First of all, it would be foolish to spend any serious bux on a system this age. Some leaks are repairable depending on location. Others are a waste of time.

I am not a fan of third party warranty companies. They have a terrible reputation in the industry and are known more for shoddy work and taking care of themselves rather than their customer.

I certainly do not recommend purchasing replacement systems through the warranty company either. Ask for a cash settlement.

What is your location?

Furnaces are same age as outside AC condensers?

As far as a new system, it should be a matched system sized correctly for best operation and comfort. Oversized is just as bad as undersized. If you have any hot/cold spots in your home, now is the time for an experienced dealer to address.

IMO

Ah, a cash settlement. That hadn't occurred to me. Many thanks.

I'm in Des Moines, Iowa.

thanks for the thoughts

Oh, and, yes, the furnaces are the same age. Everything was installed in 1989.

Replace all components for a complete matching system...

IMO

Is replacing the furnace a *necessity* that any HVAC professional would agree is necessary (such that the warranty folks will pay for it) or is it highly recommended, though not necessary?

Home warranty companies are in business to pay out as little as possible. They are not going to pay to replace a functioning furnace. This replacement would fall under the highly recommended category.

The furnaces are 25+ yrs old. Only an HVAC expert could advise you on their functionality, reliability, etc. you have to weigh that against the cost of a new furnace,possible higher efficiency, and better comfort. Heat exchangers deserve an inspection. No warranty there.

But if you keep the furnaces, you will be limited to only 13 SEER AC condensers with matching coils because of the furnaces' conventional blower motors. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

IMO

This post was edited by tigerdunes on Sun, Jul 21, 13 at 15:07

Good deal.

I think this answers my question. The impression I'd gotten in my looking for information on-line was that air conditioning units of today would be incompatible with the furnace of 25 years ago (just in general, not anything about this particular furnace).

What I'm understanding from you all is that it *can* work, but just not as efficiently.

I will probably go ahead and replace everything (wanting to be responsible and all), but I was just curious about what the Home Warranty folks would cover.

many thanks

The home warranty company certainly will not cover a new furnace. Best possibility would be a low end 13SEER AC condenser with matching coil hopefully. And you best get ready because it won't be free. These shady outfits always have a way of getting into your pocketbook big time. Weigh whatever they offer against a settlement. Understand any new warranty and your out of pocket costs.

IMO