Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Air conditioner and furnace combination units use the same blower to distribute the conditioned air throughout your house. They also integrate with smart thermostats to provide individualized control.
Using a different brand for your furnace and AC could void your warranty on both units. The matching of two units can save time and money on repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and AC units are extremely efficient in energy use, particularly when they’re combined. You can save a significant amount on your monthly utility bills by choosing a gas heater and an air conditioner with an SEER rating. A professional can estimate the energy load of your home in order to achieve the best results. This will allow you to determine which size and kind of system is suitable for your space.
Furnaces generate heat by using propane or natural gas to ignite fuel to produce hot steam. The steam then circulates through ductwork and warms the 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 two systems works like an Goldilocks power coupler, making sure that your home’s temperature is always just right–never too hot or cold.
Think about a variable-speed AC unit if you want to further increase the efficiency of your system. This technology allows the air conditioner to run at less power which allows it to better remove moisture from air.
For homeowners living in moderate climates the 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 costs and environmental impact.
Another option is a hybrid that combines a heatpump with a gas furnace to provide back-up heating during the coldest months. A new high-efficiency heat pump makes use of the same technology to transfer warmth from one area of your home to another however, it has a gas furnace added for backup in the coldest temperatures.
If you replace your old, inefficient HVAC system with a modern high-efficiency furnace and conditioner combo, you can reduce your energy costs by up to 40 percent. To get the most energy savings from your new system, install the right insulation and thermostat settings, as well as weatherization.
2. Longevity
The lifespan of a furnace is 15-30 years, while an AC unit can last up to 15 years. HVAC systems are typically replaced when a component begins to get old or suffers from serious problems that compromise its performance. When this happens, a homeowner is often faced with the choice of whether to replace the air conditioner or the furnace. While it may seem counterintuitive to invest in an HVAC system that is brand new if your old one is still working well, it is typically the best option for homeowners as they can save money on repairs and cut their energy bills by investing in a modern HVAC system.
Installing and buying two HVAC systems new is expensive. However the furnace and air conditioner set-up is much less costly. Additionally, you’ll only need to maintain the system once per year instead of twice a year with separate units.
A high-efficiency system is a different option to lower the price of the combination furnace and air conditioner. The majority of modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE rating that is at least 80% while most AC units have an SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating of 16 or more. This will help you reduce your energy bills and drastically reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs.
When you choose a furnace-AC combination from the same company, you will also enjoy high energy efficiency since the two systems work well. If you choose two different brands, remember that a mismatched combo will reduce their efficiency and longevity.
Unmatched units can cause serious issues that could cause dangerous refrigerant and CO leaks. 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 any kind of equipment. It is important to keep in mind that most manufacturers will not guarantee their products if the units are mixed and match. Choosing the same furnace and air conditioner will ensure that the unit is correctly installed and is repaired to ensure that it performs at its best throughout its lifespan.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems will 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 will save time and money by choosing an appliance that is compatible with the other HVAC component. It will also ensure that your new and existing components will work well without voiding either one’s warranty or causing any other issues with the HVAC 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. These units are more durable and reliable than other heating and cooling systems.
You can also reduce energy bills by using a furnace and air conditioning unit. While conventional HVAC systems come with SEER ratings as high as 10, a combo unit has a higher SEER value, giving you more energy savings and greater convenience. Depending on your energy costs and climate, you may even be saving money by using a heating pump in conjunction with electric or gas furnace.
If you’re planning on purchasing your air conditioning and furnace using the aid of a loan, you might be interested in a combo unit instead of two separate units. Credit card purchases for two HVAC systems can negatively affect your borrowing capacity over the course of years. By purchasing a single AC heater and combo unit using an approved credit card, your credit score won’t suffer any damage at all.
A combination of air conditioner and furnace will also allow you to utilize your existing ductwork, making the process less complicated than simply replacing an AC unit or a new furnace. The cost of replacing both the furnace and air conditioning could be substantial.
4. Versatility
If you live in areas with moderate temperatures, a furnace and AC combination can be a good choice. It is able to efficiently heat your home during winter and cool it during summer. Also known as gas-electric systems this kind of HVAC system makes use propane or natural gas to warm your home in the winter and electricity to cool it down during summer. This makes it more flexible than an air conditioner/furnace combo which can only function in one mode.
The chemical freon is used by air conditioners to cool your home. The AC unit compresses freon which is then evaporated to circulate cool dry air through your home. It also absorbs heat from surrounding air which helps keep your home cool. If your house isn’t properly constructed, the process of evaporation could cause the air in your home to lose its cooling capacity. This happens 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. They also have a tougher time dealing with cold temperatures than air conditioners. This is why many people living in climates with moderate temperatures opt for the heat pump and oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC system incorporates energy-efficient features of an oil furnace with the reliability of an oil stove.
To choose the right combination of AC and furnace, you need to ensure that it’s right-sized for your home. An HVAC professional can assist you to determine which HVAC system is best for your house. They’ll consider factors like the size of the room, insulation, and the level of humidity.
A specialist in cooling and heating will assist you in determining the right size furnace and air conditioner you need. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling requirements, as well as any plans for future expansions to your home. They’ll also inform you which rebates and incentives you can get.
Before purchasing a new HVAC system, it is recommended to obtain three quotes from different contractors. Then, compare the prices and the AFUE ratings of each. Be aware that a professional installation of your HVAC system is required to protect your warranty.
