Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
The same blower is used to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. They also function with smart thermostats for individualized control.
Using a different brand for your furnace and AC could void the warranty on both units. Combining the two units can save time and money when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioners and furnaces are highly energy efficient, especially when used together. You can save a significant amount on your energy costs by selecting a gas furnace with an air conditioner that has a SEER rating. A professional can determine the energy load of your home to get the best results. This will help you determine the appropriate size and type of system that is appropriate for your space.
Furnaces generate heat by burning fuel using propane or natural gas. The steam is circulated through ductwork to warm air inside 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 combination of these two systems functions as a Goldilocks power coupler, making sure that your home’s temperature is just right, never too hot or cold.
Think about a variable-speed AC unit if you wish to further increase the energy efficiency of your system. This technology allows the air conditioner to operate at a lower power which allows it to better extract moisture from air.
Heat pumps are a great option for homeowners in mild climates. They can provide heating and cooling without burning any fuel. They transfer heat from your home and into the outside air, reducing energy costs and impact on the environment.
A hybrid system that incorporates a heat pump with a traditional gas furnace for back-up warmth during the coldest months — is another option. A new high efficiency heat pump will use exactly the same technology to transfer warmth from one area of your home to another however, it has the addition of a gas furnace for backup during the coldest temperatures.
By replacing your old, inefficient HVAC system with a brand new, high-efficiency furnace and air combination, you can reduce your energy bills by as much as 40 percent. To get the most energy savings, be certain to install the proper insulation and weatherization settings with your new system.
2. Longevity
The lifespan of a furnace can be between 15 and 30 years, while an AC unit can last 15-20 years. Typically an HVAC system is replaced when one part starts to show signs of ageing or the other suffers from serious malfunctions that affect its efficiency. If this occurs, a homeowner is often faced with the dilemma of whether to replace the air conditioner or the furnace. It may seem counterintuitive, but investing in an HVAC system that is brand new when the existing one is still in good working order is usually the best option for homeowners. They can save money on repairs and reduce their energy consumption.
The installation and purchase of two new HVAC systems is costly. However the furnace and air conditioner combo is much less costly. You will only have to maintain your system every year instead of twice as often with separate units.
Another method to cut down on the total cost of a furnace and conditioner combo is to opt for a high-efficiency model. Most modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at minimum 80%, and the majority of AC units come with SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or more. This will allow you to reduce your energy bills and dramatically reduce your home’s heating and cooling expenses.
When you choose a furnace-AC combination from the same company you can also benefit from an excellent energy efficiency because the two systems are compatible. If you select two different brands, remember that a mismatched combination will reduce their efficiency and life span.
Incorrectly matched units can cause serious problems that could lead to CO and refrigerant leaks which pose a risk to humans. These problems could also result in damage to your HVAC system and ductwork.
A specialist from Georgia Air Repair can perform accurate HVAC repairs on all kinds of equipment. It is important to keep in mind that most manufacturers will not respect their warranties if the units are mixed and matched. By choosing the same air conditioner and furnace will ensure that the unit is properly installed, repaired and performs optimally over its lifetime.
3. Convenience
If you decide to install a furnace and air conditioner, both HVAC systems are designed to work seamlessly. 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. Choosing a unit that is specifically designed to work with your other HVAC component will save your time and money in the long in the long run. This will ensure that the new and existing HVAC components will work together without voiding any warranties or causing any other issues to the system.
A combination of a furnace and air conditioner can provide you with all-year-round comfort. These units can heat and cool the entire house, unlike window air conditioners that are only effective during the summer months and can lead to CO poisoning in winter. They are also more robust and reliable than other types of heating and cooling systems.
You will also reduce your energy bills by using a furnace and air conditioner combination unit. A combination unit has an increased SEER rating than traditional HVAC systems. This enables you to save energy and also enjoy more convenience. Depending on your rates for utilities and climate, you may even be in a position to save money by using a heating pump along with an electric or gas furnace.
If you are planning to purchase your air conditioner and furnace by borrowing money it is possible to choose a combination unit instead of two separate units. Purchasing two HVAC systems with credit can have the result of taking two marks on your credit report, which can negatively impact your borrowing power for a long time. Your credit score will remain unaffected by purchasing a single AC/heater combo unit that is financed with credit.
The process of replacing the furnace and AC unit is much less difficult using the ductwork you have already installed. The cost of replacing both the air conditioning and furnace is often high.
4. Versatility
For those who reside in areas with moderate temperatures, a furnace-AC combination is a good choice. It will efficiently heat your home in the winter and cool it down in the summer. Also known as gas-electric systems, this type of HVAC system uses natural or propane gas to heat your home in the winter, and electricity to cool it down in summer. This makes it more flexible than an air conditioner/furnace combo which can only function in one way.
Air conditioners make use of a chemical called freon to cool your home. The AC unit first compresses the freon before it evaporates to circulate cool air through your house. It also absorbs heat in the air around your home, which helps keep it cool. But if your home isn’t properly insulated, the evaporation cycle could cause the air to lose its cooling power. This occurs when the heat exchanger or refrigerant wears out.
Furnaces provide heat to your home through combustion, but are less efficient at heating than air conditioners. Air conditioners are also less able to deal with cold temperatures. That’s why many people living in mild climates opt for an oil furnace and heat pump combination. This type of HVAC system incorporates energy-efficient features of heatpump and the reliability of an oil stove.
The most important factor to consider when choosing the right combination of air conditioner and furnace is making sure it’s the right size 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 as well as insulation and the humidity levels.
A specialist in heating and cooling can assist you in determining the proper size furnace and air conditioner you require. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling requirements and any plans for expansion you might have for your home. They’ll also explain the types of incentives and rebates are available to you.
Before you purchase a new HVAC system, you must obtain three quotes from different contractors. Then, compare the costs and AFUE ratings for each system. Be aware that a professional installation of your HVAC system is necessary to ensure your warranty.
