Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Furnace and air conditioner combos make use of the same blower to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. They also function with smart thermostats to provide individualized control.
If you choose a different brand for your furnace and AC could invalidate your warranty on both units. The synchronization of the two units can save you time and money on repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and AC units are extremely energy efficient, especially when they’re paired together. You can save a great amount on your monthly utility bills by selecting a natural gas furnace with an air conditioner that has SEER ratings. A professional can estimate the load for your home to ensure the best results. This will help you determine the right size and type of system that is appropriate for your home.
Furnaces produce heat by burning fuel using propane gas or natural gas. The steam is circulated through ductwork to warm the air in your home. Then, during the summer, an air conditioner uses a refrigerant–generally a cool gas called freon–to evaporate into a liquid and cool the air that circulates through your home’s ducts. The two systems functions as an Goldilocks power coupler, making sure that your home’s temperature will always be just right, never too hot or cold.
You should consider a variable speed AC unit if you’re looking to increase the energy efficiency of your system. This technology permits the air conditioner to operate at a lower power which allows it to better extract moisture from the air.
For homeowners who live in moderate climates, a heat pump can provide the heating and cooling they need without burning fuel. The units transfer heat from the air inside your home to outdoor air, which reduces on energy consumption and environmental impact.
A hybrid system–which includes a heat pump and an old-fashioned gas furnace to provide backup warmth during the coldest months — is an alternative. A new high-efficiency heat pump uses the same technology to transfer warmth from one region of your home to another, but with the addition of a gas furnace for back-up during the coldest winter temperatures.
You can cut down your home’s energy bills by up to 40% if you replace your old inefficient HVAC system. To get the most energy savings from your new system, make sure you have the proper insulation and thermostat settings, as well as weatherization.
2. Longevity
The lifespan of a furnace can be between 15 and 30 years, while an AC unit can last for 15 to 20 years. The majority of the time an HVAC system is replaced when a component starts to show signs getting old or suffers from serious malfunctions that affect its efficiency. A homeowner is often forced to decide whether or not to replace their air conditioner or furnace when this occurs. It might seem counterintuitive but investing in an HVAC unit that is new even if the one you have is still in good working order is usually the best option for homeowners. They will save money on repairs and reduce their energy costs.
The installation and purchase of two HVAC systems new is costly. A furnace and air conditioner combo is more affordable, however. You will only have to maintain your system once per year instead of twice as often with separate units.
Another way to lower the overall cost of a furnace as well as air combination is to go for a high-efficiency system. Most modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE rating of at least 80 percent, while the majority of AC units have an SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating of 16 or more. This can help you reduce your energy bills and dramatically reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs.
If you select a furnace and AC combo from the same manufacturer you’ll also benefit from excellent energy efficiency and durability since the systems will cooperate well. If you decide to go with two different brands it is important to keep in mind that a mix of brands will decrease their lifespan and performance.
Mismatched units can cause serious issues that could cause leaks of refrigerant and CO which can be dangerous for humans. These problems can also damage your HVAC system and ductwork.
A specialist from Georgia Air Repair can perform precise HVAC repairs on any kind of equipment. However, it’s important to note that most manufacturers will not honor their warranty in the event that you mix and match their units. Choosing the same air conditioner and furnace will ensure that the unit is installed correctly and repaired, and will perform optimally throughout its lifespan.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems operate seamlessly when you install a furnace-air conditioner combination. The units have shared components, such as the blower fan that distributes temperature-controlled air through your home’s duct system and into rooms of your choice. You can save time and money by selecting the unit that is compatible with the other HVAC component. It will also help to ensure that your new and existing components will work effectively without voiding the other’s warranty or causing problems with the HVAC system.
A furnace and air conditioner combination can provide you with comfort all year long. These units can cool and heat the entire house, in contrast to window air conditioners which are only effective in summer and can cause CO poisoning in winter. They are also more durable and reliable than other kinds of cooling and heating systems.
You can also reduce your energy bills by using a furnace and air conditioner unit. Combination units have an increased SEER rating than traditional HVAC systems. This enables you to save more energy and also enjoy more convenience. You could save money if you use an air conditioner in conjunction with a gas or electric furnace, based on your energy costs.
If you intend to purchase your furnace and air conditioner using a loan, it may be better to choose a combination unit instead of two separate units. The purchase of two HVAC systems with credit has the effect of taking two hits to your credit report, which can negatively impact your borrowing power for a long time. Your credit score is unaffected by purchasing a single AC/heater combo unit with credit approval.
A combination of air conditioner and furnace can also let you utilize your existing ductwork, making the process much simpler than simply replacing an AC unit or a brand new furnace. Replacing both the AC and furnace will require extensive ductwork and can be costly.
4. Versatility
A furnace and AC combo is a great choice for those living in moderate climates. It can efficiently heat your home during the winter months, and cool it in the summer. This type of HVAC is also referred to as gas-electric systems, uses natural or propane to heat your home in winter and electric during summer. This makes it more versatile than an furnace and air conditioner that can only work on one mode at a given time.
The chemical freon is utilized by air conditioners to cool your home. The AC unit compresses freon that is then evaporated to circulate cool dry air through your home. It also absorbs heat from surrounding air, which keeps your home cool. However, if your house isn’t well-insulated, the evaporation cycle can cause the air to lose its cooling power. This happens when the heat exchanger or refrigerant wears out.
Furnaces provide heat to your home through combustion, but are less efficient in terms of heating than air conditioners. Air conditioners are not able to withstand cold temperatures. A lot of people living in mild climates choose to use a heat pump and oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC system incorporates energy-efficient features of an oil furnace with the reliability of an oilstove.
The key to choosing the best combination of AC and furnace is to ensure it’s properly sized for your home. A HVAC expert can help you determine which HVAC system is best for your home. They’ll take into consideration factors such as area, insulation, and the level of humidity.
A specialist in heating and cooling can also assist you in determining the size furnace and air conditioner that you need. They’ll take into account your cooling and heating needs and any future expansion plans for your home. They will also tell you what incentives and rebates you could get.
Before purchasing a new HVAC system, you should get three quotes from different contractors. Compare the costs and AFUE rating of each one. Don’t forget that an HVAC installation by a professional is crucial to protect your warranty and ensure your HVAC unit functions properly.
