnace, with season-round use battling the freezing temperatures and falling snow.
Routine maintenance and professional installation are the best ways to help your HVAC system reach its maximum lifespan. Hiring a pro to install your furnace and AC ensures proper sizing and installation, preventing issues like short cycling and reduced efficiency that can shorten its lifespan. Ongoing annual checkups then keep each unit running smoothly for years to come.
When It Makes Sense To Replace Furnace and AC Together
If your HVAC system is struggling to keep your home comfortable throughout Amarillo’s seasonal temperature shifts, it may be time for an upgrade. But before scheduling a replacement, it’s important to decide whether you’ll upgrade just one unit or both. It’s often more cost-effective to upgrade both your AC and furnace if:
- Both units are nearing the end of their lifespan
- You’re dealing with frequent or costly repairs
- There’s been an increase in your monthly utility bills
- Uneven temperatures are making your home uncomfortable
- You want to take advantage of lower labor costs
Benefits of Installing a New Furnace and AC Unit at the Same Time
Choosing to upgrade your AC and furnace together helps improve home comfort, enhance efficiency, and offer long-term savings. By replacing both units, Texas homeowners can enjoy benefits like:
- Reduced labor rates for bundled HVAC upgrades
- Improved efficiency and lower monthly utility bills
- The same warranty period for both systems
- Fewer repairs and reduced risk of breakdown
- Modern features and quieter operation
- Reliable, year-round comfort for your Amarillo home
When It Makes Sense To Replace Furnace and Air Conditioner Separately
Notice one system failing, but the other is doing fine? In some cases, it can be best to replace your furnace and AC separately. Single system replacement is often the best solution when:
- One unit is much newer than the other
- Staggering replacement costs work best for your budget
- One unit has major damage, while the other is in good condition
- The other system is still operating efficiently
- You’re planning to move soon
Signs You Need To Replace Your HVAC System
Waking up shivering on a chilly Texas Panhandle winter morning? Arrive home to find your house just as hot as the streets of downtown Amarillo on a scorching July afternoon? Your HVAC system may be due for an upgrade.
Knowing when to replace your heating and air conditioning helps you schedule the upgrade early, before an unexpected breakdown catches you off guard. Some of the top warning signs that your HVAC system is ready for replacement include:
- Uneven temperatures: Failing components, wear and tear, and improper sizing can cause your system to struggle to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Limited airflow: Weak or no airflow from your vents is often a sign of mechanical issues, duct problems, or a major component failure.
- Constant repairs: If you’re constantly dealing with breakdowns and costly repairs, replacement can be a more cost-effective alternative.
- Rising energy bills: HVAC systems become less efficient over time, leading to higher energy use and monthly utility bills.
- Strange smells: Musty or unpleasant smells coming from your unit can be a sign of mold growth or overheating components that require replacement.
- Short cycling: Improper sizing or component failures can cause your unit to turn on and off repeatedly, without ever reaching your desired temperature.
- Major component failures: If a key component, like the compressor or blower motor, fails, it’s often more practical to pay for replacement than repair.
Ready to Upgrade? Call Frank’s Repair Plumbing for HVAC Replacement in Amarillo
Tired of dealing with uncomfortable temperatures, costly repairs, and rising utility costs? Call Frank’s Repair Plumbing to schedule an HVAC upgrade today. For over 70 years, our family-owned and operated business has been the go-to choice for furnace and AC replacements throughout Amarillo.
Whether your furnace is showing signs of failure, your AC is nearing the end of its lifespan, or you’re looking to bundle upgrades, our local experts provide fast service and honest recommendations to help you get the most out of your HVAC. We’ll assess your system, help you find new, modern upgrades that fit your needs, and seamlessly install them for lasting efficiency.
Contact us to learn more or schedule your replacement today! We proudly serve homes throughout Amarillo and surrounding Texas Panhandle neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a new AC work with my old furnace?
A new AC can work with an old furnace, as long as the units are compatible and properly installed. Our pros evaluate your system and find the right match for your furnace, so you don’t have to worry about reduced efficiency or unnecessary wear and tear.
How long does dual replacement take?
The timeline for furnace and AC replacement depends on the complexity of the installation and the type of units we’re installing. Our pros complete most jobs in 8 to 14 hours, though older homes or those with unique layouts may require additional time.
Does replacing both the AC and furnace at the same time really increase efficiency?
When you upgrade your furnace and air conditioner together, we match them to reduce strain, improve efficiency, and provide reliable, year-round comfort. You’ll notice reduced energy usage, lower utility bills, and more consistent temperatures throughout your Amarillo home.
Should I consider a heat pump instead?
Replacing your furnace and air conditioner with a heat pump can be a smart choice if you’re looking for streamlined, energy-efficient heating and cooling. However, with Amarillo’s temperature swings, you may require a backup furnace or AC to handle the extreme cold and heat.
How often should I service my new system?
Scheduling biannual HVAC maintenance is the best way to keep your system running at its best. We recommend booking furnace maintenance in the early fall, before the heating season begins, and AC tune-ups in the spring, before temperatures reach their peak.
