With AC season on the horizon, we’d like to address a question that Jersey Shore homeowners ask us each year. It isn’t an easy one to answer, as there are so many different instances, but we’re going to give it our best shot.
This question generally comes up when one of our technicians discovers that the AC portion of your home is ready to retire. We know it’s not easy news to hear. A Rostron Premium Home Services project manager comes out to provide a few different options to replace the system, but the question comes up…
Do you think I should just replace the AC system and leave the heating part?
When It Makes Sense
The HVAC system in your home is made up of many parts, making it unique. For some, your sources of air conditioning and heat may be intertwined. For others, they may be entirely separate. Here are some reasons when replacing only the AC part of your system might make sense:
- Your heating source was installed recently.
- Your heating source is separate from your AC system, like a boiler or separate furnace.
- Warranties are only covering the AC system replacement.
For our friends in Ocean and Monmouth Counties who use a furnace for heat and an indoor coil/outdoor condenser for air conditioning, things may not be as clear cut.
When It Might Not Make Sense
When it comes to systems that use a furnace for heat, combined with an indoor coil/outdoor condenser for air conditioning, there are some things you may want to take into consideration before opting for an AC only replacement:
Pricing
The cost of replacing just the coil and condenser to restore AC to your home is certainly cheaper than replacing the furnace at the same time. However, you’re actually saving money in the long run.
Like many local, family-owned HVAC companies, Rostron Premium Home Services offers a deep discount if you’re upgrading the full system. Why? Because our technicians are already on site, their tools ready to work. Beyond that, there is much less risk of disappointment. See the next consideration below.
Further Issues
Imagine you’re standing in front of a stack of boxes that goes from the floor to the ceiling. Of course, the one you need is all the way at the bottom. What do you do? Shimmy, of course! You hold the other boxes in place, hoping they won’t topple over, while you slide the one you need out.
That’s exactly what a downflow AC-only install looks like, except some of those “boxes” have gas and water lines connected as well as expensive components that may be outdated and difficult to get, like blower motors or control boards. Leaving a portion of the system opens up further issues that can happen to the existing equipment.
Warranties
When it comes to ensuring their equipment, manufacturers don’t take many exceptions into consideration. They don’t care if you live in a cape-style house in Atlantic Highlands, a ranch in Freehold, or a condo in Mantoloking.
Depending on the brand of unit you’re installing, warranties might be limited when combining their equipment with an older unit. Breakdowns or damage caused by the older furnace won’t be covered under warranties in most cases.
Compatibility
Taking advantage of the newest technology is another huge bonus to replacing your full system at the same time. Everything manufactured for Central Jersey homeowners now is meant to be put together, leading to better efficiency and safety features.
If you opt to wait and replace your furnace at a later date, your AC system may now be incompatible with the newest bells and whistles. You’ll be caught in an endless loop, constantly being held back by a piece of equipment that’s new enough to keep, but old enough to keep you from collecting on all the benefits of your new system.
Rebates
There are a ton of great programs offered by NJNG and JCP&L for the Jersey Shore, including rebates and 0% financing options for high efficiency installs. But what does that mean, exactly? And how do they calculate it?
When you’re ready to file your rebates, you’ll need an AHRI reference number. These numbers were designed to represent the efficiency of specific combinations of furnaces, coils, and condensers. You may not think it’s a big deal, but something as small as increasing the size of a coil from a B-cabinet to a C-cabinet can keep you from the high efficiency status, blocking your rebates.
If your AC unit utilizes the blower motor from your furnace, it must be replaced to qualify for rebates and special financing options.
What Are My Options?
At Rostron Premium Home Services, we 100% stand behind our work. For that reason, our project managers and technicians are meticulous when it comes to inspecting and diagnosing systems.
Depending on the age, condition, and history of your system, our trained professionals will be able to provide you with guidance to answer the question above yourself. Rest assured that the options given are based on years of experience both in the HVAC industry and customer service.
Interested in upgrading your system before the summer heat sets in? Give us a call at 732-223-8221 to set up a FREE estimate! Rostron Premium Home Services offers heating, cooling, plumbing, and electric services to Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
