new a\c or new a\c and furnace

[jimchic]

I've been trolling the boards for a few days and since I haven't found a satisfactory answer to my situation, I figured I would "ask the experts"..

To make a long story short, our 17 year old lennox unit has a freon leak. My wife and I have decided to replace the unit instead of spending the money to investigate a leak, but now the question is do we just replace the central a\c or do we replace the a\c and furnace?

Is there a benefit (besides monetary) to waiting for the heat to "fail" or until the a\c is paid off (whichever comes first)...as opposed to replcacing everything now?

As for details about the old units: lennox, nearly 17 years old, the furnace says whisper quiet on the front panel, the a\c is 2.5 ton and the SEER is 10.

I'll try to answer any other questions with the limited knowledge I have...

[beenthere]

Now would be a good time to do the furnace also.

If you can fit it into youor buget.

If you can also fit the extra cost of a VS blower, you'll get better humidity control.

[jimchic]

Beenthere, since your a neighbor in lancaster (only a short drive via route 1), what about single stage or 2 stage for either the a\c or furnace?

[beenthere]

My personal opinion on 2 stage equipment.

They are great for comfort.
Hard to go wrong using them. If your buget can swing it, you won't regret it.
We install alot of 2 stage furnaces. And a fair amount of 2 stage heat pumps.
If you intend to stay in your house for along time, check into duelfuel.

If your not locked into any one brand, get a estimate on a York Affinity duelfuel system.

York has rebates till the end of June.
Others do also.

[sinsee]

I would say to do both now. When the A/c is replaced, the coil which sits on top of the furnace will also need replaced. This may require for some of the metal to also be reworked. When the furnace is replaced later, this may have to be reworked again and more additional costs. Also has a piece of mind....you will have some warranty on the entire system. You will also have a complete matched system and better effiency. I would recommend both together