Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
The same blower is used to distribute conditioned indoor air throughout your home. They can also be controlled via smart thermostats.
Using a different brand for your furnace and AC could void the warranty on both units. The matching of the 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 energy costs by selecting a gas heater with an air conditioner with an SEER rating. To get the most efficient results get a professional to do a load calculation for your home. This will allow you to determine which size and kind of system is best for your home.
Furnaces generate heat by using natural or propane gas to burn fuel to create hot steam. This steam then circulates through ductwork and warms 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 a Goldilocks power couple, ensuring that your home’s temperature is just right, never too hot or cold.
You should consider a variable speed AC unit if you want to boost the efficiency of your system. This technology permits the air conditioner to run on lower power and allows it to better extract moisture from air.
For homeowners who live in climates that are moderate the heat pump can provide the heating and cooling they require without burning fuel. These units transfer heat out of your home and into the outside air, reducing the cost of energy and affecting the environment.
A hybrid system–which includes a heat pump and a traditional gas furnace for back-up warmth in the coldest months–is an alternative. A new high-efficiency heat pump will utilize the same technology to transfer heat from one area of your home to the next and will be paired with a gas furnace to back up the heat during the coldest temperatures.
By replacing your old, inefficient HVAC system with a modern high-efficiency furnace and conditioner, you could cut your home energy bills by as much as 40%. For the best energy savings with your new system, make sure you have the proper insulation and thermostat settings, as well as weatherization.
2. Longevity
A furnace can last 15-30 years, whereas an AC unit can last for up to 15 years. HVAC systems are usually replaced when a component starts to wear out or has serious problems that compromise the efficiency of the unit. The homeowner will usually have to decide whether or not to replace their air conditioner or furnace when this happens. While it might seem counterintuitive to purchase a new HVAC system when your current one is operating well, it’s typically the most efficient option for homeowners because they will save on repair bills and reduce their energy bills with a modern system.
Installing and purchasing two new HVAC systems is costly. However, a furnace and air conditioner set-up is much less costly. You’ll only need to maintain your system every year, instead of twice as often with separate units.
A high-efficiency system is yet another option to lower the price of the combination furnace and air conditioner. Modern gas furnaces typically have an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at minimum 80%, whereas most AC units have a SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or greater. This will allow you to reduce your energy costs and drastically reduce your home’s cooling and heating costs.
If you select a furnace and AC combo from the same manufacturer, you’ll also benefit from high energy efficiency and longevity as the systems will cooperate well. However, if you choose to go with two different brands, it’s important to remember that a combination that is not compatible will reduce their lifespan and performance.
Unmatched units can cause serious problems and lead to dangerous CO and refrigerant leaking. These issues could also cause damage to your ductwork, which can affect the effectiveness of your HVAC system.
A specialist from Georgia Air Repair can perform precise HVAC repairs on any type of equipment. However, it’s important to know that the majority of manufacturers will not honor their warranty when you mix and match their units. Choosing the same brand for your air conditioner and furnace will ensure that your unit is correctly installed and repaired and will give you the best performance throughout its life.
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. Choosing a unit that is specifically designed to work with your other HVAC component will save you time and money in the long in the long run. This will ensure that your new and existing HVAC components will work together without voiding warranties or causing any other issues to the system.
A furnace and air conditioning unit inside your home will provide you with all-year-round comfort. Contrary to window air conditioners which are only effective in summer and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter they are set up to heat and cool the entire house. They are also more robust and reliable than other types of cooling and heating systems.
You can also reduce your energy bills by using a furnace and conditioning unit. While conventional HVAC systems have SEER ratings of up to 10, a combo unit is more SEER-rated and offers greater energy savings and convenience. You could save money by using an air conditioner in conjunction with a gas or electric furnace, depending on the rates you pay for utilities.
If you’re thinking of purchasing your air conditioner and furnace using credit, you may think about a combination unit instead of two separate units. Purchasing two HVAC systems with credit can have the effect of taking two hits on your credit report, which could negatively impact your borrowing power for a long time. By purchasing a single AC heater and combo unit using a credit card that is approved, your credit score will not take any hits at all.
The procedure of replacing the furnace and AC unit is much less difficult using the existing ductwork. The replacement of both the air conditioner and furnace will require extensive ductwork and can be costly.
4. Versatility
A furnace AC combination is a great choice for those who live in moderate climates. It is efficient in heating your home in the winter and cool it in summer. Also known as gas-electric systems, this type of HVAC system uses propane gas or natural gas to heat your home in the winter months and electricity to cool it down in summer. This makes it more adaptable than an furnace and air conditioner that can only work in one mode at a time.
The chemical freon is employed by air conditioners to cool your home. The AC unit first compresses the freon, and then evaporates to circulate cool air through your house. It also absorbs heat from the air around your home, which helps keep it cool. If your home is not well insulated, the evaporation process could cause the air inside your home to lose its cooling capability. This occurs when the heat exchanger or refrigerant wears out.
Furnaces are a way to heat your home with 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 opt for a heat pump and oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC system incorporates the energy-efficient features of a heat-pump with the reliability of an oil furnace.
The key to selecting the best combination of AC and furnace is to ensure it’s the right size for your home. A HVAC expert can help you determine the HVAC system will work best for your home. They’ll consider factors like area, insulation, and the humidity levels.
A specialist in heating and cooling will also assist you in determining the right size furnace and air conditioner that you require. They will take into consideration your heating and cooling requirements as well as any plans for expansion you may have for your home. They’ll also explain the types of incentives and rebates are available to you.
Get three estimates from different contractors before purchasing the new HVAC unit. Then, you can compare the costs and AFUE ratings of each system. Remember that an expert HVAC installation is crucial to protect your warranty and ensure your HVAC unit is working properly.