Choosing an AC system and furnace for your HVAC system can be challenging. With factors like your home’s comfort demands and size constraints, you may have limitations to the HVAC models you can install. A mismatched furnace and AC are neither ideal nor unsuitable.
At Georgia Air Cooling & Heating, our air conditioning experts in Richmond Hill, GA, offer detailed AC installations, repairs, and more. We guarantee your satisfaction. If you need a new AC unit, we’ll help you find the best one that fits your home’s comfort needs while saving you money.
Many Georgia homeowners wonder if it’s safe to have a mismatched furnace and AC. We break down the answers. Keep reading to discover the importance of a matching HVAC system, whether it’s safe to install mismatched comfort appliances, and more.
Can I Install a Different Brand for My AC and Furnace?
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.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean your HVAC system will be problem-free. Despite having the right size unit for your home and choosing a model compatible with the rest of your system, you could still experience problems. Between performance issues and cost increases, these effects are inconvenient for homeowners.
While HVAC companies don’t typically recommend it, you can install a different brand if the coils and blowers are the exact sizes as the existing ones. Professionals can recommend specific models that work with your existing components and make the installation go smoothly.
The Importance of a Matching HVAC System
Although installing a mismatched furnace and AC is possible, that doesn’t mean you should. Your furnace and AC work together to function as a complete system. Inside is the air handler and furnace, while the outside condensing unit houses some of the cooling components, and a refrigerant line connects them.
The heating and cooling system cannot work without both indoor and outdoor parts. If you need to replace your furnace, you’ll also need to replace the old AC unit or connect a new model to your outdated, inefficient HVAC system.
Because the air handler joins both systems, your new unit is at risk of damage from the existing system’s components or a dirty air handler. The last thing you want to do is cause more problems. It’s safer to replace your entire system at once to prevent future repairs or a complete system failure.
Reasons a Mismatched System Can Still Malfunction
Installing a mismatched furnace and AC has its benefits, but discrepancies between brands mean it may still malfunction. Even if it’s installed correctly by an HVAC expert, problems can appear. Whether you only replace your furnace and keep your old AC unit or get mismatched replacements for both, you’ll still encounter issues.
Between decreased energy efficiency, a shorter lifespan, and warranty expirations, these issues contribute to your system malfunctioning.
Decreased Energy Efficiency
Whether they’re from the same manufacturer or different brands, you’ll experience inefficiency issues. Connecting a new unit to an old, inefficient HVAC system decreases the entire system’s efficiency. The older components keep the new unit from running correctly.
Decreased energy efficiency means you’ll have to run your HVAC system for longer to reach the set temperature. This also results in high energy bills. Getting a complete system replacement at the same time ensures your entire HVAC system has a good SEER rating and is in good condition.
Efficiency problems can lead to premature repair needs or the decreased lifespan of your HVAC system.
Shorter Lifespan
A mismatched furnace and AC can also result in a shorter lifespan. As wear and tear increases in your HVAC system from poor energy efficiency and a lack of maintenance, your units’ longevity decreases. This wear and tear causes mechanical parts to break and eventually makes your entire HVAC system fail.
The last thing you want is to be without a working home comfort system. The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute reminds homeowners that a mismatched HVAC system will typically have more breakdowns over its shorter-than-average life.
Early Warranty Expiration
Some manufacturers require you to get a complete replacement to maintain your warranty. If you replace part of the system, this can also void your warranty. Additionally, replacing one part of your system at a time will cause one warranty to expire before the other.
Installing a mismatched furnace and AC system simultaneously prevents this issue. Your entire HVAC system will have the proper coverage, and you’ll prevent one part of the system from damaging the other.
If your mismatched HVAC system malfunctions, it may take longer for technicians to find appropriate repairs. Most companies have certifications to install and repair specific brands. With a company like Georgia Air Repair, you can get accurate and effective repairs and installations, whether your HVAC system is mismatched or from the same manufacturer.
Benefits of Choosing the Same Manufacturer
HVAC technicians recommend not getting a mismatched furnace and AC for inefficiency and longevity reasons. You’ll also suffer from higher energy bills due to decreased performance. But what are the benefits of installing units from the same manufacturer?
You can ensure the systems work correctly together by getting your furnace and AC from the same manufacturer. You’ll notice excellent energy efficiency, your entire system will need fewer repairs, and it’ll have a longer life.
If you can only afford to replace one part of your system, don’t worry. Manufacturers use many of the same parts for AC units and furnaces across different brands. You’ll experience the following benefits with a matching furnace and AC.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Manufacturers design furnaces and AC units to work together. You’ll get the most energy-efficient performance by pairing your AC unit with a furnace from the same brand. Instead of one unit hampering the other’s efficiency, they’ll work together to create the ideal indoor temperature.
Most manufacturers don’t test their units with those of other brands. They can’t provide an accurate measurement regarding energy efficiency with other manufacturers’ products.
Choosing compatible systems ensures no air leaks from the ductwork and your system responds quickly to thermostat changes. You won’t have to run your HVAC system for as long. As a result, you’ll also notice your monthly energy bills decrease.
Guaranteed Compatibility
Because manufacturers construct HVAC system components to match perfectly, you can guarantee your HVAC system will work properly. Combining mismatched furnace and AC parts could result in a system breakdown.
It can also be challenging to find a furnace and air conditioner that fall under your home’s comfort limitations without looking at other brands. However, you’re less likely to find a compatible furnace and air conditioning system combination without looking at parts from the same manufacturer.
Longer Lifespan
With energy-efficiency improvements come a longer HVAC system lifespan. Because your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to work so hard, the internal components take longer to develop wear and tear. Less internal damage means fewer repairs, resulting in better performance and longevity.
Fewer Repairs
Efficiency problems and a lack of maintenance are the main culprits of HVAC system repairs. A mismatched system may also break down more often due to incompatibilities. Get an air conditioner and furnace from the same brand to reduce repair needs.
Having matching components makes it easier for HVAC technicians to perform repairs. They don’t have to consult special handbooks to ensure they’re following the proper steps. Instead, they likely already have certifications for your HVAC system’s brand.
Do I Need to Replace Both HVAC Units Simultaneously?
It’s not imperative to replace your furnace and AC unit simultaneously, but many companies recommend it. If you want to minimize future damage and save on repairs and replacement costs, it can be especially beneficial to replace both units simultaneously.
Your air handler ages as fast as your outdoor component. You may not have to replace this unit if it’s compatible with the system you plan to install. However, not replacing both units can cause one to wear out before the other and bring hefty expenses.
Schedule a Heating and AC Installation Today
Do you have a mismatched furnace and AC, or are you considering replacing your furnace? Get a matching system with help from Georgia Air Cooling & Heating. As an expert HVAC contractor, we offer a large selection of HVAC systems from top brands, including Trane.
Our team features friendly HVAC technicians who put your comfort first. We’ll help you find the perfect furnace, AC unit, or other components for your HVAC system. With our Apples-to-Apples guarantee, we’ll match any written price quote.Trade your mismatched furnace and AC for a matching unit with Georgia Air Cooling & Heating in Richmond Hill, GA. Learn how long heating units last and schedule an installation at 912-513-3361.