Mismatched Furnace and AC: Three Signs

Most homes in California have both heating and cooling systems. Unfortunately, not many homeowners realize the importance of ensuring their systems match.

Your AC unit and furnace should be best friends, working together to keep your home comfortable year-round. However, a mismatched furnace and AC unit not only creates an uncomfortable home but increases energy consumption, raising your monthly energy bills.

As experts in furnace and air conditioner repair in Riverside, CA, our Inland Empire Comfort team sees this issue quite often. In most cases, the solution is to replace one (or both) of the systems to ensure they can work together properly. 

While having mismatching furnaces and air conditioners is not always a problem, having matching systems offers several benefits. This article reviews everything you need to know, including the signs that you have a mismatched system.

What Is a Mismatched System?

Having a mismatched HVAC system means that your furnace and air conditioner come from two different brands or are different sizes. Manufacturers often use different parts to make their units, which can create problems for your system if your furnace and AC unit don't come from the same company. 

Meanwhile, if your heating and cooling systems are different sizes, they will have low efficiency ratings. As a result, your HVAC system will need to draw significantly more power to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Three Signs You Have a Mismatched System

If any of the following situations apply to you, your home likely has a mismatched HVAC system.

1. Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than They Should Be

If your monthly energy bills are increasing without your home changing its energy usage, there could be a problem with your heating and cooling system.

Although mismatched systems don't always cause serious issues, they often reduce HVAC system efficiency. Whether you connect an old furnace to a new AC unit or use different brands, mismatched systems can reduce energy efficiency, which means greater energy consumption and higher bills. 

For example, if you replace an old AC unit with a new one while still using your old furnace, the new system will be significantly more efficient. However, it won't be able to maximize its efficiency potential due to the older furnace. 

The best way to avoid this issue is to replace both systems at the same time. Doing so ensures they both have high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) ratings and work well together.

2. Your System Needs More Frequent Repairs

Few systems and appliances reach the end of their working life without needing a few repairs along the way. While occasional repairs and services are typical, needing frequent repairs to keep your system running is problematic.

A mismatched furnace and AC unit lack compatibility. For example, mismatched coils or other internal components can't work as well together, creating problems for your HVAC system. This incompatibility often leads to more frequent repairs, eventually exceeding the initial installation costs.

3. Your Furnace and AC Unit Come From Different Manufacturers

Installing heating and cooling units from the same manufacturer is the best way to guarantee a matching system. If you notice that your air conditioner and furnace have different manufacturers, you have a mismatched system. 

Although this is not always problematic, it's an easy way to determine if you have mismatched systems. Different brands manufacture their products using unique parts. As such, an air conditioner from one brand may operate slightly differently from that of another. 

Fortunately, having two different brands is not always a significant issue. Many manufacturers use the same parts for their AC units and furnaces. However, having heating and cooling systems from the same manufacturer is an easy way to guarantee longevity and efficiency. 

How Important Is it to Have Matching Systems?

While having a matching furnace and AC system is not mandatory, technicians highly recommend it. Aside from reduced efficiency and frequent repairs, a mismatched system could void your warranty. 

Many HVAC system manufacturers require homeowners to replace their heating and cooling systems at the same time. Replacing part of the system could void the warranty, especially if you replace it with a different brand.

Replacing both systems simultaneously also ensures that their warranties expire at the same time, saving your wallet if unexpected issues arise.

Keep Your HVAC System Efficient and Functional Year-Round

Do you have a mismatched furnace and AC system or outdoor and indoor unit? Let our technicians help. 

Call our Inland Empire Comfort Team in Riverside, CA, at (951) 336-8709 to schedule a service or learn more about the process of installing an HVAC system.