Can You Replace an AC Without Replacing the Furnace?

Do you suspect your HVAC system needs some TLC? Call Gladiator Services at 201-419-6090 for expert diagnosis, repairs, and replacements in New Jersey.

Some air conditioning units may finish their lifespan before the furnace does. Otherwise, the AC might have a critical issue that requires replacement even after quality maintenance. Regardless of the situation, can you replace an AC without replacing the furnace?

The short answer is yes, but it requires more context. Gladiator Services technicians know the specifics behind what allows someone to replace one without the other. Continue reading to learn from one of the best air conditioning repair services in Mahwah, NJ.

Should You Replace or Repair Your AC?

Because some cases might not warrant a new unit, you risk missing out on savings by automatically demanding a replacement without further diagnosis. A qualified technician will investigate your AC issues to determine the better option. 

Musty Air

You may believe a musty or dirty smell from your AC means it has reached the end of the line. However, it may just require a filter replacement. A faulty liquid drainage system could also lead to mold buildup in the vents.

Our technicians can clean up any mold and repair the AC drain lines. These repairs save you money instead of replacing the entire AC.

Uneven Air Flow

Sometimes, uneven air flow could be due to faulty air conditioning units. Alternatively, it could be due to blockages in the vent or around the outside AC unit. Efficient cleaning can resolve these issues.

Excessive Temperature Changes

While temperature adjustments could be due to a failed coil or worn-down unit, your thermostat might also be to blame. It may be just a small part of your air conditioning system, but it’s instrumental in determining the internal temperature of your property. You should check your thermostat to see whether it needs a battery replacement.

Why It’s Possible To Replace Your AC and Not Your Furnace

If a technician investigates the cause of your HVAC woes and determines you need an AC replacement, don’t worry. You can replace your AC without replacing your furnace. Because of how a furnace and AC work together, you can newly install one without the other.

The Heating System

Your central HVAC system consists of three primary components: the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, and the furnace or heating unit. Not all ACs have furnaces, but those that do depend on them to heat the air in cold weather. Also, a heating unit is not a furnace, and vice versa, as they require different processes.

A furnace uses a form of energy to heat the air and deliver it to different rooms. The most common kind of furnace operates with natural gas. Other furnaces use oil, electricity, or propane, with some employing coils like an AC that uses coolant.

The usual lifespan of furnaces is between 15 and 30 years, with quality maintenance. A technician can connect a furnace with compatible systems to use the same ducts and thermostats. Older systems often require different methods altogether.

The Cooling System

The indoor and outdoor AC units contain compressors, condenser coils, evaporator coils, and more. These two units circulate air throughout the property, drawing heat from inside and replacing it with cooled air.

Some furnaces remain inactive during the cooling season. Others may connect to an AC that utilizes the fan or blower inside it to circulate air past the evaporator coil. Air conditioners with heat pumps do not require furnaces at all.

At least six different air conditioning systems exist, though central ACs often couple with a furnace in colder climates. A central air conditioning unit may last around 15 to 20 years with maintenance. However, the amount of use sustained by either system may shorten the lifespan.

Why Can We Replace Just the AC?

The indoor AC unit’s evaporator coils, furnace, and outdoor unit’s condenser coils interact to foster the optimal indoor climate. Each part works individually while combining its functions with the others. However, a furnace and AC units can usually separate from each other easily.

For example, the indoor AC evaporator coils cannot function without the outdoor AC condenser coils. However, the furnace usually does not require either for its function. It relies on in-built heater coils and a blower to increase the air temperature.

The furnace is more self-sustainable, while many AC units work without a furnace and can heat air if they have a heat pump.

Some circumstances may affect the AC parts, indoor or outdoor, without affecting the furnace. In such cases, the answer to “Can you replace the AC without replacing the furnace?” is yes. The circumstances where this condition applies may include:

• Outdated AC units
• Incompatible systems
• Excessively noisy AC units
• Higher energy bills

Additionally, you can replace the furnace without messing with the central AC if you have a furnace issue. Furnace installations typically cost less than AC unit installations. Our technicians always provide service quotes before starting work to ensure you are comfortable with the cost.

Why You Should Sometimes Replace Them Both

While some circumstances only require an individual replacement, there may be times when replacing both is more cost-effective. Outdated systems can contribute to pollution or higher energy bills. Therefore, some energy providers and municipalities offer efficiency discounts for a total upgrade. 

Remember to compare the cost savings for individual and grouped installations. The savings may be worth it, especially if both the AC and furnace could use a replacement.

Call Us for Your HVAC Replacements

Can you replace an AC without replacing the furnace? Yes, and now you know why that’s the case. Your next question may be how you can replace them.

Gladiator Services technicians provide top-quality customer service to cities across New Jersey. We also offer efficient advice, from preventing HVAC damage due to short cycling to the best AC or furnace for your area. Call us at 201-419-6090 to learn how we can help upgrade your HVAC system.