Beat the Texas Heat and Cold with a Smart HVAC Plan
It’s July in Dallas. The temperature is 102°F. Your air conditioner stops working. The HVAC repair person tells you it needs to be replaced. Then they ask: Should you replace just the AC or both the heater and air conditioner?
Replacing your HVAC system costs a lot of money. Most Dallas homeowners face this choice at some point. Picking between replacing one unit or both can save you thousands of dollars and years of problems.
This guide will help you understand the good and bad parts of replacing both units together. You’ll learn what works best for Dallas homes and how to make a smart choice for your family.
Why Replacing Both Units Together is Usually Better
Modern HVAC systems work as a team. Your air conditioner uses the furnace’s fan to push cool air through your home. When these units are made to work together, they work better.
Save Money on Energy Bills
New HVAC systems use much less electricity than old ones. They have higher SEER ratings, which means they cool your home for less money. A new, efficient AC with an old furnace fan cannot work as well as it should.
Dallas summers are expensive. The average homeowner spends over $200 per month on cooling during hot months. A matched system can cut these bills by 20-30%. Over time, this saves thousands of dollars.
Better Comfort in Your Home
A matched system keeps temperatures steady throughout your home. It also controls humidity better. This is important during Dallas’s humid summers. Many homeowners find their hot and cold spots go away after getting a new, complete system.
Your family will enjoy steady temperatures in every room. The system can keep you comfortable without turning on and off all the time.
Save Money on Installation
Labor costs make up a big part of HVAC replacement costs. Installing both units at once costs much less than two separate jobs. You’ll usually save $1,500 to $3,000 on labor.
The workers only need to come to your home once. They can do the electrical work, permits, and inspections in one project. This saves you time and money.
Easier Warranty Protection
Both new units come with warranties that start and end at the same time. This makes future service calls easier. You won’t have confusion about which company covers what part.
When both units are new, there’s no arguing between companies if something breaks. Your warranty coverage is clear and simple.
Protect Your Home’s Future
If one unit is old, the other probably will break soon too. Replacing both prevents emergency fixes during bad weather. No one wants to deal with a broken heater during a rare Dallas freeze.
A complete new system also makes your home worth more money. People who might buy your home like knowing they won’t have big HVAC costs right after buying.
When Replacing One at a Time Makes Sense
The Cost is Higher Up Front
Replacing both units requires more money at once. A complete system replacement in Dallas usually costs $8,000 to $19,000. Not every homeowner can pay for this expense all at once.
Many HVAC companies offer payment plans. These can make the higher cost easier to handle with monthly payments.
One Unit is Still Pretty New
If your furnace is only a few years old and your AC breaks, replacing both might not make sense money-wise. Air conditioners in Dallas usually last 10-15 years. Furnaces can last 15-20 years with good care.
Think about how old both units are before deciding. A five-year-old furnace with a new AC might work well together.
You’re Planning to Move Soon
A new HVAC system looks good to buyers. But you may not get back the full cost of replacing both if you sell within a few years. It usually takes 3-5 years to break even on the investment.
If you’re planning to move within two years, replacing just the broken unit might cost less.
Problems with Mixing Old and New Units
Putting a new unit with an old one creates problems that can cost you money and comfort.
Less Efficient
The new unit’s efficiency gets hurt by the older part. Your energy bills won’t drop as much as they should. The system works harder to get the same cooling results.
More Breakdowns
The new unit may have to work harder to make up for the older one. This causes early breakdowns and more repair calls. Your investment in new equipment doesn’t last as long as it should.
Lost Warranty Protection
Many companies won’t honor warranties if the new unit is paired with an older, different part. You could lose thousands of dollars in warranty coverage.
Parts Don’t Work Well Together
Newer systems use different coolants and technology. These may not work well with older units. The mismatch can cause performance problems and system failures.
How to Decide What’s Right for Your Dallas Home
Use this list to check your situation:
How old is your current system: Are both units over 10-15 years old? If yes, replacement makes sense.
Recent repairs: Are you calling for repairs on one or both units often? Multiple repairs often cost more than replacement.
Energy bills: Have your energy costs gone up steadily? Old systems lose efficiency over time.
Home comfort: Do you have uneven temperatures or humidity problems? These are signs your system isn’t working right.
Your budget: Have you looked into payment plans and local rebates? Many programs can help reduce the cost.
Money-Saving Programs in Dallas
Local and federal programs can help pay for a new, energy-efficient HVAC system. Current rebates from companies and local utility companies like Oncor can save you hundreds of dollars.
Federal tax credits are available for high-efficiency systems. These credits can reduce your taxes by up to $2,000 for qualifying equipment.
Ask your HVAC contractor about current rebate programs. These change often, so it’s important to get updated information.
Why Replacing Both Units Together Makes Financial Sense
Replacing both your heater and AC together is often the best money choice for Dallas homeowners. The cost is higher at first, but the long-term benefits usually make up for the initial expense.
You’ll save money on installation, enjoy better comfort, and avoid future emergency repairs. Your energy bills will be lower, and you’ll have warranty protection for both units.
Ready to look at your options? Contact Bolton Heating & Air for a free consultation. Our experienced workers will check your current system and help you decide if replacing both units is right for your Dallas home. Call us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward better comfort and lower energy bills.