Should You Replace Your Thermostat At The Same Time As Your AC Unit?

No home is complete without a reliable HVAC system, but that doesn’t always come cheap or easily. That’s especially true when one part, like the air conditioner, fails, and it makes you wonder if the other components will fail, too. So, should you replace your thermostat at the same time as your AC unit?

You should replace your thermostat at the same time as your AC unit if both are 15 years old and failing. That way, you can get an energy-efficient AC unit and a smart thermostat at the same time. However, you should only replace your thermostat if it’s 10-15 years old and your AC unit is relatively new.

Today, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a good idea, as they can save money and protect your HVAC system. A smart thermostat can prevent unnecessary strain on your AC unit and furnace. Follow along as we explore everything to know about replacing your AC unit and thermosat.

Do You Need To Replace Your Thermostat And AC At The Same Time?

You don’t need to replace your thermostat and AC at the same time, but it’s sometimes necessary. That’s especially true if you bought and installed your AC and thermostat at the same time. AC units and thermostats have similar lifespans, so you can count on them going wearing out around the same time.

However, you don’t necessarily need to replace the thermostat just because you’re replacing your air conditioner. That’s especially true if you recently replaced your thermostat and it’s in good condition.

When To Replace Your AC And Thermostat

Both Are 15 Years Old

Thermostats and air conditioners typically last 15 to 20 years, but some units wear down in as little as 10 years. That’s especially true if you don’t keep up with maintenance, like any other part of your HVAC system. If you installed your AC and thermostat at the same time, it’s a good idea to replace both when one stops working. 

As long as you keep up with maintenance, your AC and thermostat will likely last the same amount of time. Replacing them together is a great idea in this case, especially if you install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats save money and come with many useful features, which can improve your new AC’s performance.

Your Bills Are Exorbitant

It’s no secret that most homeowners would do anything to lower their monthly bills. Homeowners and renters alike know that HVAC costs can add up quickly, especially if something is wrong. If your AC and thermostat are inefficient, replacing both of them can help you save money.

This is true even if your AC and thermostat will still work for a few more years. You could wait for them to die, but you’ll spend a fortune on bills until then. Some people naturally want to wait as long as possible before replacing their AC and thermostat. However, weigh the pros and cons, as waiting to replace them until both units are broken isn’t cost-effective. It’s worth replacing your AC and thermostat even if they’re just 10 years old if they’re inefficient. You may have to spend a small fortune to replace them, but the savings are worthwhile.

When To Replace One Or The Other

Sometimes, you only need to worry about your AC unit or thermostat instead of replacing them both. You can tell that’s the case if you look for a few key signs, including:

One Device Is Inefficient

Do you plan to install a new energy-efficient air conditioner? If so, it’s a good idea to pair it with an equally efficient thermostat. You can undo much of the good your new, efficient AC unit will do if you have an outdated thermostat. An inefficient thermostat can hinder the performance of your energy-efficient AC unit, limiting its effectiveness. No matter how great your AC is, it may short-cycle if your thermostat is mismatched and outdated.

Your AC And Thermostat Aren’t Compatible

Not every AC and thermostat is compatible, and some people only learn this after installing a new component. For example, you may replace your AC and realize that your current thermostat doesn’t work well with it. In that case, you should get a new thermostat and make sure it’s compatible with your AC.

Some people even install brand new thermostats only to realize they’re incompatible with their ACs. While this is inconvenient, you’re obviously better off replacing the thermostat than the AC. Some thermostats are only made for single-stage heat pumps, while others are meant for multi-stage systems. Similarly, some thermostats are only compatible with certain wiring configurations and voltage. It’s worth researching a thermostat before pairing it with an AC unit. That way, you can ensure they’re compatible and get the most efficient combination.

You Can’t Access All The AC Unit’s Features

Many people don’t necessarily replace their AC units and thermostats at the same time. However, there’s a good chance you can’t access all your AC’s features if your thermostat is outdated. That’s because new AC systems are more advanced and have more features than they used to.

Because of that, modern thermostats are often designed to accommodate these features and maximize a modern AC’s efficiency. Naturally, you can’t access all of these features if your thermostat doesn’t have smart features. It’s worth spending the extra money to upgrade to a new smart thermostat so you can access all your AC’s features.

Smart thermostats often include Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can control your AC and furnace via a mobile app. You can also program your AC to run at different temperatures during certain times of the day. Not only does this save money, but it also helps protect your AC unit from unnecessary strain.

Summing It Up

You should only replace your thermostat and air conditioner at the same time if both are outdated and failing. Thermostats typically last 10-15 years, and AC units last 15-20 years with routine maintenance and smart usage. It’s worth upgrading to a smart thermostat if you get a new AC unit, as doing so can help you save money on energy costs.

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